0800 numbers, also known as UK freephone numbers, are becoming increasingly popular for businesses looking to attract new customers. Since 1st July 2015, 0800 numbers are free to call from mobile phones which has increased their popularity significantly, and removed a huge bone of contention which existed prior to this date. Prior to this, one of the most searched questions in Google was “are 0800 numbers free to call from mobile?”
Non-geographic virtual numbers
0800 numbers are a type of UK virtual phone number that give you flexible, call management tools hosted online in the cloud. This means you can choose the landline or mobile number (or numbers) that you want to divert your calls to. So when someone, possibly a potential customer, calls you on your 0800 number, the call is automatically redirected to the number you specified in your control panel.
Most call management control panels also have a call hunting facility which means you can set calls to go to your office first and then your mobile. When someone phones you on your number, the call will first be diverted to your office number. If you don’t answer, it will try you on the mobile number. If you’re still unable to answer, it could go to voicemail or to a call answering service. The main advantage is that there is no need for extra lines or equipment to use the service. It works using your existing phone numbers.
0800 Numbers help generate more incoming calls
More UK businesses are now choosing to buy an 0800 Number because they have been shown to encourage incoming calls. So if you are advertising a product online, in Yelp, on Yellow Pages, on a directory, in a local newspaper, having a freephone number will encourage people to call you.
An independent study by Warwick University found that “72% of people are more likely to phone a an 0800 number than any other number.”
So, if you are looking for a number to encourage callers to increase sales, then an 0800 “freephone” number is perfect for you.
0800 numbers will encourage callers to your business. However, if you don’t want to pay to receive those calls, you may want to buy an 0845 or 0844 number.