Vanity Numbers Defined
Vanity numbers are phone numbers that typically spell out a word or a phrase. Famous examples include 1-800-FLOWERS and 1-800-CONTACTS. Instead of requiring customers to look up or memorize a seemingly random set of numbers, they can recall the number easily and use the corresponding letters on a phone’s alphanumeric buttons to dial quickly.

Vanity numbers do not necessarily have to be seven digits long, as is the case with both 1-877-KARS-4-KIDS and 1-800-PROGRESSIVE. There are two main types of vanity numbers: toll-free and local.

Toll-Free Vanity Numbers
With a toll-free number, a customer does not get charged for placing the call, hence the “toll-free.” This expense instead falls on the business. Toll-free numbers are a great option if you currently serve or plan to serve a national customer base.

Common toll-free number prefixes include 800, 877 and 866.

Local Vanity Numbers
Vanity numbers can also have local prefixes like 212 or 310. With a local number, customers may have the onus of paying for the call, depending on where they dial in from or what phone provider they use.

If your business is focused on serving a specific area, this might be a better option because it builds trust and familiarity.

Benefits of Vanity Numbers
Vanity numbers have several key benefits over non-vanity numbers and can, in many cases, be a smart, long-term investment for your business.

Easy To Remember
Vanity numbers are easier to remember than regular numbers. Customers may be more likely to remember and, therefore, call your business rather than your competitors if your phone number is easier for them to recall.

Generate Brand Awareness
Your vanity number will lend itself to marketing and branding initiatives. Your number can be a prominent feature in your ad campaigns and can let customers get to know you at a fast pace.

Easier To Expand Nationally
With a toll-free vanity number, expanding your presence nationally is less cumbersome. You can quickly get customers familiar with your brand and cast a wider net than you would with a non-memorable, local number.

How Much Does a Vanity Number Cost?
Vanity numbers vary in cost, depending on the following:

• The provider you choose
• The phone plan you need
• The type of number (toll-free or local)
• The area code you want

With these variables in mind, vanity numbers can be as low as $10 per month or as high as $100 per month. Phone providers often charge initial setup fees for vanity numbers. These fees can range from $15 to $100. Many of the best VoIP services on the market will allow you to set up a vanity number as part of your plan.

Vanity Number Best Practices
When selecting your vanity number, here are a few of the most important things to keep in mind.

• Try to keep it to seven numbers. Vanity numbers can actually exceed the standard seven-letter limit that most phone numbers are held to, but the shorter, the better. Try not to exceed seven if you can help it.
• Have some backup options. There’s always a chance that the number you want is already in use. For this reason, try to have a few different options in mind so that you can still get a number that you love.
• Choose words that are easy to spell. A vanity number needs to be easy to remember, and it also needs to be easy to spell. If your business uses a last name or made-up name that may be easily misspelled, opt for an abbreviation, call-to-action or repeating number sequence like 555-5555 for your vanity number.