The Ultimate Guide to Local Phone Numbers for Business

Picture this: You're searching for a real estate service, and two businesses pop up with similar reviews and services. One displays a local phone number in your area. The other shows an 800 number or an out-of-state area code. Which do you call first? 

If you're like most people, you're reaching for the local option. Whether customers are looking for contractors, consultants, healthcare providers, or professional services, a local phone number acts as an immediate credibility signal. 

In this guide, we’ll explore what local phone numbers are and how your business can easily get one. 

What Are Local Phone Numbers? 

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

• The first three digits are the area code. 
• The next three digits are the central office code. 
• The last four digits are the line number. 

It’s called “local” because it includes a three-digit area code (NPA) associated with a specific geographic region in the U.S. or Canada. 

Local Phone Numbers vs. Toll-Free Phone Numbers 

Both types of numbers follow the same 10-digit format. The key difference lies in the prefix. A local phone number includes a three-digit area code tied to a specific geographic region. A toll-free number begins with a prefix such as 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833, which is not linked to any location and instead signifies nationwide accessibility. 

Businesses often use both types of numbers to connect with customers, but they serve different purposes. When someone dials a local number, the caller may be charged depending on their phone plan or location. In contrast, toll-free numbers are free for the caller, with the business covering the cost of the call.

Types of Local Phone Numbers 

Local phone numbers come in several forms. Let’s look at the main types available today: 

• Landline local phone numbers. These are traditional fixed-line numbers connected to a physical address through a local exchange. 
• Virtual local phone numbers. Virtual numbers look just like regular local phone numbers, but aren’t tied to a specific device or address. Instead, they work through the internet or a cloud-based phone system. 
• Local vanity phone numbers. These are customized numbers that use letters or memorable patterns to spell out words. They combine a local area code with an easy-to-remember format. For example, (415) 555-FOOD. 
• Mobile local phone numbers. Mobile numbers in the U.S. and Canada also use local area codes, but aren’t tied to a fixed location. Their area codes still signal a general region yet calls route through cellular networks rather than local exchanges. 

Why Does Your Business Need Local Phone Numbers? 

When people search for a product or service, they’re more likely to contact a business that appears local to their area rather than a nationwide company that might not have a nearby office. Having a recognizable local area code instantly makes your business feel closer and more reliable to potential customers. 

Local phone numbers also play a key role in local SEO. Search engines like Google prioritize businesses that show a genuine local presence, and your phone number is part of that verification. When your local business phone numbers appear consistently across your website, Google Business Profile, and online directories, you increase your visibility in location-based searches, especially those “near me” queries that often lead to immediate customer action.

How to Get a Local Phone Number for Your Business 

As a business owner, you have several ways to buy local phone numbers. But the most reliable option is to purchase one from a trusted provider. While some apps offer free local numbers, they often come with major drawbacks such as limited features, ads, poor call quality, or temporary access. 

For professional business use, investing in a reliable local phone number through paid services ensures consistency and credibility. 

One of the simplest and fastest ways to get a local phone number is through a virtual phone system. These systems make it easy to select, activate, and manage your number entirely online. 

Here’s what the process typically looks like with a provider like DialLink: 

1. Create an account and start your 7-day free trial. 
2. Choose your number. Search the local phone number directory and select one with your preferred area code. 
3. Enter your service address. Provide a valid U.S. or Canadian address for number registration. 
4. Activate your number. Once set up, your new local phone number will appear in your account, ready to use for calls. 

That’s it! Your new local number will appear in your account, and you can start using it right away for business calls.

CHOOSE_PHONE_NUMBER

Cost of Local Phone Numbers 

Let’s break down the cost of purchasing and using a local phone number for your business. 

If you’re getting your number through a virtual phone system, you’ll first need to subscribe to a service plan. Pricing varies depending on the provider. With DialLink, the base plan starts at $15/month. 

Every DialLink plan includes one free local phone number. So, once you sign up, you can start calling and texting right away. If your business needs additional numbers for separate departments, team members, or regional offices, each extra local number costs $5/month. There’s also a one-time carrier review and setup fee of $19. 

All DialLink plans include unlimited calling and messaging, allowing you to communicate with customers without worrying about usage caps or extra charges. 

Why to Get a Local Phone Number with DialLink? 

DialLink doesn’t just give you a local phone number with unlimited calling and messaging for only $15/month. At the same price, you also get a complete business phone system packed with features that help you make the most of your number: 

• Multi-device access. All DialLink phone numbers are virtual. This means you can use them on any device (desk phone, smartphone, laptop, or desktop computer) without being tied to one location.

• Custom greetings. Create professional greetings and voicemail messages using DialLink’s advanced text-to-speech technology. Easily customize them for your business hours, departments, or teams.

• Voicemails. Every DialLink account includes a voicemail inbox with AI-generated transcriptions and summaries, so you can quickly review messages at a glance. You can also set up email alerts for new voicemails.

• Business messaging. Add text messaging to your local number and handle SMS, MMS, and even WhatsApp Business messages from the same app you use for calls and voicemails.

• Call recording and AI insights. Automatically record calls and let AI generate transcriptions, summaries, and action items for every conversation.

And that’s not all! DialLink includes a full call management toolkit with advanced routing features to ensure every call reaches the right person: 

• Auto-Attendant: Greets callers and routes them based on your business schedule. 
• Phone Menus (IVR): Lets callers choose from menu options to reach the right department without human intervention. 
• Ring Groups: Distribute incoming calls across your team so the next available person can answer quickly. 
• Call Forwarding: Redirect calls to another number or device based on conditions like business hours or missed calls.

Best of all, you don’t need any IT support to set it up or manage it. DialLink’s intuitive interface is built for startups and small businesses, making setup and administration effortless. So, you can focus on growing your business, not managing technology. 

Try DialLink for free today!