The Best Google Voice Alternatives Nobody Told You About

The benefit to google voice is that you are able to access your business phone systems, business phone services, voice messages, and texts from anywhere as long as you can access the internet.

What is Google Voice?

Google Voice is a cloud-based phone system, otherwise known as a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) that allows you to have an alternative phone number from any device. Google Voice offers phone systems for both personal use and business use. 

A benefit to using google voice is that it is affordable. Once you sign up, calls are free to all domestic numbers. International calls require additional fees. 

Alternatives to Google Voice

As with any tech, there are always alternatives:

Burner

Burner is a service that allows you to create a second phone number with many of the features of a fully-fledged second phone without having to buy any new hardware. Created with a focus on privacy and anonymity, with Burner you get access to voice, SMS, and voicemail services that are separate from the ones that already exist on your device. 

This gives you the ability to separate your work life from your home life entirely with the hardware you already own. 

Callcentric Business

Callcentric Business is another VoIP that offers additional payment packages depending on your desired use. The use of Callcentric for outgoing calls is free, allowing for unlimited outgoing calls to any Callcentric or VoIP user. 

Additional monthly fees can be applied as more services are in use, such as calling non VoIP numbers, international calls, and the ability to call E911. The pricing of monthly plans ranges from $0 to $29.95. Incoming calls can be paid $0.15 by the minute, or by paying a monthly plan. 

Pricing varies depending on the desired use of the calls. There are additional extension plans to allow for SMS.

Vo Ip.Ms

Voip.ms offers a long list of features in addition to making calls. Some of these additional features include 3-way calling, audio conferencing, music on hold, call recordings, call encryptions, calling queues, and much more. 

Voip.ms’ rates vary depending on your location and desired plan. Outcoming calls are on a minute plan while incoming calls rates are dependent on whether you choose a monthly plan or pay as you go.

Twilio

Twilio, a cloud-based communication focused more on customer communication. Twilio emphasizes the ability to communicate across platforms, allowing users to communicate with others on channels like SMS, email, video, and chatting apps such as WhatsApp. 

In addition to standard and programmable SMS, Twilio also offers programmable voice calls and the ability to customize a programmable contact center. 

Microsoft Teams

Similar to other VoIP's, Microsoft Teams is an online platform that allows people to chat, call and video chat with one another. Microsoft Teams is free to sign up and offers limited use. Additional services can be acquired through the payment of monthly fees. 

Additional services include the access to Office 365. Microsoft Teams is designed for businesses, home, education and enterprise. 

Vonage

Vonage is a cloud-based VoIP offering both business phones and communication APIs. Vonage plans range from a basic plan at $19.99 to their advanced plan at $39.99. Unfortunately, there are no services that can be used from Vonage without a plan. 

Vonage offers over 50 different features that are accessible from any device through their app. All plans include basic video and voice calls and messaging.  

Grasshopper

Grasshopper is a virtual phone system that allows people to access and use two phone numbers on one device. Users are able to transfer over their number to Grasshopper, or custom pick a new one. 

Both local and toll-free numbers are available. Grasshopper’s services are available through a monthly plan. For those unsure of the commitment, Grasshopper offers a free trial to test the waters.

Free PBX

FreePBX is an Asterisk-based online phone system. FreePBX is entirely free to use, though add-on bundles can be purchased for an additional annual fee. The bundle rates range from $149 to $1,499 for a one-year license. 

Some features included in these bundles are caller ID management, Conference Pro, call recording reports, and appointment reminders. 

Conclusion

If you are looking for an alternative to Google Voice, there are a ton of options out there. Burner stands out as an intuitive and accessible way to get all the benefits of a second phone without actually having to buy any new hardware. 

For a low subscription fee, you can get a second phone number for your business and avoid the complications that arise when you try to manage life at home and life at work on the same device. 

Try Burner’s seven-day free trial to see these features for yourself. 

Sources:

Google Voice | Google

Business Products | Callcentric

Our Features | voip.ms

Sent As Text Message Blocked: What's Going On?

Americans spend five to six hours per day on their phones. With that comes the assumption that we can reliably contact the rest of the world 24/7, regardless of what is happening. 

