What is a Virtual Phone Number? Complete Guide

Published on September 27, 2024 | Last Updated on December 12, 2024

A virtual phone number is a game-changer for businesses seeking flexibility and cost-efficiency.

Unlike traditional landlines, virtual numbers allow you to manage calls from anywhere in the world, giving you the power to streamline communication without being tied to a physical location.

For businesses in the UK, Air Landline offers a reliable solution. It provides virtual phone numbers that help you maintain a professional presence while enjoying the benefits of modern communication.

Whether you’re a small business owner or managing a larger enterprise, virtual numbers can transform how you connect with your clients and colleagues.

But what is a virtual phone number?

We’ll discuss everything you need to know about virtual phone numbers and how Air Landline can support your business communication needs.

What Is a Virtual Phone Number?

A virtual phone number operates without being linked to a specific physical phone line.

It works through the Internet, allowing you to make and receive calls from any device connected to the web, such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops.

Your operation centre location or traditional phone systems no longer restrict business communications.

Virtual phone numbers allow users to communicate with anyone, anywhere, anytime. Thus, it’s no surprise they are becoming increasingly popular among businesses.

In addition to flexibility, virtual phone numbers offer an essential layer of privacy. By using a virtual number, professionals can keep their personal phone numbers private while still maintaining a professional presence.

This is particularly useful for customer-facing roles where users require constant communication, but privacy remains a concern.

With Air Landline’s virtual phone numbers, UK businesses can enjoy the freedom to manage their communications in a way that suits their needs without the limitations of a traditional landline system.

Why Your UK Business Needs a Virtual Landline Number

A virtual landline number offers numerous benefits for UK businesses.

Here’s why your business should consider making the switch:

• 1. Take Calls Anytime, Anywhere

With a virtual landline or mobile phone number, there’s no need to be tied to your office phone to manage your business calls.

Whether working from home, moving or travelling abroad, you can take calls from anywhere on your mobile.

This ensures that important client calls are never missed, allowing you to work from anywhere without being bound by traditional office hours.

• 2. Maintain a Professional Image

First impressions matter, and having a virtual landline number adds to your business’s professional image.

Small and medium-sized businesses can present a professional image, using local or national numbers to build client trust.

Whether you operate from a physical office or remotely, a virtual landline gives your business the polished, professional image that clients expect.

• 3. Reduce Phone System Costs

Running a traditional landline system can be costly, with monthly line rental fees and expensive equipment often adding up. Switching to a virtual landline can eliminate the need for complex and costly phone systems.

All calls can be diverted to your mobile or other devices, helping you save money on both installation and ongoing operational costs. Plus, Air Landline’s services allow you to streamline communications without compromising on quality.

• 4. Separate Business and Personal Calls

One of the major advantages of a virtual phone number is the ability to separate business and personal communications. You can clearly see when a call is business-related and decide whether to take it immediately or divert it to voicemail if it’s inconvenient.

This feature helps create healthy boundaries, enabling you to maintain a professional presence without disrupting personal time.

• 5. Handle More Calls Efficiently

A virtual landline allows you to divert calls to multiple numbers, increasing the chances of your customer service agents answering important calls.

If you’re unavailable, calls can be directed to a colleague or team member, ensuring your business stays responsive even when you’re busy.

This capability ensures that your company can handle more calls without additional phone lines.

How Does A Virtual Number Work?

A virtual number functions using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, which enables phone calls to be transmitted over the Internet rather than traditional copper phone lines.

When someone dials your virtual number, the call is routed through a cloud-based system that forwards it to your chosen device, whether a mobile phone, landline, or computer.

The process happens seamlessly thanks to VoIP, allowing the caller to experience the conversation just as they would with a regular phone line.

You can manage calls from wherever you are through an internet connection. VoIP technology ensures high-quality, reliable call transmission, making virtual numbers dependable for businesses.

How Much Does It Cost?

Air Landline’s virtual phone numbers are available for just £9.99 (+VAT) per month. This competitive pricing is designed to provide exceptional value, offering a range of benefits without the burden of hidden costs or unexpected charges.

With Air Landline, you get a high-quality virtual number solution that is affordable and transparent in its pricing.

Whether you’re connecting over broadband or mobile, enjoy seamless, professional communication without hidden costs—making it a smart choice for UK businesses looking to enhance their calling capabilities.

There’s More: FREE Trial & 30-day Money-Back Guarantee!

Experience the benefits of a virtual phone number with the 7-day FREE trial at Air Landline.

This trial period allows you to explore all the features of Air Landline service with no obligations, allowing you to see how a virtual number can enhance your business calling processes.

