Landline Vs Mobile Vs Toll Free Number: Which is best for Small Business?

  • Last Updated: 08 Feb 24
  • 7 min read
Landline-Vs-Mobile-Vs-Toll-Free-Number

There are a few different types of business phone numbers that small businesses can choose from Landline-Vs-Mobile-Vs-Toll-Free-Number. But which is the best option for your business?

Each number type has its own set of pros and cons, so it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. In this post, we’ll break down each number type and help you decide which is the best phone number for your business.

Types of business phone numbers most commonly used

There are many types of business phone numbers available but all have their own uses. Here are three types of phone numbers that are widely used for business communication.

1. Landline Phone Number

A landline is a traditional telephone that plugs into a wall jack. Landlines offer a stable, reliable connection and usually have lower rates than mobile phones. Many businesses still use landlines because they offer an easy way to route calls to different departments or employees.

The standard landline phone number in the United States is ten digits long, and the “area code” is the first three digits.

For example, the landline phone number: is 775-572-8127 

Only dial the last 7 digits to reach a local number in your own neighborhood. For example 572-8127 

Advantages and disadvantages of Landline Phone Numbers 

Each number type has its own advantages and disadvantages which should be taken into account when deciding which one is best for your business.

Advantages of a landline phone number 

  •  A most affordable option, stable and reliable
  • Are typically less expensive than mobile and toll-free numbers
  • Can be used with a traditional phone or an internet phone service
  • Don’t require an internet connection

Disadvantages of the landline phone number 

  • Can’t be used when you’re traveling
  • Quickly becoming outdated
  • Many customers prefer to communicate with businesses through their mobiles nowadays

How to set up a Landline phone number for business? 

Setting up a traditional landline is the most traditional way to go. You’ll need to contact your local phone company and have them install a line in your office. This option is great if you want a dedicated phone line for your business and have the ability to use a fax machine.

2. Mobile Number

A mobile phone is a phone that uses a cellular network to make and receive calls. Mobile phones are portable, meaning you can take them with you wherever you go. They can also be used to access the internet, making them useful tools for businesses. Mobile phones usually have higher rates than landlines.

In the United States, mobile numbers usually have 11 digits: a 1-digit country code, a 3-digit area code, and a 7-digit mobile phone number.

Example of the  mobile number: +1-650-513-0514

Advantages and disadvantages of Mobile Phone Number 

If you are deciding which type of number is best for your business, you should take into account the advantages and disadvantages of each type of business.

Advantages of the mobile number 

  • portable and affordable
  • Can be used when you’re traveling
  • Easy to use 

Mobile Number Disadvantages

  • Are more expensive than landline numbers
  • Require an internet connection to work
  • Unreliable if you don’t have a good signal. 
  • Also,  they can be quite expensive if you’re not on a data plan.

How to set up Mobile Number for business?

If you’re using your mobile phone for your business, you’ll need to download a VOIP app like Skype or WhatsApp. This will allow you to make and receive calls using your mobile phone number. Keep in mind that this option can be expensive if you’re using it for international calls.

3. Toll-Free Number

Toll-Free

A toll-free number is a special type of phone number that allows callers to reach your business for free. Toll-free numbers are popular with small businesses because they can help drum up new business by enticing potential customers to call your business for free.

Example of the Toll-Free Number 

Toll-free numbers are phone numbers with unique three-digit codes that can be dialed from landlines for no cost.

It starts with 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833, which are all three-digit codes. For example 1 (833) 213 – 0194 

Advantages and disadvantages of Toll-Free Number 

Toll-free numbers are the most expensive option, but they also have the most benefits and have their own sets of drawbacks. So let’s take a look.

Advantages of Toll-free number 

  •  Range of features such as call forwarding and voicemail to email 
  • Can be used when you’re traveling
  • Enhanced brand image 
  • Make business more impactful

Disadvantages of the Toll-free number 

  • Are more expensive than landline and mobile numbers
  • Require an internet connection to work

Toll-free numbers are always available, meaning that your customers can always get through to you. They also come with a range of features such as call forwarding and voicemail to email that can help your business run more efficiently.

How to set up your business’s Toll-free Number?

Toll-free numbers are usually best for businesses that want to appear larger than they are or that have a customer service component. They provide an additional level of customer service and can be very helpful in boosting your business’s image.

Landline Vs Mobile Vs Toll-Free Number: Which is best for small businesses? 

There are a few things to take into account when choosing a phone number for your small business.

Landline numbers are typically cheaper than mobile and toll-free numbers, and they’re perfect for businesses that are based in one location. They provide a more professional image and help you to avoid missed calls, as customers can always reach you even if you’re not available.

Mobile numbers are great for businesses that are constantly on the go, as they allow you to take your number with you wherever you go. They’re also perfect for businesses that have multiple locations, as you can easily give out your number without having to worry about long-distance charges.

Toll-free numbers are usually best for businesses that want to appear larger than they are or that have a customer service component. They provide an additional level of customer service and can be very helpful in boosting your business’s image.

Bonus Tips to manage business phone numbers for a small organizations 

When it comes to running a small business, it’s important to manage your resources and expenses as best as you can. This includes your phone number. Here are a few tips for managing your phone numbers:

  1. If you’re only using your phone for business purposes, get a toll-free number. This way, your customers can call you for free and it won’t affect your long-distance or local calling plan.
  2. If you only have a mobile number, make sure to include it on all of your marketing materials including set up voicemail greeting, IVR, Call forwarding and more. This will ensure that potential customers can easily reach you.
  3. If you have a landline and mobile number, make sure to have both forwarded to each other so that you never miss a call. This way, you’ll always be able to take customer calls, even if you’re not at home or at the office.

Conclusion

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The answer will vary depending on your business and your needs. Here are a few things to think about when deciding which type of phone number is best for you:

  • Landline numbers are typically more affordable than mobile or toll-free numbers, and they can be easier to set up.
  • Mobile numbers may be a better option if you need a phone number that can be accessed from anywhere.
  • Toll-free numbers can be helpful if you want to make it easy for customers to call you.

Still not able to decide which is right phone number for you? Contact KrispCall sales teams to clear your doubts and get best cloud based phone number for your small business today.

Bivek Khatiwada

Bivek Khatiwada is a Senior Analyst at KrispCall with a wealth of knowledge in VoIP, virtual phone systems, and cloud call centers. His expertise allows him to elucidate the benefits and advancements of modern communication technologies.

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