What is a virtual phone number and why are they key to your business

What is a virtual phone number and why is it important for your company?

A geographical number, also called a virtual number with a local prefix, is a VoIP phone number associated with a city or region.. For example, in Spain, they start with prefixes that indicate a particular province or area, like 91 for Madrid or 93 for Barcelona.

Local prefix phones are characterized by:

• They are directly associated with a region and therefore make it easier for customers to distinguish where a company is located.
• They have standard call rates, no additional costs for the customer.
• If they are configured in a Virtual PBX, they allow to make and receive calls from anywhere in the world.

Differences between geographical and non-geographical numbers

Local prefix numbers are linked to a specific location, while non-geographical numbers, such as those starting with 900 or 902, are not associated with any area.

The main difference is customer perception: a local prefix phone transmits presence in the region, while a non-geographical number can immediately be associated with the business world or an international call.

How do geographical numbers work?

Before, having a local number meant investing in infrastructure, cables and physical centrals. Today, everything is simpler.. Thanks to VoIP technology, you can manage calls from anywhere in the world without losing your local identity.

One point you should know is that the geographical numbers are assigned by the telecommunications authorities and are structured in a hierarchical way: the first digit identifies the country, the following the region and, finally, the specific line.

For you to understand better, think of phone prefixes as a city's postal codes. In Spain, if a company is in Madrid, its geographical number will start with 91, while in Barcelona it will use 93. Thanks to this it is possible to easily identify the location of a call.

Advantages of setting up geographical numbers in your company

Market trends point to people relying more on companies that show their human side, that are perceived more real and connect more deeply with the public.

In this context, why are geographical numbers so important? Because trust matters. If you see a local prefix number, you're more likely to answer the call, right?

Pay special attention to this: a YouGov Surveys recent survey suggests that 60% of global consumers prefer to buy from businesses located in their country. They also see it as "a patriotic duty."

It is an interesting fact that realizes the importance of proximity to generate more sales. Of course, other factors, such as marketing strategies, have to be considered here, but we insist on the relevance of local arraigo.

Now that you know what is a geographical number And what you can do for your business, let's see what their most important advantages are:

1. Local presence is improved

You know that! the sense of belonging is key to boosting sales and growing a business.

For example, if a potential customer in Valencia receives a call from a number with prefix 96, it is more likely that he will attend than if he sees an unknown number with a national or international code.

There is no other way to say it: customers value closeness. People know what is a geographical numbera prefix of your city brings credibility and trust.

2. They reduce costs

Geographical numbers operating over the Internet reduce costs for both companies and customers.

For your business is an advantage, because you eliminate the costs of installation, infrastructure and maintenance.

In addition, geographical numbers are often included in the operators' flat rates, so calls are not expensive. It's something your customers will appreciate, because neither they nor you have to worry about paying extra costs per minute.

3. They offer flexibility and mobility to modern businesses

Today, businesses are dynamic, they operate hybrid, they expand to other places... the technology has accelerated everything.

Globalization and digitization have driven the need for flexible tools to keep communication flowing, no matter where equipment or customers are.

This is where geographical numbers play a key role. It's not just about what is a geographical number, but how this technology brings flexibility and mobility to modern businesses.

With a local number linked to a Virtual PBX, your company can manage calls from any locationnot dependent on a fixed device.

For example, a Valencia-based digital marketing agency could expand its service to Madrid and Bilbao without the need to open offices in these cities. It is enough to activate local geographical numbers to provide personalized attention and maintain a professional image no matter where the call is answered.

4. Allows digital tool integration

One of the most important advantages of the VoIP lines with a geographical number is integration with digital tools.

Having the opportunity to integrate a new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform service, WhatsApp Business and automation softwars helps companies manage their communications more efficiently.

Benefits of integration with CRM

By integrating a geographical number VoIP with CRM, you can:

• Automate the Call Detail Record.
• Access real-time communication stories.
• Link incoming and outgoing calls to customer profiles.
• Access relevant information before answering a call.
• Improve customer experience.

Benefits of integration with WhatsApp

For a while, WhatsApp is an essential platform for modern companies. By integrating a virtual number with local prefix this APP:

• You can manage calls and messages from the same platform.
• Your customers choose how they want to contact your company. It can be a call or a message.
• It allows to automate frequent responses.
• You have the option to schedule messages and follow up the conversations.

Benefits of integration with specialized software

If in your company you work with a specialized software, you can continue to use it with your geographical line, because they integrate smoothly. With this they have an open window for:

• Automate repetitive tasks.
• Assign calls to specific agents.
• Create support tickets.
• Send automatic reminders.

This reduces the workload, minimizes human errors and ensures that processes are implemented consistently.

Now you don't just know what is a geographical numberbut also the main advantages it offers.

Frequently asked questions about virtual number with local prefix

If you still have doubts about local numbers for companies, here's a list of the most frequent questions they ask and their answers:

How can I get a geographical number for my company?

It's simple, just follow these steps:

1. Choose a reliable VoIP provider.
2. Select the city or region where you need the number.
3. Configure your number into aVirtual PBX.
4. Integrate the number with your CRM or WhatsApp Business.
5. Get your new number to your customers.

How much does it cost to get a geographical number?

The cost varies by VoIP service provider and country. But, calm down, it's more economical than traditional lines.

Can I use a geographical number on several devices?

Yes, for all you have: mobile phones, computers, tablets and IP phones.

Is it possible to carry a geographical number to another supplier?

If you already have VoIP telephony for companies, of course you can move it to another supplier while maintaining the same prefix.

Can I receive and make international calls on a local prefix phone?

Yes and the cost of international calls will depend on the service plan you hire.

You want your business to grow? Activate your geographical number

Geographical numbers are more than a prefix. This is a tool that helps you manage communications more effectively and, at the same time, connect with your audience in a more genuine way.

If your company is looking to expand, setting up geographical numbers on a Virtual PBX is one of the decisions you have to make. A geographical number gives you the flexibility and confidence to capture more customers in any city without moving from your location.

You got here! So, you know... what is a geographical number and its advantages. Before we say goodbye we invite you to review this checklist to activate a geographical number on a Virtual PBX:

• Define which cities you need local presence in.
• Choose a reliable VoIP telephone provider.
• Configure integration with CRM and other digital tools.

You want to know more? Contact us and start today to enjoy the benefits of a geographical number Virtual PBX.