Vanity Phone Number

Imagine it’s the 1980s, and you’re flipping through the Yellow Pages looking for a plumber. You spot “1-800-FIX-LEAK” – instantly memorable, right? That’s the magic of vanity phone numbers.

Vanity numbers spell out words or phrases, making them easier to recall than a random string of digits. Born from the desire to stand out in print advertising, vanity numbers quickly evolved into a powerful marketing tool.

And they’re as relevant in digital marketing as they were in the era of billboards and business cards.

But when did the first vanity number debut? How did they even get started?

Vanity numbers came about in the 1970s. They were available to customers of the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (today you know it as AT&T) as an add-on service. However, they didn’t immediately gain traction. That had to wait for the 1980s.Two things happened in the 80s that drove the popularity of toll-free numbers. First, the FCC required toll-free numbers to be portable between providers, allowing businesses to keep their 1-800 numbers even if they changed providers. Second, the booming economy spurred business growth, and many companies found they needed a way to stand out for their customers.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the ins and outs of vanity numbers and answer some pressing questions:

• What are vanity numbers?
• Why are vanity numbers valuable?
• What types of vanity numbers are available?
• How can a vanity number improve your business’s presence and brand recognition?

Ready to get started? Let’s begin with the basics and a quick dive into what a vanity number is at its core.

What Is a Vanity Phone Number?

A vanity phone number is a phone number that spells out a specific word or phrase using the letters on a phone keypad. Think of it as a catchy, custom number that’s easy for customers to remember and aligns with your brand.

Of course, you can’t use just any old string of letters and numbers. The goal here is to create something that connects directly with your brand, business, or industry.

At its core, a vanity number is a tool that boosts brand recall and strengthens your marketing efforts. When customers need to reach out, having a memorable number – like “1-800-FLOWERS” – makes it much easier to remember than a standard number.

However, not all vanity numbers incorporate words or phrases. Some use a pattern of numbers, instead. Think 1-800-888-8888, 1-800-123-4567, or 1-800-111-1111.

In short: A vanity number is a customized phone number that uses letters or a pattern to make it easy to remember, increasing brand recognition and call volume for your business.

What are the Types of Vanity Phone Number?

Now that we’ve defined the what of vanity phone numbers, let’s explore the different types available. We touched on that topic above, but there’s more to know here.

Vanity phone numbers come in different flavors, each with unique benefits depending on your business goals and customer needs:

• Numeric Vanity Numbers: These numbers don’t spell words but use memorable number patterns, like “1-800-333-3333.” It’s all about creating a visual rhythm that sticks.
• Alphanumeric Vanity Numbers: This is the classic type where numbers spell out a word or phrase on a keypad. Think “1-800-GO-FEDEX.” These are ideal for brand alignment and advertising.
• Hybrid Vanity Numbers: Hybrid numbers blend letters and numbers, like “1-800-2HOMES.” These are often used when specific word-based numbers are already taken or otherwise unavailable, combining the ease of remembering both words and patterns.
• Toll-Free Vanity Numbers: These start with classic toll-free prefixes (800, 888, 877, etc.), eliminating long-distance charges for callers. Toll-free vanity numbers help your business feel national in terms of reach, even if it’s local.
• Local Vanity Numbers: A local vanity number starts with your area code and conveys a strong local presence. If you’re aiming to appeal to a specific city or region, a local vanity number adds that personal touch, even if you’re running a national or international business.

Which type of vanity number is right for your needs? While they’re all similar, each comes with its own benefits and drawbacks. Put some thought into your strategy here and choose the type that fits your goals now, but also your long-term growth plans.

Benefits of Vanity Phone Number

With a better understanding of the types of vanity numbers, it’s now time to discuss their benefits. How do these tools fit into your short-, mid-, and long-term strategies? What can you hope to gain with them?

The value of a vanity number isn’t just about memorability; it’s a practical tool that can improve customer engagement and brand image.

• Encourage Customer Calls: A catchy number gives customers an extra nudge to pick up the phone, translating directly to increased leads and sales. You streamline the process and remove a potential hurdle (being unable to remember your number).
• Branding: A well-chosen vanity number reinforces your brand message every time it’s dialed or displayed. Think about it, “1-800-GOT-JUNK” isn’t just a phone number. It’s a mini-brand story. The same is true for 1-800-FLOWERS or 1-800-TAXICAB. The more relevant your vanity phone number is, the more it will support your brand and enhance recognition.
• Professionalism: Having a vanity number tells customers you’re serious about your business. It’s a subtle sign of credibility, helping you stand out in a crowded market. Having a vanity number shows a couple of things. First, it shows that you’re willing and able to invest in your business’s future. Second, it shows that you have a strategy for brand growth and intend to remain in business. Both of those are good things that help strengthen customer loyalty.
• Marketing Edge: Vanity numbers are advertising gold. Whether they’re on billboards, ads, or social media, these numbers stick in people’s minds, giving you a marketing edge over competitors with standard numbers. And you need every edge you can get, particularly if you’re in a highly competitive industry. Anything that helps you stand out from the competition in a positive way is a smart investment.

