1300 number lookup: How to get the best number for your business

1300 numbers are widely known as business phone numbers, and companies of all industries and sizes can benefit from them. That said, businesses look for 1300 numbers for different reasons—and how you go about a 1300 number lookup would be different depending on what you’re after.

Are you looking for a custom phone number that you can easily advertise? Or are you looking for cheap 1300 number that just covers the basics? If you narrow down your objectives beforehand, you can shorten the time it takes to find the 1300 number that suits you best.

Searching for 1300 phone words and smartnumbers

You’ve no doubt seen vanity numbers that spell out words, such as 1300-PIZZA-HUT or 1800-FLOWERS. If you want to get a phone word of your own, your best bet is to start by canvassing your options with a smartnumber lookup tool.

As for the service provider, you don’t really need to concern yourself with that from the start (though it’s good to have one in mind). Any telco that handles 1300 numbers can activate the number you choose. On the other hand, you shouldn’t delay in getting the number—someone else could take it at any moment!

If you can’t find a phone word that you’re happy with, you might want to consider smartnumbers with repeating digits instead. Easy-to-recall patterns—like 1300 50 10 50, for example—can work just as effectively as phone words in most cases.

Here are a few terms to keep in mind when doing a 1300 number lookup:

• Smartnumber/phone word: Smartnumbers cover a range of 1300 numbers (and 13 and 1800 numbers) with distinct patterns, including phone words and numbers with lots of repeating digits.
• EROU holder: EROU stands for “exclusive rights of use.” When you buy a smartnumber, you get the EROU, though technically ACMA still owns the number.
• Available/Allocated/Assigned: Only available smartnumbers are eligible for purchase. Those marked “Allocated” have been purchased and are in use. Those marked “Assigned” have been purchased but are not currently in use. (The latter two may be simply listed as “Unvailable” for simplicity.)

Searching for 1300 number providers

If you’re not after a specific number, it’d be better for you to start your search looking for a service provider that specialises in inbound numbers—or, in other words, comparing different 1300 number plans.

Most 1300 number providers will have a list of normal issue numbers—1300 numbers that aren’t smartnumbers—that you can either get for free with the plan or for a minor once-off fee. Getting a normal issue number is quicker than getting a smartnumber, too.

Here are some things you should consider when evaluating 1300 number provider:

• Costs (per month and per call): Costs are generally divided into two types: monthly fees, which usually include a set number of call minutes, and call rates for anything in excess of those minutes. It’s best to get a plan that will match how long you expect to be taking inbound calls.
  Note also that most plans have a different rate for calls answered on mobile. If you’ll be answering most of your calls on mobile, it’s worth looking for plans specifically designed for that.
• Flexibility: It can be tough to estimate how many calls you’ll get each month—especially if you plan to get more calls through a 1300 number. For this reason, it’s good to look for a service provider that lets you switch plans freely. Avoid lock-in contracts, too.
• Customer service: Finding the right service provider isn’t all a numbers game. When it comes to communication channels, responsive and efficient support is essential. After all, any time your 1300 number doesn’t work right, you risk losing leads or customers.

Find the right number for your business

1300 Numbers Australia specialises in helping businesses improve their communication. Whether you’re in the last steps of your 1300 number search, or you’re not sure how to get started, our inbound number specialists would be happy to help. Just call us at 1300 50 10 50 or visit www.1300numbersaustralia.com.au