Getting the Most From Your 1 800 Number
There’s been a lot of digital ink spilled about the usefulness of having a toll free number. 800 numbers make a business appear more professional and reachable, and offer new avenues for marketing. Once you have them, you’ll want to make the most of your 800 numbers.
800 Numbers Everywhere
Most freelancers and small businesses know the value of having their 800 number on a business card that can be handed out. It’s also important to have your toll free number on your web page. A recent Pew Research poll has found that while many folks now regularly utilize the web for research, only 56% of those between the ages of 64 and 72 make actual purchases online. Surprisingly, it’s even worse for teens, ringing in at only 38%. If you don’t give these people a way to talk to a real, live human being, they’ll simply choose to not do business with you even if they like what they find on your site. This is why it’s important to have your 1 800 number listed conspicuously on every page of your website.
They’re also great if you travel overseas a lot or move frequently. No matter where you are, your family and friends only need to remember that one 800 number to reach you, without having to worry about overseas charges.
Toll Free at Home
800 numbers aren’t just for work anymore. The best thing about toll free numbers is how they allow you to control costs. Relatives, especially the elderly and college students, can call home without burdening themselves with massive phone bills or messing with collect calls. If you travel a lot on business, you can call home without having to ring up charges on a company phone or your hotel bill.
Answer Your Phone
Once they’ve called, the patience of your customers can be measured in seconds, not minutes. 40 seconds, according to the North American Telecommunications Association. You can extend that to 70 seconds with music, but every second counts. Almost one in five readers of the Sydney Morning Herald reported “they would rather be stung by a jellyfish” than spend time waiting on hold.
Follow Through
Capture data on every call. Who did the customer talk to? Did the customer get what they called for? Understanding what happens when people talk to your company helps you pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses. It also allows you to get back in touch with customers, either for further research or to find out if further sales are possible. This is especially vital if you have add-ons or related options that can make you even more valuable to your customers.
Photo credits: rahims, barekim, adactio