For me the use of an 0800 number for any business looking increase revenue is a good tactic use.
An 0800 number is statistically proven increase call throughput a business simply because there is no risk the caller, after all the call is free of charge! It is not costing the caller a bean, it is the company offering the free call service that takes the charge on the phone call.
So how does this work with organic search engine optimisation? If you are using PPC supplement an SEO campaign it is a great way of providing data as where business is coming from. This is achieved by simply changing the telephone number which appears on the site depending on your route in.
There is no reason why the number cannot be changed for the various methods a potential client/buyer finds their way on your site.
With the use of Google Analytics I have definition of how, what and where my online business has come from. I know from speaking the likes of Zoo Jewellery and Wineware that an inbound phone call is still vital the ongoing success of their sites. As much as any site looks answer as many questions as possible, there are those buyers that still like hear a voice at the end of the line.
So why the 0800 number? Well for the cost of 4p a minute take an enquiry or possibly a sale from an organic search result is money well spent. If the statistics hold true, the use of an 0800 number should increase inbound calls and enable the business take full advantage of the natural visibility the site is enjoying or other marketing campaigns.
As 0800 numbers cost nothing set-up, there are no real budgetary restrictions in applying this level of focus and tracking for your online business. In fact, it is so easy set-up a free 0800 number that it does not make sense not do it!
The final collation and balancing of multiple marketing campaigns can then be derived from the call data that is collected from the 0800 number service.
We are blessed that we have a fine client list and recommend the services of one quality client another. Callagenix are a specialist phone services company that offer multiple services businesses and are readily available assist with the set-up of free 0800 numbers and other business phone services.
The free 0800 number service they offer is widely used as are other business phone services such as , Call Diversion and Virtual Switchboards.
Please feel free find further information on the range of business telephone products on offer at Callagenix by visiting www.callagenix.com
That was very funny – I followed your link to Callagenix, and after reading about why I should have an 0800 number, the final thing is: call us now on 0870……so I didn’t ring them.
Ah, but did you read why you should have an 0870 number, Pete?
Hi Ammon
No I’ll have a look at that.
But a lot of people do not like 0870 numbers (see saynoto0870.com). If you have a monthly call package then you pay for 0870 numbers in addition, geographical numbers are included.
Yes, I appreciate that point, Pete.
I must admit though that there are several advantages to having a premium rate line, apart from the potential for easy income without needs for careful billing. One is that it massively reduces the amount of time wasted on the phone. Put in a premium line and people who used to waffle around an issue for hours suddenly become concise and dynamic in getting to the point. It also works wonders in putting off those commercial cold-calls from goodness knows where.
No further problems with constant calls from SEO recruitment companies and headhunters either. :o)
I’d say it’s a double edged sword then. Your argument in favour of premium rate numbers works against the 0800 numbers. If the same company is selling both they need to find a way to resolve that. I was actually almost rang them to see about getting an 0800 number myself. Apart from being put off by an 0870 number to ring (“come on people, practise what you preach” I thought), now I’ve read what you said, I definitely won’t be getting an 0800 number – people will waffle on and on and on and on and on…