Unlike standard phone numbers like 555-1234, vanity phone numbers use letters from the keypad to form a word or phrase like 1-800-FLOWERS. This makes them much easier to recall.
Vanity phone numbers first became popular in the 1950s and 1960s as memorable phone numbers for radio stations and businesses.
Today, they are still an excellent way for small and large companies alike to create a unique brand identity and stand out from competitors.
The benefits of using a vanity phone number for your business far outweigh the small additional cost.
This article will explain the benefits and how to get a vanity phone number and will also provide information about the best vanity phone number provider.
What is a Vanity Phone Number?
A vanity phone number, also known as a mnemonic phone number, is a toll-free or local phone number that contains letters corresponding to the digits on a telephone keypad.
For example, the phone number 1-800-FLOWERS contains the letters F-L-O-W-E-R-S, which spells out the word “flowers”.
This makes the phone number much easier to remember than a standard 7 or 10-digit phone number with only numbers.
Key Facts About Vanity Phone Numbers
- They use the letters on the telephone keypad, with 2=ABC, 3=DEF, 4=GHI, etc.
- Toll-free area codes like 800, 888, and 877the are the most common for vanity numbers.
- Local vanity numbers are also available in most area codes.
- Numbers are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis if available.
- Vanity numbers can be purchased for a setup fee and additional monthly charges.
- Popular words and phrases get taken quickly.
- Numbers can spell out business names, slogans, products, brands, and more.
Vanity phone numbers provide an easy way for customers to find and remember your business contact information.
They are a simple but highly effective marketing technique.
Benefits of Using a Vanity Phone Number
Using a vanity phone number has many excellent benefits for businesses, organizations, and individuals:
Memorable
Vanity phone numbers are extremely easy to remember compared to standard numerical phone numbers. The word or phrase helps numbers stick in customers’ minds.
Unique Branding
Vanity numbers allow the creation of a unique branded phone number related to your company name, slogan, or industry. It can become part of your brand identity.
Increased Calls
Numbers that spell out real words get called more often than standard numbers. They tend to stick in people’s heads better and get shared more often.
Advertising
Vanity numbers are ideal for print, TV, radio, and online advertising. They are easy to remember after seeing an ad.
Credibility
A customized phone number can make businesses seem larger or more established to customers.
Cost-Effective
Getting a toll-free vanity number is very affordable compared to the benefits it provides for branding and memorability.
No Need to List Address
Listing just a vanity phone number in ads is often enough. Customers can call for any other info.
Call Tracking
Special tracking phone numbers can be created for use in specific marketing campaigns or media.
With a little creativity, you can get a vanity number tailored to your business that will make your company stand out and be more memorable. The minimal cost is well worth it.
How to Get a Vanity Phone Number?
Getting your own vanity toll-free or local phone number is a relatively straightforward process if you follow these steps:
Brainstorm Keyword Ideas
Make a list of words, phrases, or names related to your business, products, slogans, acronyms, brands, names, locations, etc.
Avoid overused terms like “best” or “cheap”. Have a few options ready before searching for availability.
Search for Availability
Use a vanity number search tool from leading phone carriers like TollFreeNumbers.com or Phone.com.
Input your keywords to preview available matching numbers and prices. Expect higher demand costs for more popular keywords.
Pick Your Number
Choose your favorite vanity number option from available choices. Make sure to thoroughly research any phrases or words to avoid unintended meanings.
Confirm the number hasn’t already been taken.
Register Your Number
Register to purchase your selected vanity number through the phone carrier. You will need to pay a setup fee and agree to monthly or annual ongoing fees.
Toll-free numbers can cost between $5-$100 per month.
Forward Your Calls
Set up call forwarding to direct calls from your new vanity number to your existing business phone number.
You can also transfer an existing business phone number to a new vanity number for a small fee.
Advertise Your Number
Update all your online and offline advertising and marketing to showcase your new easy to easy-to-remember vanity phone number.
Emphasize the number visually in materials and verbally in radio/TV ads.