Cellular service and mobile communication is vital in our day-to-day lives; it can be jarring when a phone call or text message fails. There are various reasons why an SMS message might not go through, but sometimes it is because your phone number was blocked. 

Since a notification like that can be confusing and maybe even upsetting, here are some reasons why a message you sent might not be completed.

Programs Can Block Your Text Messages

You should know that any mobile device can block specific phone numbers. Both iPhone users and Android devices have functions that can prevent a text message from making it to their phone. 

If your text message isn’t being delivered, it is possible that the receiving party used one of these functions to block your phone number. In some cases, it is best to respect the person’s wishes who blocked your phone number. 

But in other cases, it is legitimately important that you be able to contact them. So, how do you get in touch with someone who blocked your number?

How to Call Someone Who Blocked You

The easiest way to get in touch with someone who blocked you is to use another phone. A person can’t block a person; they can only block a phone number, meaning if you use another phone, you will be able to contact them however you want. 

If using another phone is out of the question, there are sometimes ways to get through on your own phone. Because the other phone blocks your phone number, it is possible in some cases to get through to them if you disguise your number. 

Apple and Android phones allow users to disguise their caller IDs so that the receiving phone doesn’t get their blocked number. 

You can also use an app like Burner, which creates a second phone number that you can send text messages from as if you had a second phone, but without the hassle of finding another device.

How To Know if Someone Blocked You on iMessage

On iMessage, an easy way to tell if you’ve been set as a blocked contact is to see whether your text was delivered. If your texts aren’t getting through to the other person and you’re not receiving an iMessage delivery notification, there is a good chance that your phone number has been blocked. 

On iOS and Apple devices, another way to tell is if your messages turn from blue to green, meaning that you are no longer connected to the other person through iMessage at all. Another way to tell is to use any of the above methods we recommended for calling the person; if your calls are going through when you use another phone or hide your caller ID, then that likely means your phone number has been blocked. 

Once you’ve figured out that someone has blocked you, you are left with a question: why have you been blocked?

Why Your Messages Are Blocked

Here are a few reasons why your messages may be blocked:

You Have Sent Out A Lot Of Short Texts Recently

If the receiving party feels like you are spamming their phone, they could be inclined to block your number to save them from having to check so many notifications. If you are trying to stay in contact with someone without making them check their phone every few seconds, try sending longer messages at longer intervals. This way, they have time to process your messages. 

Improving your texting etiquette could go a long way towards making people more responsive to you.

Your Contacts Don't Have Unlimited Text

Sometimes a failed text message is a problem on the receiver’s end, not yours. If the person you are trying to contact has run out of their text plan, they might not be able to receive text messages until their plan resets. 

If this is the case, try giving them a call to see if you can reach them over the phone.

People Are Traveling To Another Country

Text messages might also fail if the person is traveling internationally. It is common for carriers to only work within the United States and requires modifications if you want to reach people outside of the country. 

Check and see if they have travel plans if you wonder why your call isn’t going through.

 Conclusion

It is tough to know why your text message isn’t being received without talking to the person about it. There are so many reasons why a person might be unreachable by your phone number, ranging from unexpected travel plans to more personal issues. 

The silver lining is that there are always other ways to reach people, and if you deem it appropriate, there are even ways to contact people who have blocked your phone number. 

One of the least intrusive ways to do this is to use Burner to create a second number and use that to contact the other person. When you use Burner, you are creating a completely new text chain with a completely new number, functionally acting as if you have a second phone without going out and spending money on a mobile device you will rarely use. 

Burner protects your real number and gives you the ability to contact previously unreachable phone numbers. 

Check out Burner’s free trial if you want to see these functions in action first-hand.

Sources:

Time spent on average on a smartphone in the US 2021 | Statista

Avoid unwanted calls on iPhone | Apple

Hide your caller ID when you make calls | Google

Android Services Nobody Ever Told You About

Android is the most popular mobile operating system globally, with people worldwide relying on Android devices daily. Despite their pervasiveness within human culture as a whole, Android as an operating system is so vast and complex that most people only know about a fraction of the available features Android phones have to offer. 

