When it comes to choosing a phone number for your business, there are many factors to consider. A very important question that many business owners ask themselves is: Is it better to have a local number on your Google My Business (GMB) and website than an 800 number for SEO purposes? In other words, does a local number make you seem “too” local, making an 800 number more profitable, or does your local number help your site's ranking enough to make it worth it?
In this article, we will discuss the value of using local numbers versus 800 numbers for your website and GMB rankings. At the same time, we will try to answer important questions, namely:
- are there SEO benefits for a local number or a wider 800 number?
- can a local number help build trust with customers?
Our material will give you all the information you need to help you make an important decision about your Google business profile.
Where did this question come from?
Let's say you own a business on Long Island and your geography is the entire state of New York and New Jersey, where you are licensed, in both of these states. Or you are in New Jersey and want to serve the Manhattan market, does that mean you need to have two or three different phone numbers to serve New Jersey, Manhattan, and even Connecticut? Yes, on the one hand, it gives people the feeling that you have offices in different states, for example, but does it make sense when you can connect one 1-800 number in the USA?
Obviously, there are many different area codes for all of New York and New Jersey, and at some point, you ask yourself whether a local number will limit you or benefit you by showing up in search results for locals in the New York area. After all, business is business, but today it is also important to be at the top of search engine results, that is, to remain advanced in SEO. And today there are a lot of business owners like you who are interested in this, which is quite natural.
What are Local Numbers and 800 Numbers?
Before we look at your choices, let's clarify what local and 800 numbers are.
Local numbers are phone numbers that are associated with a specific geographic location. They typically have a three-digit area code that corresponds to a particular region or city. For example, a local number in New York City might have the area code 212. If your business is based in Los Angeles, a local number might have an area code of 310. These numbers are regionally specific and can create a strong local presence.
800 numbers, on the other hand, are toll-free numbers that can be dialed from anywhere in the United States and are not tied to any particular geographic area. They typically start with the prefix 800, although other prefixes such as 888, 877, 866, and so on. Businesses use these numbers to allow customers to contact them without incurring long-distance charges, which can make them more accessible to a wider audience.
Pros and Cons of Using Local Numbers and 800 Numbers for SEO
When it comes to optimizing GMB for SEO, choosing between local and 800 numbers has its advantages and disadvantages. Let's look at the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed decision.
Local Numbers
Pros:
- Help improve your local SEO. By using a local number, you can signal to search engines that your business is located in a particular area. This can help improve your rankings in local search results.
- Help build trust with local customers. Customers are more likely to trust a business that has a local phone number. It signals that the business is established and has a physical presence in the area.
- Are more affordable. Local numbers are often less expensive than 800 numbers, especially if you choose a number with a less desirable area code.
Cons:
- Limit your reach. If you have customers outside of your local area, they may be hesitant to call a local number. This can limit your reach and make it more difficult to attract customers from other areas.
- Are expensive. Acquiring and maintaining multiple local numbers for businesses with multiple locations can be costly.
800 Numbers (Toll-Free Numbers)
Pros:
- Provide wide geographic reach: 800 numbers are not tied to a specific geographic area, making them suitable for businesses with a broad customer base or multiple locations.
- Cost-effective: For customers, toll-free numbers offer the benefit of free or low-cost calls, encouraging inquiries and customer interaction.
- Help build trust with customers. Toll-free numbers are often associated with established businesses that have a national or international presence. Having an 800 number can help build trust with customers who are unfamiliar with your business.
- Are more memorable. Toll-free numbers are often easier to remember than local numbers, especially if they have a catchy or memorable sequence of digits.
Cons:
- Are less effective for local SEO. Search engines may perceive toll-free numbers as less locally relevant, which could affect your local SEO efforts.
- Have reduced trust: In some cases, customers might associate toll-free numbers with larger corporations rather than local businesses, potentially diminishing the trust factor.
Now that we've weighed the pros and cons, it's important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The choice between a local number and an 800 number depends on the specific goals and target audience of your business.
Tips for Choosing the Right Phone Number for Your GMB Listing
Choosing the perfect phone number for your GMB is a key decision for your business. To help you make the best choice, we have prepared a number of tips and recommendations to take into account:
Understand your target audience: Before choosing a phone number, think about your target audience. Do you serve primarily local clients, or do you have a broad national or international clientele? Understanding your audience's expectations is key.
Consistency is key: Consistency across all online platforms and directories is extremely important. Make sure the phone number you select for the GMB listing matches the phone number on your website, social media profiles, and other online properties. Consistency helps build trust with both search engines and customers.
Check your local regulations: Some industries and regions have rules or guidelines regarding the use of certain types of telephone numbers. Be sure to review and follow any local or industry requirements.
Track performance: Whatever phone number you choose, it is important to track its performance. Analyze calls, customer inquiries, and conversion data to understand how a phone number impacts your business.
Consider call tracking: Implement call tracking tools to monitor the sources and performance of calls coming from your GMB ad. This can provide valuable insights into your marketing efforts.
A/B testing: If you are in doubt about choosing a room type, conduct A/B testing. Experiment with local and 800 numbers to see which one produces better results in terms of customer acquisition and conversion.
Dealing with customer feedback: Pay attention to customer reviews and preferences. If your audience prefers one type of room over another, consider meeting their expectations.
Keep your SEO goals in mind: Match your phone number selection to your SEO goals. If local SEO is a priority, then it is better to choose a local number, while for national or international SEO purposes, it is better to choose an 800 number.
Consult the experts: Seek advice from SEO experts or specialists who specialize in local SEO. They can make recommendations tailored to your business's specific needs and goals. Of course, keep in mind that, as opposed to choosing a number, you can hire a marketing expert from anywhere in the world. There are numerous companies, from Tokyo to Bristol SEO agencies, and finding the one that suits your business best is crucial for success!
Review your strategy regularly: SEO and customer preferences change. Periodically review your phone number selection and its impact on GMB to ensure it aligns with your current business strategy. Also, consider using a cash invoice receipt template to keep your transactions organized and professional.
By taking these tips into account and aligning your phone number choice with your business goals, you can make decisions that will optimize your GMB for SEO success.
What's the bottom line?
In SEO every detail matters. Your GMB listing is no exception, and even the choice of a seemingly simple element like your phone number can have a significant impact on your online presence. As we've explored throughout this article, the decision between using a local number or an 800 number for your GMB listing is not one to be taken lightly.
Local numbers, with their strong connection to geographic regions, can boost your local SEO efforts, creating a sense of trust and community engagement. On the other hand, 800 numbers offer a broader reach, signaling a more extensive presence, both nationally and internationally.
The right choice ultimately depends on your specific business goals, your target audience, and your SEO objectives. The key is to align your decision with your unique business needs and SEO goals. Your GMB listing, and the success it brings, lie in your hands.
