You can use almost everything to create a competitive edge in the world of business. The obvious examples include the name, logo, product, price, or advertisements of your business. However, a lesser-known opportunity for separating yourself from your competitors is by changing your phone number.

You might not realize it, but the phone number associated with your business plays a very large role in the way potential customers perceive your company. The area code alone alters the way that the public views your business and plays an important role in your sales.

Why Is A Phone Number Important To Business?

Having an official business number is extremely important for your company, regardless of the service or product that you are selling. A business number immediately boosts your credibility in the eyes of the local public and makes you appear more professional and successful.

The number becomes a part of your brand because it appears alongside the name of your company. The number almost certainly is displayed clearly in any commercials, billboards, websites, brochures, or business cards that you create.

As a result, you may want to select one that can help expand your customer base.

What Are The Options For A Business Phone Number?

There are quite a few different choices when it comes to selecting a phone number for your business. Each of them has its own potential benefits for your business. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which one works best for your specific brand and company model. The various options for a business phone number include:

VANITY NUMBERS

Using a vanity number is one of the easiest ways to grab a potential customer’s attention and help them remember your number for the future. Think about the late-night commercials that you have seen that include a bizarre number, such as 1-800-CASH-4-ME.

It’s much easier to remember a phone number like that one instead of ten random digits. However, a number like that may appear silly or gimmicky to some customers.

TOLL FREE NUMBERS

Having an 800 number has a few different benefits for your business. Along with helping your customers and business partners to reach you for free, it also gives the perception that your business operates nationwide.

There are several toll-free numbers now besides an 800 prefix. Other toll-free numbers available include 833, 844, 855, 866, 877, and 888.

Each number provides the same service, so you will be able to select whoever one flows most smoothly with the rest of your number.

A LOCAL NUMBER

Depending on your business, you might have the local area code assigned to your number. However, if you are doing business in another area, you might want an area code used there instead.

When living in an area, people get used to dialing their area code. If you have a different area code, this could confuse the customer and result in misdialing.

Another benefit of having a local area code is that people will assume your business is headquartered in the area. They might be more inclined to do business with a local than they would if the number was assigned somewhere out of state.

PRESTIGIOUS AREA CODES

There are quite a few area codes that come with an altered perspective of your business. For example, one of the most famous area codes is 212, which represents the island of Manhattan. The value of a business having a 212 area code cannot be understated.

Manhattan is home to some of the world’s most wealthy and powerful businesses. Having an area code associated with Manhattan gives your business an incredible boost in legitimacy and perception.

While that area code is beneficial, a 212 area code is also nearly impossible to get. However, there are still a few other prestigious area codes that can boost your business credibility.

Where Is Area Code 949 Located?

The area code of 949 is located in the southern parts of California and primarily represents Orange County. The area of Orange County is located alongside the Pacific Ocean and is south of Los Angeles and a little north of San Diego.

Some of the major cities inside of Orange County include Irvine, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and San Clemente. There are over three million people estimated to live in Orange County, making up approximately 75 percent of the people who use the 949 area code.

Why Use Area Code 949?

949 was first put into service in 1998 and is one of several area codes representing the southern part of California ever since. Orange County is home to some of the wealthiest people in the world and is one of the most important business hubs globally.

Using this area code is highly beneficial to the way that your business is perceived. There is plenty of positive information about the 949 area code that improves the perception of your company.

A LARGE POPULATION

Nearly three million people are living in Orange County. More than 200,000 people live in the suburban city of Irvine, and that number continues to grow annually. This is just one of the dozens of cities using the 949 area code. A population that high suggests high amounts of shopping and a thriving local economy.

GREAT SCHOOLS

Orange County has a very highly rated public school system that helps to produce a strong workforce for any business located in the area. Potential customers will take comfort in thinking that your business is staffed by capable individuals that successfully graduated from Orange County schools.

WEALTH

Newport Beach is one of the cities located in Orange County and is considered one of the wealthiest communities in the United States. The property values continue to rise along with the average income.

These economic rises have led to a steady decline in crime, making Orange County one of the safer places to live. It is a safe assumption that a business located in this area code is doing very well financially.

TECHNOLOGY CENTRIC AREA

The technology boom of the last few decades affected Southern California. Several Fortune 500 tech companies started and continue to operate in the surrounding areas of 949. Being associated with some of these industrial giants adds legitimacy to your business.

Along with tech companies, there are plenty of other businesses located in the area inducing fashion moguls, automotive engineers, and regional headquarters.

The Takeaway

The phone number that is associated with your business says a lot about your company. It’s important to select a phone number that will carry along with it a message of professionalism and legitimacy.

Whether you opt for a vanity number, toll-free number, or local number, you should make sure that the area code is best for your business. A 949 area code helps to improve the public perception of your business. Use the Burner app as a second calling number to stay relevant in the 949 area code and keep your business and personal lives private, and separate.

SOURCES

Newport Beach is the richest US city | Orange County Register.

Want a 212 area code? It's gonna cost you | Marketplace.org

What Is a Toll-Free Number and How Does it Work? | FCC.gov

949 Area Code - Location map, time zone, and phone lookup | Allareacodes.com

Orange County California - Visitor and Community Guide | Orangecounty.net