In today’s dynamic business realm, it can be hard to make your company stand out from the crowd. That’s where phone words come to the rescue! Phone words are clever combinations of letters and numbers that take your old phone number and turn it into something catchy and easy to remember.
In a busy world where many different businesses compete for attention, phone words are a powerful tool. They can help people remember your brand name, which is a great way to get more customers.
This guide is here to help you understand phone words or vanity numbers and why they’re so important for branding these days in Australia. We’ll explain everything clearly and simply and show you how phone words have the potential to completely change the way people see your business.
Types of Phone Words in Australia
Phone words in Australia come in three main types, each tailored to specific business needs. The primary three types are 1300 phone numbers, 1800 toll-free numbers, and 13 local numbers.
Introduce the three main types:
Before thoroughly explaining the three main types of phone words used in Australia, let’s take a quick look at them in the table below.
| Number | Description |
| 1800 Toll-free Numbers | Toll-free numbers are perfect for customer service centers. |
| 1300 Number | National phone words suitable for businesses with broad reach. |
| 13 Number | Short, catchy 4-character numbers ideal for local marketing. |
1800 Numbers in Australia:
1800 numbers serve as toll-free phone numbers, enabling customers to contact businesses without incurring charges. This prefix is synonymous with cost-free communication, benefiting businesses and customers by reducing calling costs and facilitating lead generation. However, certain regulations and considerations apply to its usage, including smartphone compatibility and international calling.
When a customer dials an 1800 number, the call is routed over the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to the designated service provider chosen by the company. This provider manages call routing and may offer additional features like call forwarding and analytics.
Benefits of 1800 Numbers:
- Toll-free calling enhances customer accessibility and encourages engagement.
- Businesses can project a professional image and distinguish themselves from competitors.
- Callers perceive toll-free numbers positively, fostering trust and credibility.
- Enhanced customer service capabilities, including call forwarding and analytics, improve operational efficiency.
- Toll-free numbers facilitate nationwide reach, supporting businesses with diverse geographical footprints.
Country exit codes and cost for toll-free numbers are-
| Country | Exit Codes | 1800 Number Call Cost (Mobile) | 1800 Number Call Cost (Landline) |
| Philippines | 0 | Based on mobile plan | Based on mobile plan |
| Germany | 0 | Based on mobile plan | Based on mobile plan |
| Mexico | 001 | Based on mobile plan | Based on mobile plan |
| Singapore | 001 | Based on mobile plan | Based on mobile plan |
| Ireland | 0 | Based on mobile plan | Based on mobile plan |
| France | 0 | Based on mobile plan | Based on mobile plan |
| UAE | 0 | Based on mobile plan | Based on mobile plan |
| Thailand | 1 | Based on mobile plan | Based on mobile plan |
| South Korea | 001 | Based on mobile plan | Based on mobile plan |
| North Korea | 001 | Based on mobile plan | Based on mobile plan |
1300 Numbers in Australia:
1300 numbers are shared-cost numbers, with call charges divided between the caller and the business. Calls from fixed landlines incur local call rates, while charges from mobiles vary based on the caller’s service plan. Despite the business bearing the cost of incoming calls, 1300 numbers remain popular for establishing a centralized point of contact.
These numbers are instrumental for businesses of all sizes, enabling them to streamline communication and enhance customer accessibility.
Benefits of 1300 Numbers:
- Shared-cost calling encourages customer engagement while mitigating business expenses.
- Establishing a single point of contact enhances brand visibility and fosters customer loyalty.
- Flexibility in call handling and routing enhances operational efficiency.
- 1300 numbers cater to businesses of varying scales and industries, promoting inclusivity and accessibility.