While some of these are extraneous applications that you can download to improve your experience with the device, many of them are quality of life services that run in the background, keeping your phone running smoothly, and keeping you in control of your own device. 

What is Android Services?

Android services are the software aspects of your phone that you don’t see but are running behind the scenes to maintain a positive sense of continuity in your experience with the device. 

Two kinds of tasks will run on an Android: Long-running tasks and periodic tasks. As their names imply, long-running tasks are continuous tasks such as data analytics that might continue throughout the day. 

Periodic tasks are more situational, like a brief file download. In addition to these, there are four main types of services:

1. A bindservice or bound services, binding a component to a particular activity on your phone. 

2. A startservice starts with separate activities and continuously runs in the background until told to stop. 

3. An intent service, which handles individual jobs one at a time. 

4. A hybrid service, which is a mix of a bound and started service. 

These might sound complicated written out like this, but the purpose of Android services is to keep your life simple. 

Other android services you hear about are:

• Unbindservice

• Stopservice (stopself)

• Foreground service

Here are some of the existing Android services and resources that have been helping you all along, even if you didn’t know about them. 

Types of Android Services

1: The System Update Service

Modern smartphones require that you keep up with the latest OS update if you want to have a phone that runs smoothly. Your Android device will automatically notify you when such an update is available, and clicking on that notification will allow you to download the update and install it on your phone. 

As long as your phone is connected to a network, it will continue to receive system updates as they come out. 

2: The System Web View Service

Android Web View is a vital part of your smartphone that allows you to access and display web content. Web View is what keeps you connected to the world around you and lets you use the internet functions of the Android device. 

Web View requires regular updates, so make sure you keep an eye out for them so that you don’t have any lapses in network accessibility. 

3: The Battery Historian Service

As a service, the Battery Historian is very useful because it lets you figure out how your device is using your battery. You can use this information to inform your usage habits or just to learn what aspects of your phone take up the most battery. 

Battery consumption behaviors provide insight into general phone use behaviors and improve your understanding of your phone and its features. 

4: The App Widget Service

Widgets are a fun and helpful feature where you can embed miniature control applications within other applications, such as the home screen. Important apps can be made accessible from the home screen to simplify the process of navigating your mobile device. 

Widgets are customizable, and there are a variety of ways to use and create them. 

5: The Battery Service

You wouldn’t know it from your day’s worth of battery time, but Android devices have a ton going on behind the scenes to manage battery usage. Your phone’s behavior is actually going to change based on how full the battery is, managing background tasks based on the power the battery has to offer when unplugged. 

Your phone also manages the health of your batter and will notify you if there are any issues in that department. 

6: The Alarm Manager Service

The alarm service is how your phone manages apps or functions that are set to be used at a later date. Whenever there is a need for a function of your Android device to be set on a timer for a particular date and time, the alarm service is part of the operating system running the show. 

Conclusion

Android devices have a slew of internal services that you can use as a user of one of their products. Third-party apps also improve the functioning of your device. 

Burner is an application that allows you to use a second phone number to set boundaries and maintain your privacy and anonymity. Burner is a safe and secure way to separate your work life and home life healthily, with various features built around your data security. 

With Burner’s voice and SMS capabilities, you stay in the loop without compromising your privacy. Services like these help manage the phone and your existing network, and it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with them like the ones above.

Start your Burner 7-day free trial today.

Sources:

iOS More Popular in Japan and US, Android Dominates in China and India | PC Mag

Creating Android Services | Android

Android System WebView | Apps on Google Play

Analyze power use with Battery Historian | Android

Create a simple widget | Android

BatteryManager | Android

AlarmManager | Android

Dual Sim Phones: What Are They & How Do They Work?

2021 has blurred the line between our work and home lives, with one in four Americans working from home. So it is more important than ever that you take steps to distinguish when you are off the clock. 

Using two phones has been common among people who want to keep their job out of their home for decades. Over time, however, the idea of having two different phones has become an archaic concept to some people who can’t imagine having to lug around an extra device wherever they go. 

This general concept has resurged with the increased popularity of dual-SIM phones, allowing users to have two phones in one device effectively.

What Are Dual Sim Phones?

