How to Get a Local Phone Number for Your Business

Your business needs a local phone number. You already know that. But now comes the tricky part: where do you actually get one? Should you go with a free option to save money, or will that end up costing you more in the long run? 

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the options, you're not alone. The good news? Getting a local phone number for your business is easier (and more affordable) than you might think. 

In this guide, we'll cut through the confusion and show you exactly how to get a local phone number. 

What is a Local Phone Number? 

In the US, a local phone number is a standard 10-digit number that follows the North American Numbering Plan format: +1 (XXX) XXX-XXXX. 

Here's how it breaks down: 

• +1 is a country code 
• First 3 digits - Area code 
• Next 3 digits - Central office code 
• Last 4 digits - Line number 

Basically, it's just a regular phone number. It's called "local" because the area code is associated with a specific geographic region in the U.S. or Canada. 

For example, a number with a 212 area code is recognized as being from New York City, while 310 is Los Angeles.

How to Get a Local Business Phone Number 

If you've decided you need a phone number for your business, you probably already know why and how you'll use it. But if you're not sure where to start, here are the main steps to get one: 

Step1: Decide what type of phone service you need. Think about how you'll actually use the number: 

• Do you just need a single line for occasional calls? 

• Are you expecting medium call volumes that require multiple users? 

• Will you need texting capabilities (SMS/MMS) in addition to voice calls? 

• What's your budget for setup costs and monthly fees? 

  Your answers will determine whether you need a basic free phone line or a more advanced business phone solution. 

Step 2: Choose a phone number provider. Research providers that fit your needs and budget and sign up for an account with your chosen provider. 

Step 3: Check local phone number availability. If you prefer a number from a specific area, most providers let you search by area code or city. This helps you quickly see which local numbers are available in the region you want to serve. 

Step 4: Choose a local phone number. Select a number that matches your target area and is easy for customers to remember. With some providers, you can get a local vanity phone number for an additional fee. 

Step 5: Complete the purchase. If required, enter your payment information to purchase a local phone number. 

That's it! Once confirmed, your new local phone number is usually active within minutes to a few hours. 

When Should You Get a Free Local Phone Number? 

If you’re a startup or a very small business, it’s completely natural to wonder whether you should try to find a free local phone number. And in some cases, it can be a practical choice.  

A free option might be enough if: 

• You only need a number to list on your website 
• You expect just a handful of calls each month 
• You're testing a business idea before fully committing 
• Budget constraints are severe, and calls are not mission-critical 

However, if your business relies on daily communication with customers, clients, or partners, a free local business phone number quickly becomes limiting. These services usually offer only basic calling and texting and lack the call-management features most businesses eventually need. For any operation that depends on consistent, professional communication, a paid business phone system will provide far more reliability and flexibility. 

How to Get a Local Phone Number for Free 

One of the most common options people look at for a free virtual local phone number is Google Voice. And while Google Voice does offer free local numbers, they are only available for personal use.  

If you need a number for business purposes, you must register as a business, which requires a paid Google Workspace account. In addition, Google Voice’s business plans are not free; they start at $10 per month. In other words, Google Voice isn’t actually free for business use.

There are also other free local phone number apps that claim to provide free business phone numbers. However, if these platforms aren’t well-known or reputable, the chances of them working reliably are low. 

Here are some common issues you might encounter with free providers:  • Calls may not reach you consistently  • Your number could be recycled or deactivated without warning  • Call quality may be poor or unstable  • No customer support is available if something goes wrong 

Imagine listing a phone number on your website and social media profiles, only to find out that customers can’t reach you because the service is unreliable. This not only confuses your clients but can also harm your business reputation. 

What Are Other Options to Get a Local Phone Number? 

There are several ways your business can get a local phone number, each offering different features, pricing, and levels of flexibility. Here are the most common options and what they provide: 

Traditional Telecom Carriers 

Major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile are often the first option that comes to mind. They offer phone numbers for both personal and business use, including traditional landlines and mobile numbers. 

Virtual/VoIP Phone Systems 

This is one of the most popular and flexible ways for businesses to get a local phone number. 

With a virtual phone system, your number works on all devices and typically comes with unlimited calling and texting within the U.S. and Canada (depending on the provider).  

You also get access to advanced business features such as call routing, auto attendants, voicemail, texting, shared inboxes, and integrations with other tools. 

How to Buy a Local Phone Number with DialLink 

Getting a local phone number for your business with DialLink is straightforward. Whether you need just one number or multiple lines for your team, we've designed the process to be quick and hassle-free. Here's everything you need to know. 

How Can I Get a Free Local Phone Number with DialLink 

Every DialLink plan includes one free local phone number. That means your business automatically receives a local number as soon as you sign up and activate a subscription. 

To get your free number, follow these steps: 

1. Create a DialLink account or start a 7-day free trial. 
2. Select and purchase your plan. 
3. After registration, your free local phone number becomes available immediately in your account. 

That's it! You can start making and receiving calls right away. 

How to Purchase Local Phone Numbers with DialLink 

If your business needs more than one local phone number, DialLink makes it easy to buy extra numbers directly from the app. Each additional number costs just $5/month. 

Common reasons businesses add extra numbers: 

• Separate lines for sales, support, and general inquiries 
• Dedicated numbers for specific marketing campaigns to track effectiveness 
• Local numbers in multiple cities to serve different markets 
• Individual numbers for team members or departments 

Here’s how to add a new phone number: 

1. Go to the Settings section in the DialLink app. 
2. Open the Phone Numbers tab. 
3. Select Add New Phone Number. 
4. Choose the type of number you want: local or toll-free. 
5. Browse available numbers, select the one you want, and add it to your account. 

Your new number is activated instantly, so you can start using it right away. 

How to Check Local Phone Number Availability 

All phone numbers shown in DialLink's search results are available for immediate purchase. Our system scans the database in real-time, so you won't waste time browsing numbers that are already taken. 

Already have a specific number in mind? Maybe you found a memorable pattern or your customers already associate your business with a certain area code. You can check if a specific number is available using the search tool below. Just enter the number you want, and you’ll see if it can be purchased.

Choose Your Local Phone Number

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How to Choose a Local Phone Number 

Choosing the right local phone number can make a real difference in how customers perceive and remember your business. Here are the key factors to consider: 

• Geographic relevance. Choose an area code that matches your target market or business location. Customers are more likely to answer calls from local area codes they recognize. 
• Memorability. Pick a number that's easy to remember. Repeating digits, sequential numbers, or patterns make it easier for customers to recall your number. 

Our search interface makes it easy to find the perfect number: 

• Search by digits. Search for specific digit patterns in any part of the phone number (e.g., numbers ending in "00" or containing "1234"). 
• Search by location. Browse numbers by city or state to find area codes in your target region. 
• Filter by capabilities. Each number clearly shows whether it supports voice only, or voice + SMS/MMS messaging.