Renew on Time
Be sure to keep your vanity number active by paying renewal fees on time. Set reminders so you don’t lose your customized number which could get reassigned.
With a little time and effort, you can secure a clever vanity phone number tailored uniquely to your business. It will deliver results by increasing memorability and phone traffic.
Best Vanity Phone Number Providers
A vanity phone number, also known as a custom or premier number, allows you to choose a unique and memorable phone number for your business instead of being assigned a random number.
Vanity numbers are an easy way to build your brand and make your business more recognizable.
Here are the best vanity phone number providers to consider for your business.
1. Grasshopper
Overview
Grasshopper is one of the most popular virtual phone service providers for small businesses.
They offer both toll-free and local vanity phone numbers across the United States and Canada.
Grasshopper has a variety of features for call management, IVR menus, call forwarding, and more.
Features
- Call Forwarding: Forward calls to any device and keep your business calls separate from personal ones.
- IVR Menus: Set up interactive voice response menus to route callers to the right department or person.
- Voicemail Transcripts: Voice messages can be transcribed and delivered via email or SMS.
- Online Faxing: Send and receive faxes without a dedicated fax line.
- Conference Calling: Host conference calls with up to 25 participants.
Pricing & Plans
Grasshopper offers several pricing tiers for vanity numbers:
- Solo – $26/mo with 1 phone number
- Partner – $44/mo with 3 phone numbers
- Small Business – $80/mo with 5 phone numbers
The basic features are included in all plans. Additional phone numbers can be purchased for just $3 per month.
Pros
- Huge selection of toll-free and local vanity numbers
- Robust features for small businesses
- Affordable pricing tiers
- Great customer support
Cons
- Limited call routing options compared to other providers
- Additional charges for some add-ons like call recording
2. RingCentral
Overview
RingCentral is a leading business VoIP and communications provider. They offer vanity toll-free, local, and international business phone numbers.
RingCentral provides call management, auto-receptionist, IVR menus, and other features.
Features
- Auto Receptionist: An automated attendant greets callers and routes them to the right people or departments.
- Call Forwarding: Forward calls from your vanity number to any linked device.
- Visual Voicemail: View and manage voicemails online or in the mobile app.
- Team Messaging: Chat, share files, and collaborate across devices.
- Call Logs: See who called and their duration for better analytics.
Pricing & Plans
RingCentral offers three vanity number plans:
- Essentials – $24.99/mo with 1 toll-free or local number
- Standard – $34.99/mo with 2 toll-free numbers
- Premium – $49.99/mo with 5 toll-free numbers
Additional numbers can be purchased starting at $4.99/mo per number.
Pros
- Get toll-free, local, and international vanity numbers
- Powerful call routing and management features
- Scalable pricing for growing businesses
- Integrates with popular business apps
Cons
- Can get pricey with add-ons
- Some limitations for international numbers
3. Vonage
Overview
Vonage is best known for business phone and internet services.
They provide vanity numbers across the U.S. and Canada to suit any business needs. Vonage integrates with CRMs and other tools.
Features
- Team Messaging: Chat, share files, and collaborate across devices.
- Visual Voicemail: View and manage voicemails online or in the mobile app.
- Call Recording: Record calls for training, compliance, and more.
- Call Analytics: Vonage provides analytics on who called and call duration.
- Auto-Receptionist: Route callers to the right people or departments.
Pricing & Plans
Vonage offers three plans for vanity numbers:
- Mobile – $19.99/mo with 1 number
- Premium – $29.99/mo with 3 numbers
- Advanced – $39.99/mo with 5 numbers
Additional toll-free or local numbers are $3/month.
Pros
- Get toll-free and local vanity numbers
- Strong phone system features for small businesses
- CRM integrations
- Drag-and-drop call flow builder
Cons
- No option for international vanity numbers
- Extras like voicemail transcription cost extra
4. CallHippo
Overview
CallHippo specializes in virtual phone systems, including custom business phone numbers.
