Set up your 1300 business number in four simple steps

Perhaps you’re considering getting a 1300 business number but not quite sure about how to proceed—after all, they’re not quite like your usual landline or mobile numbers.

No need to worry. Setting up a 1300 number can be broken down into a few simple steps. Follow these and you can have your own virtual business phone number in no time.

Step 1: Choose a 1300 number service provider

Strictly speaking, you don’t have to start your search with a service provider—but in most cases, it’s the best way to begin. After all, the telco you choose will be responsible for activating your 1300 number and their call plans will determine the features and costs of your 1300 number.

The best way to start is to compare 1300 number plans from different providers. Look at their monthly service fees, included minutes and excess call charges. But remember that customer service can make or break the deal too—so be sure to look at customer reviews, too.

Step 2: Choose a 1300 number

The next step is to decide what 1300 number you want. There are two types to choose from: normal issue numbers and smartnumbers. Smartnumbers are easier to remember because of their distinct patterns: they might use a lot of repeated digits or spell out a word when entered on a keypad.

If you’re looking for a custom 1300 number—or “vanity number,” as they’re often called—then you’ll need to purchase a smartnumber. You can do this directly through the ACMA website or, in some cases, you can coordinate with your service provider, if you’ve already enquired with them.

If you’re not looking for a specific 1300 number, however, your next step would be to choose an inbound number from your service provider’s catalogue. This is usually as simple as clicking a number on a list during the sign-up or checkout process.

Step 3: Assign your answerpoints

As virtual inbound numbers, 1300 numbers have to be connected to existing phone lines. You can choose from landline, mobile and VoIP phones. If you’re subscribed to a live answering service, you could choose that as an answerpoint as well.

The way you assign answerpoints will depend partly on your call routing setup. Most 1300 number services provide basic time- and location-based routing, so that you can have different answerpoints based on when calls or made or where they’re coming from. Advanced routing setups, like postcode prompting, can provide even more options.

Your provider should be able to guide you through this part of the process. Look for providers who can keep this process simple. For example, it would be convenient for you to be able to set up and manage your answerpoints yourself through an online portal or application.

Step 4 (Optional): Configure custom features

Other features added to your inbound number service might be set up alongside call routing (if they affect your answerpoints), or they might be set up later on. 1300 number services are easy to modify, so you can add them from the onset or later on, as you need them.

If you have more questions about setting up a 1300 number for your business, our team at 1300 Numbers Australia is here to help. Just give us a call at 1300 50 10 50 or www.1300numbersaustralia.com.au