During your trial, you’ll have full access to our features, and you can cancel anytime, as we do not lock you into long-term contracts.

Thus, you can try Air Landline risk-free!

We also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test our virtual number service with complete peace of mind.

Can You Get A Virtual Number For WhatsApp Business?

Yes, you can use a virtual number for WhatsApp Business. This feature is particularly useful for businesses that want to maintain a professional communication channel and benefit from the flexibility of a virtual phone number.

Integrating a virtual number with WhatsApp Business allows you to manage customer interactions, send updates, and handle inquiries from one platform.

To get started, register for a virtual number with Air Landline and follow the instructions here.

Are Virtual Mobile Numbers Safe To Use For My Business?

✅ Air Landline: Has security protocols and technology in place to ensure uptime.

❌ Other providers: Experience higher levels of downtime as their backend systems are not as technologically advanced.

If your telecoms provider’s service is down, it will cost your business in missed call opportunities. One way to check if a telecoms company has downtime is to check their 1 and 2-star reviews on Trustpilot.

At Air Landline, our platform is load-balanced and distributed to individual data packets. This ensures ongoing, uninterrupted communication even in the rare event of a multi-server failure.

Plus, our layered security protocols push industry standards to the extreme, protecting your data and intellectual property from bad actors.

We also have a network operations team monitoring 24/7 just in case!

Sign Up For Air Landline’s Virtual Phone Number Online: It Only Takes a Minute!

Are you wondering, “How do I get a virtual phone number?”

Getting started with Air Landline’s virtual phone number is straightforward.

It is designed to provide a professional communication solution quickly and easily.

Follow these simple steps to set up your virtual number and enhance your business communications:

• Step 1 – Area Code

Choose Your Area Code Select the local area code for your new virtual phone number. With 100% UK coverage, you can choose a number from any region, ensuring your business maintains a local presence wherever you operate.

This choice allows you to cater to clients in specific areas, enhancing your professional image and accessibility.

• Step 2 – Link your mobile number & Email Address

Please provide us with the mobile number where you want calls to be diverted and confirm your email address.

• Step 3 – That’s it! You’re Ready To Get Started.

That’s it! In the next few minutes, we’ll email you your new virtual landline number.

What Features Are Available for Businesses That Use Air Landline’s Virtual Numbers

Air Landline’s virtual numbers come equipped with a robust suite of features tailored to enhance your business communications and streamline your operations.

Here’s an in-depth look at each feature:

• Local or National Numbers

Choose between a local or national number to fit your business strategy. A local number can help establish a regional presence and build trust with local customers.

For instance, London numbers can be an excellent option for businesses in London or the surrounding areas.

On the other hand, a national number (0330) broadens your reach across the entire country.

The flexibility allows you to cater to different markets and present a professional image wherever you operate.

• Calls Diverted to Your Mobile

Forward calls from your virtual number directly to your mobile phone, ensuring you can stay connected even when you’re on the move.

This feature is particularly beneficial for business owners and employees who need to handle calls from various locations. It offers a seamless way to manage communications without being tied to a desk phone.

• Business Call Heads Up

Receive notifications before answering business calls, giving you a heads-up about incoming calls.

It helps you prepare for important conversations and improves your responsiveness, allowing you to handle calls more effectively and maintain a high level of professionalism.

• Business Voicemail

Set up a dedicated business voicemail to capture client messages when you’re unavailable. This will ensure that you can keep track of important messages and follow up with clients promptly.

It also helps maintain a professional image by ensuring that your business never misses a communication opportunity, even outside regular working hours.

• Welcome Message

Create a customised welcome message to greet callers with a professional introduction and set the tone for your interactions.

This will provide a warm and engaging start to every call.

A well-crafted welcome message can enhance your business’s image and make a positive first impression on new and returning clients.

• Call Recording

Enable call recording to keep a detailed record of important conversations.

This feature is invaluable for reviewing call content, ensuring compliance with company policies, and training staff. Call recordings can also be useful for resolving disputes or verifying information, providing a reliable reference for future use.

• Multiple Mobile Diverts

Forward calls to multiple mobile numbers to ensure that no call goes unanswered.

Multiple mobile diverts are ideal for businesses with several team members or departments, increasing the chances of connecting with someone who can address the caller’s needs.

They also help manage high call volumes and ensure that important calls are routed efficiently.

• Out-of-Hours Voicemail

Configure an out-of-hours voicemail to handle calls when your business is closed. This feature informs callers you are unavailable and allows them to leave messages.

It ensures you can still capture enquiries and follow up with clients during business hours, maintaining continuous communication even when unavailable.

