Every business owner knows how hard it can be to stand out. You’ve got your website, social channels, and maybe even a physical shopfront. Yet sometimes it can still feel like you’re hidden away. That’s where a 1300 number can be incredibly useful.
For many small businesses in Australia, 1300 numbers have provided them with significant benefits. To start with, they’re much easier for customers to remember than regular phone numbers. They also give your company more credibility and even make it appear bigger and more established.
Regardless of whether you’re a start-up or a well-seasoned operator, having a 1300 number is a business phone solution that can instantly lift your brand.
This article will walk you through what a 1300 number actually is, why it matters, the costs involved, and how to pick the right provider. By the end, you’ll see how a simple number can well and truly put your business on the map.
What Is a 1300 Number and How Does It Work?
A 1300 number is a national business number that is used right across Australia. Crucially, instead of being tied to one city or state, it works everywhere. This means that customers can simply dial 1300, followed by six digits, and the call gets routed straight to you.
However, the real beauty of this number lies in its flexibility. That is because it allows you to, for instance, direct calls to your office landline during the day, then to your mobile after hours. This is done through a virtual phone system, which essentially acts as a bridge between the caller and your business.
Providers like Telcoworks make this easy by offering call forwarding services, IVR menus, and reporting tools, which enable you to determine when and where calls come in. As a result, you’re never chained to one desk or location. In fact, you can work remotely, run a distributed team, or even be on the road, and your customers won’t know the difference.
Why a 1300 Number Builds a Professional Image
In business, customer perception matters a hell of a lot. For instance, if you’re advertising a mobile number, some customers may assume you’re a one-person operation. While that’s not always a bad thing, if you want to appear polished and reliable, a 1300 number can help you do that better.
This type of number projects a stronger professional image. The kind, indeed, that you’d expect from established companies. Typically, it helps to improve customer trust, because people associate 1300 numbers with businesses that are serious about service.
Aside from the perception it brings to your business, 1300 numbers can also significantly improve brand recognition. A memorable contact number printed on your business card or website is much easier for customers to recall than a standard mobile number. If you’re investing in marketing campaigns, having that simple, unified number will keep your brand consistent across every channel.
Reach Customers Across Australia
It’s human nature to think that if your business only lists a Sydney landline, you might not service Perth, Darwin or Hobart. Therefore, people from those regions might hesitate to call. However, a 1300 number solves that problem.
With one central phone line, you instantly create a nationwide presence. Subsequently, customers dialling from anywhere in the country will feel confident they’ll be looked after. This is particularly valuable for trades, e-commerce, and service businesses that operate Australia-wide.
For small business communication, this negates the need for multiple office numbers or having staff scattered around different locations. Instead, it helps you look bigger than you are, while still running a lean operation. Effectively, it provides you with scalability without incurring the big-business overheads.
Customer Service Benefits of a 1300 Number
Providing great customer service largely depends on how accessible you are. Without doubt, if people can’t reach you, they’ll move on. That’s why many businesses use their 1300 as a dedicated customer service hotline.
The benefits of doing this include:
- Smart call routing – You can send calls to different departments or staff based on the time of day.
- Call forwarding services – When you are out of the office or it is closed, you can divert calls to your mobile phone.
- Memorable contact number – It’s much easier for customers to recall your number after seeing it on your ad or website.
- Professional greetings – These numbers come with auto attendants and voice menus that make your business appear very organised.
Overall, this setup means your business misses fewer opportunities, offers smoother customer interactions, and has a more consistent brand voice whenever someone calls. Best of all, it is also scalable. Therefore, as you grow, the system grows with you.
Moreover, if you’re already using automation platforms like Flowster to streamline your business processes, this phone system can feed into those workflows. That way, you can create playbooks for handling inbound calls, capturing leads, or following up with customers. Check out Flowster’s guide on how to create workflows for more details.
What Does a 1300 Number Cost?
The next question you are probably asking is how much will this system set you back?
Well, the cost of 1300 numbers varies depending on the provider and how much you use them. But typically, it includes a monthly hosting fee plus per-minute call charges.
You will find that local calls to your 1300 are often charged at a flat rate, while calls diverted to mobiles are usually higher. That’s why it pays to map out your call flow to determine if you are routing mostly to landlines, mobiles, or a mix of both.
Some providers also offer packages with extras like voicemail to email, call analytics, and even CRM integrations. While these features can be handy, you don’t always need the top-tier plan. It is probably better to start with the basics and then scale up as your call volume increases.
Lastly, look for a provider that makes it easy to understand the charges. The last thing you’ll want is to be hit with a nasty surprise at the end of the month.