Country exit codes and cost for 1300 numbers are-
| Country | Exit Code | 1300 Number Call Cost (Mobile) | 1300 Number Call Cost (Landline) |
| China | 0 | Based on mobile plan | Local call rates |
| Hong Kong | 001 | Based on mobile plan | Local call rates |
| India | 00 | Based on mobile plan | Local call rates |
| Indonesia | 001, 008 (Indosat), 007 (Telkom), 009 (Bakrie Telecom) | Based on mobile plan | Local call rates |
| Japan | 010 | Based on mobile plan | Local call rates |
| New Zealand | 00 | Based on mobile plan | Local call rates |
| Philippines | 00 | Based on mobile plan | Local call rates |
| Singapore | 001 or 008 | Based on mobile plan | Local call rates |
| Thailand | 001 | Based on mobile plan | Local call rates |
| United Kingdom | 00 | Based on mobile plan | Local call rates |
| U.S.A. | 011 | Based on mobile plan | Local call rates |
13 Numbers in Australia:
Australian 13 numbers consist of only six digits, making them exceptionally memorable for customers. Despite their shorter length, these numbers function similarly to 1300 numbers, with call costs shared between the caller and the business. However, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) imposes annual operating costs, making 13 numbers more expensive for smaller businesses.
Despite the associated costs, 13 numbers offer businesses a distinctive and memorable communication channel, enhancing brand recognition and customer recall.
Benefits of 13 Numbers:
- Exceptional Memorability increases brand visibility and facilitates customer recall.
- Shared-cost calling encourages customer engagement while mitigating business expenses.
- Distinctive phone numbers convey professionalism and credibility to customers.
- Streamlined communication channels improve customer service and operational efficiency.
- Despite the initial investment, 13 numbers offer long-term brand recognition and customer engagement benefits.
How to Choose the Right Phone Word for Your Business in Australia
Selecting the perfect phone word for your Australian business entails considering several factors. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the right choice:
- Understand Your Brand Identity: Define your brand identity and values. Choose words that align with your brand’s tone, product service, and messaging.
- Consider Your Target Audience: Analyze your target demographic and choose a phone word that is easier to remember and relevant to your audience’s interests and needs.
- Evaluate Memorability:Opt for words that are easy to spell and pronounce, ensuring customers can recall them effortlessly.
- Assess Availability, cost, and budget: Check the Availability of your desired phone word. Certain words may already be in use or reserved by other businesses. Explore alternative spellings or variations if your preferred word is unavailable. Consider consulting with a phone word provider to explore available options. Balance your budgetary constraints with your chosen phone word’s potential marketing benefits and ROI.
Pro Tip- VoIPElements is your best phone word provider in Australia, offering you the best service at a minimal price. You can customize your prize based on your needs. Make an appointment with us to learn more.
- Test for Effectiveness: Before finalizing your decision, consider testing your chosen phone word with a sample group of customers. Gather feedback on its Memorability, clarity, and relevance to gauge its effectiveness.
Tips for Creating Effective Phone Word Campaigns in Australia
Crafting a successful phone word campaign in Australia requires careful planning and execution. Whether you purchase a 13, 1300, or 1800 number, you need to follow some key tips to ensure your campaign resonates with your target audience and drives results:
- Keep it Simple
- Align with Brand Identity
- Consider Audience Preferences
- Promote Memorability
- Integrate with Marketing Channels
- Offer Incentives
- Track and Analyze Performance
- Provide Exceptional Customer Service
Additional Considerations for Phone Words in Australia
When considering phone words in Australia, several additional factors warrant attention. First and foremost is adherence to regulatory guidelines established by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to ensure compliance and legality. Secondly, businesses should explore options for trademark protection to safeguard their brand identity and prevent unauthorized use. It’s crucial to select a reliable phone word provider offering robust services and customer support to guarantee seamless operations. Additionally, businesses should plan for scalability, choosing a phone word that accommodates future growth and evolving needs. Finally, implementing tracking and analytics tools enables businesses to measure campaign performance and make data-driven decisions for optimization. By addressing these considerations, businesses can maximize the effectiveness of their phone word strategies in Australia.
Wrapping Up
Phone words offer a unique opportunity to elevate your brand and engage customers in a memorable way. From toll-free 1800 numbers to local 13 numbers, the options are diverse and cater to different business needs. By understanding the nuances of each type and following the tips for creating effective campaigns, businesses can leverage phone words to enhance their branding efforts and drive customer engagement.