• Holiday Voicemail

Set up a holiday voicemail to notify callers of your business’s schedule during holidays or special periods.

Holiday voicemail helps manage expectations by informing clients of any changes in your availability and providing them with alternative contact information if needed.

It ensures that your communication remains clear and professional even during periods of reduced activity.

• Voicemail Transcriptions

Receive transcriptions of your voicemails, allowing you to quickly read and review messages without listening to them.

Voicemail transcriptions save time and make managing and prioritising your messages easier, ensuring that important communications are addressed promptly.

• Custom Greetings

Personalise your greetings with tailored messages that reflect your business’s branding and communication style.

Custom greetings help create a cohesive and professional image, making your interactions more engaging and aligning them with your company’s identity.

And much more!

Advantages: Why Choose Air Landline’s Virtual Numbers?

As a leading provider of virtual phone numbers in the UK, Air Landline offers a complete solution for businesses looking to streamline their communications.

Air Landline’s virtual numbers help businesses of all sizes stay connected and competitive.

Here are some of the key advantages of choosing Air Landline’s service:

1. Stay Professional and Seize Every Opportunity

Air Landline’s virtual numbers allow you to maintain a professional presence, whether at the office or on the go.

Forwarding calls directly to your mobile ensures no important client interaction is missed.

This seamless communication helps build client trust and credibility while ensuring you never lose out on business opportunities due to missed calls.

2. Advanced Features

Air Landline provides a rich set of features beyond basic call forwarding.

From custom greetings and voicemail transcription to call recording and multiple mobile diverts, these advanced features empower your business to handle communications more efficiently.

The ability to tailor your virtual number with these features adds significant value, making your business more responsive and professional in the eyes of your customers.

3. Unplug While Staying Connected

With Air Landline’s flexible call-handling features, you can maintain a healthy work-life balance without compromising on business.

Set up out-of-hours voicemail or holiday greetings to ensure your clients are informed while you enjoy some downtime.

You can rest easy knowing your business calls are managed effectively.

4. Easy Setup and Use

Getting started with Air Landline is quick and straightforward. With a hassle-free setup process, you can have your virtual number up and running in minutes.

The user-friendly platform allows you to manage your settings with just a few clicks, meaning you can focus more on your business and less on technicalities.

5. Scalability for Growing Businesses

Air Landline’s virtual numbers grow with your business. As your company expands, you can quickly scale your communications by adding more numbers, linking multiple devices, or setting up advanced call routing systems.

This flexibility ensures that your business can continue to operate smoothly, regardless of growth or increased call volumes.

Choosing Air Landline’s virtual numbers means more than connecting calls—it’s about creating an efficient, professional, and scalable communication system that supports your business at every stage.

How We Compare Against Other Providers

Different Types of Virtual Telephone Numbers

Virtual telephone numbers come in various types, each designed to suit different business needs.

Here are the most common types of virtual phone numbers available:

• Mobile Numbers: Virtual landline numbers function like regular mobile numbers but are not tied to a physical SIM card. These numbers are ideal for businesses that need flexibility in receiving calls on multiple devices.
• Landline Numbers: Virtual landline numbers allow businesses to create a professional appearance with a local area code. These numbers can be diverted to any device, offering the convenience of taking calls on a mobile phone or computer while maintaining a traditional landline presence.
• Toll-Free Numbers: Toll-free numbers start with a 3-digit code, such as 866, 888, or 800 and allow customers to call your business without being charged. These numbers are particularly useful for customer service lines or businesses looking to encourage inquiries by covering the cost of the call.
• Vanity Numbers: Vanity numbers are customisable, easy-to-remember phone numbers that often spell out a word or company name (e.g., 1-800-FLOWERS). These numbers can significantly enhance brand recognition and make it simpler for customers to recall your contact details.

Choosing the right type of virtual number depends on your business goals, customer base, and the image you want to project.

Air Landline offers all these options, providing the flexibility and professionalism businesses need to succeed.

FAQs

Here are answers to some of the most common questions businesses have about virtual phone numbers:

Summary – What is a virtual number?

In today’s dynamic business environment, a virtual phone number from Air Landline can be a game-changer, offering unmatched flexibility, cost-efficiency, and advanced features.

Virtual numbers provide a versatile solution for maintaining a professional image, managing communications from anywhere, or streamlining business operations.

By choosing Air Landline, you’re not just adopting a modern communication tool but investing in a service that supports your business growth and enhances customer engagement.

Ready to experience the benefits of a virtual phone number?

Sign up for Air Landline’s 7-day FREE trial today!