They provide US and Canadian toll-free and local vanity numbers. CallHippo offers a dashboard to manage calls, IVR menus, voicemail, and more.
Features
- Multi-level IVR Menus: Customize interactive voice response menus to direct callers.
- Voicemail to Email: Get voicemail messages delivered via email.
- Call Forwarding: Forward calls to any device, landline, or mobile.
- Call Tracking: See call logs, duration, recordings, and more.
- Conference Bridge: Host multi-party calls.
Pricing & Plans
CallHippo has three pricing tiers:
- Startup – $25/mo with 1 phone number
- Professional – $35/mo with 2 numbers
- Enterprise – $65/mo with 5 numbers
Additional vanity numbers are $10/month.
Pros
- Affordable pricing for startups
- Easy-to-use call management platform
- CRM integrations
- Scales to enterprise-level needs
Cons
- Limited to US and Canada phone numbers
- Volume discounts only start at 5+ numbers
5. Phone.com
Overview
Phone.com offers virtual business phone services including vanity toll-free and local numbers.
They provide call routing, IVR menus, voicemail, and other call management features. Phone.com integrates with many popular CRMs and business software.
Features
- Call Screening: Pick up and screen calls before transferring them.
- Call Recording: Record calls for training, compliance, and more.
- Visual Voicemail: Manage voicemail online or in the mobile app.
- Auto-Receptionist: Route callers to the right people or departments.
- CRM Integrations: Connect with Salesforce, Zoho, and others.
Pricing & Plans
Phone.com has three main plans:
- Basic – $12.99/mo with 1 phone number
- Pro – $24.99/mo with 3 numbers
- Enterprise – $34.99/mo with 5 numbers
Additional vanity numbers are $4.99/month.
Pros
- Toll-free and local numbers are available
- Generous basic features for the price
- CRM integrations included
- Scales for larger businesses
Cons
- Limited to US and Canadian numbers
- Add-ons like voicemail transcription cost extra
6. Telzio
Overview
Telzio provides custom business phone numbers across the United States.
They offer both toll-free and local numbers with call management features, IVR menus, conferencing, and more.
Telzio integrates with business apps like G Suite, Salesforce, and Slack.
Features
- Custom Call Routing: Route calls based on time, department, location, and more.
- Voicemail Drop: Listen and share voicemails securely via email.
- Conference Calling: Host conference calls with up to 50 participants.
- Call Flip: Seamlessly transfer calls between devices.
- CRM Integrations: Connect with popular CRM and business apps.
Pricing & Plans
Telzio has two main plans for vanity numbers:
- Pro – $30/mo with 1 toll-free number
- Elite – $45/mo with 3 toll-free numbers
Additional numbers are $5/month.
Pros
- Powerful call routing for flexibility
- Generous conferencing capacity
- CRM integrations included
- Scales for larger teams
Cons
- Limited to US toll-free numbers
- Local numbers cost an extra
- Some add-ons cost extra
7. Ooma
Overview
Ooma Office is an on-premises VoIP system for small businesses. They provide virtual local and toll-free vanity numbers across the United States and Canada.
Ooma offers IVR menus, ring groups, call forwarding, and more.
Features
- Ring Groups: Ensure calls reach the right department or representative.
- Call Parking: Put calls on hold and pick them up on another device.
- Voicemail-to-Email: Receive voicemails via email.
- Do Not Disturb: Prevent interruptions with Do not Disturb.
- On-Premises: Ooma uses your internet instead of the cloud.
Pricing & Plans
Ooma Office has simple pricing tiers:
- $19.95/mo with 1 phone number
- $29.95/mo with 2 phone numbers
- $39.95/mo with 4 phone numbers
Additional numbers are $9.95/month.
Pros
- Local and toll-free numbers are available
- On-premises system is simple to set up
- Affordable pricing scales well
- No long-term contracts
Cons
- Limited features compared to some competitors
- Limited to US and Canada
- No mobile apps or softphones
8. Line2
Overview
Line2 provides vanity toll-free and local phone numbers for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
They offer call forwarding, basic call routing, voicemail transcription, and more. Line 2 aims to be easy to set up and use.
