A virtual phone number is one way that a small business may be able to increase sales without sacrificing a great deal of profit. Virtual numbers are phone numbers that are purchased through a provider and then routed to an existing phone line, PBX system, or voice mail account.

Virtual phone numbers are purchased telephone numbers that can be a local or toll free number for customers to call. However, in this case we are going to focus on the advantages of a business using a virtual local number. For example, a small business that is looking to gain a foothold in New York could purchase a virtual phone number which has the area code (212) for Manhattan, and then forward calls made to this number to an office or mobile phone in another state or even another country. This allows the business to stay in contact with customers 24/7, and also allows companies to offer local residents a toll-free way to call. In addition, a local virtual number gives the impression that a business operates in a particular geographic location based on the area code, even if the headquarters of the business are quite distant.

While one common use of the virtual phone number technology is for outsourcing technical service calls to places like India, a small business can also benefit from this technology if it is used properly. A small business that is just beginning to ship nationally, or one that is located just outside of a major metropolitan area would do well to purchase a local number within the metropolis, as this will allow city dwellers to make a toll-free call to the company to both obtain information and place orders. While the cost of the virtual phone number will be borne by the company rather than the consumer, it can be a worthwhile investment if the right market is chosen to advertise the number.

A business can also own multiple virtual local numbers, all of which can be routed to the same location. This can not only help a small business tap multiple market options, but will also allow them to look a great deal larger than their physical offices may suggest. A combination of virtual phone numbers, both local and toll free, can project a professional image of a business that is not only successful and stable, but large. Further, options for menus and voicemail recordings on the virtual phone number can be tailored to make it appear as though the company has substantial resources at its command.

A virtual local number will also allow customers to contact a small business any time of the day or night. With a significant time difference between the west and east coasts, a call placed in one location might fall on deaf ears in the other, especially if there is nowhere to leave a message and no one to talk to. A well-placed virtual phone number will encourage calls, and allow information to be provided to callers at any time of the day. Their calls, in turn, can be routed to a voicemail or e-mail system for call back, or even through to a home or mobile phone.

Source by Brandi Armstrong