Are 01 numbers better for local businesses than 0345 numbers?

Regardless of the business you run and the industry you’re in, it’s always a good idea to have a professional number that people can call if they need help, or if they want to learn more about your products and services.

However, there are more than a few different prefixes and number types that you could use to help customers keep in touch with you – for example, should you choose an 01 number or an 0345 number?

The answer’s not as straightforward as you might think – and, in this guide, we’ll explore why that’s the case, and when you might choose one number type over the other when running a local business.

What are 0345 numbers?

0345 numbers are non-geographic telephone numbers that businesses use to support customers across the UK. Following increased concern over customers having to call premium lines to speak to some service providers, many companies shifted to 0345 numbers as a low-cost alternative that would appeal more to their clients.

An 0345 number is a mark of professionalism – this prefix immediately shows callers and prospects that you mean business, quite literally! Compared to local lines and mobile numbers, it’s a quick way to establish your credibility. 

What’s more, it’s often simple to set up unique 0345 numbers that people are able to remember. However, there are still some benefits to 01 numbers over 0345s that we’ll come to shortly.

What are 01 numbers?

01 numbers are local and geographical, meaning they’re rooted in a specific location. For example, Manchester numbers start with 0161, and Glasgow numbers start with 0141. For many people living in these areas, it’s quick and easy to recognise their area code and to immediately associate the firm attached with their local area.

Local numbers, as the name suggests, are chargeable at a local/national rate. Therefore, your customers don’t have to worry about paying premium rates, and you won’t have to worry about paying out for the calls they make (that said, you’d normally only need to think about that if you set up an 0800 freephone number).

It’s easy to assume why local businesses might sway to 01s before 0345s – but, as mentioned, there are clear benefits to either option. Let’s start breaking them down.

Why should local businesses choose 0345 numbers?

0345 numbers are great for companies that want to build a nationwide presence, and to save their callers money. As mentioned, it’s also a good mark of a company with a strong professional image, and you’re therefore doing some solid marketing.

0345s are also highly cost-effective for business owners – with a service such as VoIPer, for example, you simply pay a monthly package rate and get access to a custom number and tons of support. 

Think about how many people you’ll attract to your service compared to a generic mobile number – 0345s really do pay for themselves in a very short space of time.

That said, compared to 01 numbers, there are some disadvantages. For example, if you’re running a local service that offers specific benefits to people in your area, you might be setting your marketing net too wide.

People who see 0345 numbers might assume you run a larger company with a broader focus on customers across the UK, rather than laser-focused on people in your local area.

Therefore, if your business specifically targets people who live in the towns and cities close to your firm, it likely makes sense to choose an 01 number.

But, we’re not quite done with the argument yet – keep reading!

Why should local businesses choose 01 numbers?

As mentioned, 01 numbers give businesses the air of a legitimate, local firm. It’s a great choice for local suppliers, educational bodies, healthcare clinics, and other services where people will need to visit you in person.

It’s also a great marketing tool if you don’t intend to have much scope outside of your immediate area, or at least don’t intend to expand your services for any discernable reason. 

You should choose an 01 number that’s rooted in the geographic area you want to do business in – such as 0113 if you’re providing services to people in Leeds and the surrounding areas.

01 numbers could also improve your local search engine optimisation (SEO). A local number added to your Google Business profile in search results, for example, could help to boost conversions. It’s not just instilling trust in your local customers.

What’s more, if your callers have unlimited minutes to local numbers set up as part of their call plans, they won’t have to pay a penny to call you – and, you won’t have to shell out for the calls they make to you.

That said, there are a couple of caveats to keep in mind. For example, an 01 number is likely to make it look like you only cater to a very specific area. If you have designs on growing your business so that it covers the rest of the country, you might want to consider an 0345 line instead.

What’s more, there’s also the risk that your telephone number might blend in with other local landlines – even those of private homeowners! If you don’t set up a truly unique or memorable 01 number, you could blend into the pack – which really isn’t good news for any company aiming to stand out!

Regardless of the number you choose – Choose VoIPer.

As you can see, there are plenty of benefits to setting up either an 0345 or an 01 number for your business. While we generally recommend the latter for local businesses, we still provide thousands of customers with flexible, non-geographic 0345s, so they’re never tied down.

VoIPer’s low-cost, versatile, virtual VoIP number service will grant you a unique number your business can be proud of. Share your new professional number with your customers, and route calls back to your mobile or existing landline with no need for any of the confusing setup.

And, there’s more to VoIPer’s services than meets the eye – take a look at our fantastic number packages and really elevate your business comms to the next level!