iOS 9 makes non-geographical numbers even more important for companies
By admin | Advice Centre , Articles , News , Uncategorized
As part of the latest system update iOS 9, Apple devices now display the location of incoming calls when available.
The capability to identify unknown contacts aids users in judging not only who’s calling, but whether they want to receive the call or not based on the area code of the caller.
Many businesses remain unaware of the advantages of having non-geographical numbers for their company, whether big or small, and here’s why:
A local landline number could act as a deterrent for existing or prospective customers of your business. Imagine (as a customer) you live in Newcastle and your phone displays an incoming call from an unknown number in Swindon. You’ve never been to Swindon, not even remotely near. No one you know lives in Swindon. You have absolutely no connections at all to Swindon. Why would you pick up your phone?
Apple has a staggering 42.5 percent share in the UK smartphone market, an undeniable popularity with the majority of UK consumers. In the third quarter fiscal 2015 (ending 28th June), Apple announced they had sold 47.5 million iPhones worldwide. In theory, you could be averting 42.5 percent of your mobile customers by having a geographical number attached to your business (providing they’ve updated their device to iOS 9).
Using a number starting in 03 or 08 is a straightforward and extremely useful marketing tool which implies professionalism and extensive, impressive nationwide capabilities. Furthermore, the numbers are much easier to memorise for consumers, and you even have the option of creating an alphanumeric number which they’ll never forget.
The service is more inexpensive than you probably think, and actually has a cheaper rate for you and your customers. Consider your options:
0843/0844 – Give you a more professional appearance and greater national footprint (and a welcome rebate from incoming phone calls – depending on the volume).
0845 – Again create a national business presence by being caller friendly who are charged at a local rate.
0300/0330 – Ofcom/Eu-friendly and good for establishing a new 03 number/transferring from an 08.
Improve UK-wide coverage of your products without restricting yourself to your company’s location; ask one of our eCall team for more information about non-geo numbers today.