Choosing a Business Phone Number for a Trade Business

The number on your van matters more than you might think. It is how most new work reaches you.

Mobile number

Simple and always with you. The downside is that business and personal calls mix, and it can be hard to switch off.

Local landline-style number

A local area code can reassure customers that you are nearby. Many providers now offer these as virtual numbers that ring on your mobile.

Virtual business number

A separate number that forwards to your phone, often with extras such as voicemail to email, call forwarding and working-hours rules. It keeps work and home apart without carrying two handsets.

Whatever you pick, keep it

Changing numbers later means updating your van, website, listings and old customers. Choose once and stick with it.

For the next step, this guide to setting up your phone so jobs don't slip through covers forwarding, voicemail and catching missed calls.