To expand on the customer service accessibility tip in this series, most shoppers not only expect a phone number they can call - they expect it to be a toll-free call.
In many cases, online shoppers won't feel the need to call - but having the toll free number there makes them feel like they could contact you if they really needed to. It also helps to make your online business look legitimate.
Ideally, your toll-free number should be visible on all of your pages. If you don't have a brick and mortar presence, you don't need a local telephone number because those who search with an area code are most likely to be looking for a local business to go visit. There are a growing number of services that offer virtual 800 number services, one example of which is Grasshopper. Using this type of service you can get a toll-free number assigned, for a small additional fee do a quick search for a vanity 800 number (1-800-GOT-MILK, for example), and have all of your calls handled the way you specify. You can have your incoming toll-free calls routed to any of multiple numbers you can specify or you can set it up to have voice mail screen your calls during off hours or all the time, if you so decide. You can even have your messages routed to your email and listen to them through the attached audio files.
In checking out these types of services, you may very well discover that the cost for toll-free calls is less than you might imagine. In fact, it can even be a more economical option than cell phone calls. Shop around for affordable options that you'll actually use and that will work best for you and your business. Avoid long-term contract commitments that tie you down, just in case you find the service isn't working out for you.
More Website Conversion Tips in this Series
- Conversion Tip 1: Use your return policies to convert visitors to customers
- Conversion Tip 2: Offer multiple payment options to attract more buyers
- Conversion Tip 3: Provide easy access to customer service
- Conversion Tip 5: Be your own mystery shopper
- Conversion Tip 6: Make your site secure and make it known
- Conversion Tip 7: Visit your competitors sites often
- Conversion Tip 8: Solicit and welcome feedback
- Conversion Tip 9: Offer special discounts and promote them heavily
Participate in the Toll Free Phone Number Poll
If you haven't done so already, I strongly encourage you to take part in my poll on using toll-free phone numbers for your home business. As with any poll, the bigger the survey sample (number of people who participate) the more valuable the results.
Poll: Does Your Home Business Have a Toll-Free Number?
Master Article: Converting Website Visitors to Sales