Features
- Toll-free & Local Numbers: Get a memorable number for your business.
- Call Forwarding: Forward calls to any device.
- Visual Voicemail: View and manage voicemail online.
- Voicemail Transcription: Get voicemails as text via email.
- Basic Call Routing: Route calls based on schedules.
Pricing & Plans
Line2 has straightforward pricing:
- $9.95/mo per vanity number
Volume discounts are available for multiple numbers.
Pros
- Affordable single-number plans
- Easy setup and management
- Visual voicemail and transcription included
- Scales to support multiple numbers
Cons
- Very limited call routing options
- Limited to US and Canada
- Support for only 1 connected device
9. Aircall
Overview
Aircall provides virtual phone numbers with cloud call center features. Businesses can get US and international toll-free and local vanity numbers.
Aircall offers call routing, monitoring, reporting, and more.
Features
- Interactive Voice Menus: Customizable IVR menus to direct calls.
- Call Queue: Place callers on hold and route them intelligently.
- Call Transfer: Transfer calls seamlessly across locations.
- Real-time Analytics: Monitor call volume, wait times, agents, and more.
- Agent Management: Assign agents, and monitor statuses and productivity.
Pricing & Plans
Aircall pricing starts at:
- $30/mo per user with 1 phone number
Discounts for annual plans and more numbers.
Pros
- US and international numbers available
- Powerful call center features
- Real-time analytics and monitoring
- Flexible plans scale with business
Cons
- More expensive than basic virtual phone plans
- International numbers support more limited
- Advanced features cost an extra
10. Talkroute
Overview
Talkroute offers virtual business phone services with vanity toll-free and local numbers.
They provide standard call management features like call forwarding, IVR menus, conferencing, and more.
Talkroute integrates with business tools like Salesforce, Slack, and Google Suite.
Features
- Custom Call Routing: Intelligent call routing options for your team.
- IVR Menus: Set up interactive voice response menus for callers.
- Visual Voicemail: View and manage voicemail via desktop or mobile app.
- Conferencing: Host conference calls with up to 50 participants.
- Integrations: Connect with popular business apps.
Pricing & Plans
Talkroute has three main plans:
- Solo – $25/mo with 1 phone number
- Group – $40/mo with 3 numbers
- Company – $60/mo with 5 numbers
Additional numbers are $5 per month.
Pros
- Toll-free and local numbers are available
- Generous conferencing capacities
- CRM and business integrations
- Clear pricing scales with business needs
Cons
- Limited to US phone numbers
- Support for some integrations costs extra
- Some limitations for call forwarding
Conclusion
Vanity phone numbers allow you to build brand recognition and offer customers an easy-to-remember way to call your business.
There are many excellent providers to choose from based on your business needs and budget.
Focus on features like intelligent call routing, IVR menus, conferencing, and CRM integrations to maximize the value.
Be sure to scale your plan as your business grows. With the right vanity phone number and features, you can present a professional image and efficiently manage all your business calls.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Ques 1: How much do vanity phone numbers cost?
Ans: Costs vary, but toll-free vanity numbers typically range from $5-$100 per month, with a setup fee of $10-$60.
Local vanity numbers may have smaller monthly fees around $2-$15 monthly.
Ques 2: How can you tell if a vanity number is available?
Ans: Search online vanity number databases by inputting keywords to see available numbers.
Or call providers like TollFreeNumbers.com directly to inquire about a specific number.
Ques 3: Can I port an existing number to a vanity number?
Ans: Yes, you can port your current phone number onto a new vanity number for a small porting cost of around $10-$25 typically.
Ques 4: Are vanity numbers only for businesses?
Ans: No, individuals can also get vanity numbers, but businesses tend to get the most use out of having an easy-to-remember customized number as their main contact line.
Ques 5: How long does it take to get a vanity toll-free number?
Ans: Once registered, it typically takes 1-3 business days for a vanity toll-free number to be fully activated and routed to your phone line.