How a Vanity Phone Number Works?

Sold on the idea of using a vanity number for your business? It’s a smart idea. It’s also important to know the lay of the land when it comes to vanity business numbers and what you can expect in terms of operability.

So, how does a vanity number actually work behind the scenes? At a technical level, vanity numbers are just like regular phone numbers. They’re routed through phone networks and can be integrated with communication tools, like text message and call routing systems. There’s zero difference between a vanity phone number and a conventional phone number when it comes to technical operation within the telephone system.

However, there are some slight differences when it comes to getting your number and then integrating it into your business. First, you’ll need to decide on the number you want and then make sure that it’s available.

Next, your provider registers the vanity number and then links it to your business line or customer service center. Depending on your setup, you can forward calls, route them to specific departments, or even use advanced features like mass texting for customer notifications. The specifics will hinge on your provider, so make sure you do your due diligence and choose one that you can work with for the long term.

Examples of Vanity Phone Numbers in Action

Still asking yourself “What is a vanity phone number”? An important part of building your understanding is seeing real-life examples that you probably remember yourself.

We’ve highlighted a few examples of relevant, successful vanity numbers so far. However, let’s take a closer look at a few more to really drive home just how versatile they can be and how well they can tie into a brand.

Across different industries, businesses use vanity numbers to reinforce their brand and make contact easy. Here are some memorable examples:

• 1-800-MATTRESS – A number that’s synonymous with rest and convenience, perfect for a mattress company.
• 1-800-CLEAN-NOW – Ideal for a cleaning service, this number tells customers exactly what they’re getting and when.
• 1-800-GO-UHAUL – U-Haul’s number makes it easy to remember when customers are planning a move.
• 1-800-CALL-SAM – Sam Bernstein’s Michigan-based personal injury firm uses a simple, easy-to-remember number that few people will forget.
• 1-877-CASH-NOW – JG Wentworth’s jingle and vanity number have been a staple of the lending industry for a very long time and good reason.

These numbers do more than connect callers – they give customers a taste of what the brand represents. They also connect with the customer’s underlying pain point, challenge, or need. JG Wentworth’s number highlighted getting cash fast and Mattress Firm’s connects with the customer’s need for a new bed.

What Are the Requirements for a Vanity Number?

Setting up a vanity number involves a few important considerations:

• Availability: Like domain names, certain vanity numbers may already be in use. Finding those that are, or close derivatives that might confuse your customers, can be very time-consuming. Providers like DialMyCalls can help search for available numbers or suggest alternatives.
• Type of Vanity Number: Decide if a toll-free or local number is best for your brand. Each has its own perks depending on your business reach. Toll-free numbers give you the benefit of making your brand look national or international, even if you’re a small business. Local numbers can convey trust and make your business feel like part of the immediate community.
• Compatibility: Make sure the number you choose is compatible with your current communication systems, whether it’s for call tracking, texting, or customer service. You’ll also want to consider this when upgrading to a new platform with additional system features and capabilities. For instance, if you run a small business and don’t need call tracking or texting, and then upgrade down the road when those needs develop, it’s entirely possible to find that your vanity number isn’t compatible.
• Registration and Fees: Setting up a vanity number usually involves a registration fee and potentially ongoing monthly fees. Make sure you know what you’ll be required to pay every month and whether those fees are likely to increase.
• Legal Considerations: In some cases, you may need permission to use certain words or phrases, especially if they’re trademarked by other brands. It’s really best to avoid anything that might be considered infringement to help your company avoid landing in hot legal water.

These are just a few of the requirements. Others fall on your shoulders during the decision-making process. For instance, you’ll need to answer the following questions:

• How relevant is the number I’m considering?
• How simple is the number I want to use?
• How easy is it to say the number aloud?
• Is the number available? If it’s not, do I have alternatives in mind?
• Is the number too long to be realistically usable?
• Is the number consistent with my brand?

How Much Does a Vanity Phone Number Cost?

Another important consideration when answering the question “What is a vanity phone number” is understanding the cost factors.

Vanity phone numbers generally come with an initial setup fee, and sometimes a monthly maintenance cost. Toll-free numbers may also have usage-based fees, depending on the provider and call volume. Those can add to your costs, so pay attention to the fine print.

Finally, make sure you compare your options. Prices vary widely, so it’s worth consulting with more than one provider to get the best fit for your budget.

Set Up Your Vanity Number Today with DialMyCalls

Vanity phone numbers open the door to better brand recall, more customer engagement, and a stronger market presence. At DialMyCalls, we make it simple to find the perfect vanity number to fit your brand. Whether you’re looking to expand locally or create a national presence, we’ve got the tools to help you succeed.

Ready to transform the way customers reach you? Set up your vanity number with DialMyCalls today, and let’s get those calls rolling in.