Subscriber Identity Module cards, better known as SIM cards, are the brains of your mobile devices. SIM cards tie your personal information to your phone, allowing you to make calls, send messages, and connect to the internet so long as you are using a device containing one of your SIM cards.

Therefore, a dual-SIM phone is a mobile device with two SIM slots, and users effectively gain access to two phones in one. With a dual-SIM phone, you can manage two separate contact lists and even two completely different providers. 

From the perspective of a third party, you have two different phone numbers, but both are attached to a single mobile device.

How Do They Work?

If you consider a SIM card to be the brains of a phone, then a dual-SIM phone is a device that has two brains: basically, it’s like having two phones in one. A dual-SIM phone has slots for two SIM cards, which separate your phone calls, text messages, contact lists, and sometimes even network providers. 

Dual-SIM phones come in two forms: Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDA) and Dual SIM Full Active (DSFA). DSDA means that one SIM will always be on standby while the other is active, while DSFA phones allow you to switch between your SIM cards seamlessly. 

Dual-SIM phones are ordinary in countries where switching between providers is beneficial to businesses that want to minimize the cost of staying in contact with a large client base. Still, in places like the United States, they are only just starting to catch on.

 What is eSIM?

Another technological advancement made in the last few years is eSIM, which are digital SIM cards that don’t need to be put into a physical slot. While Android phones are the go-to option for dual-SIM phones as of 2021, Apple has started investing in expanding the eSIM capabilities of its products. 

Beginning with the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR, you can use dual-SIM with your iPhone by either using two eSIMs or an eSIM and physical SIM combined. Apple users can separate their voice and data plans and use two distinct phone numbers, just like dual-SIM phones. 

Dual-SIM with eSIM on apple is DSDS, meaning one SIM has to be accessed separately from one another and cannot be used simultaneously.

Do Dual Sim Phones Have A Second Number?

Access to a second phone number is one of the primary draws of using dual-SIM phones. An unprecedented percentage of our population is working from home, and the ability to keep your work calls and home calls distinct from one another is more alluring than ever. 

With a dual-SIM phone, you have two different phones from an outside perspective; your phone numbers are different and texts and calls only go to the SIM attached to the number the caller has for you. You have two identities in one smartphone. 

However, using dual-SIM phones isn’t the only way to put two phone numbers on one phone. An app lets you create a second phone number and keep your work and home lives separate Burner.

How to use Burner

Burner is a cellular app that provides the function of a burner phone without forcing you to go out and buy a second device. Burner generates a second phone number on your mobile device and reroutes and calls sent to that number to your phone. 

This means you receive calls sent to that Burner number, but you keep your home number private and secure. Burner has its voicemail, meaning you can manage and separate the calls you want to reply to. 

In addition to work, Burner is great for online buying or selling, dating, and any other activities that involve working with strangers for a prolonged period. It would be absurd to buy a second phone just to buy something on Craigslist. Still, it is a much smaller commitment to use the Burner app and refer the seller to your second number so that you can complete the transaction without giving away your personal information.

Conclusion

Today, privacy is more important than ever to maintain. Having two separate phone numbers is a huge step toward keeping your work-life balance healthy, and it also keeps you safer by letting you be more selective in who gets access to your personal phone number. 

Having to carry two mobile devices is a thing of the past. If you aim to access multiple carriers for your business from one phone, then dishing out the cash required for a dual-SIM phone may be in your best interest. 

If you want to reap the benefits of a second phone number and maintain a higher level of privacy, Burner app is a massively more affordable option. Regardless of your intentions, having two phone numbers is gaining traction worldwide and will be more and more common over the decade.  

Sources:

Statistics On Remote Workers That Will Surprise You (2021) | apollotechnical.com

Using Dual SIM with an eSIM | Apple

Dual SIM Technology | NGM

Dual SIM Phones, How Do They Work? | Onecom

Get A 469 Area Code Phone Number Today

Google is increasingly focusing on local SEO for businesses relevant to a searcher’s location. Because of their local focus, you’ll want your business to appear at the top of local search rankings. To appear at the top of search results pages, you’ll want your business to have a local phone number, among other factors. 

So, a phone number with a local area code influence’s users’ decisions meaning it influences your business’ success. 

Why Does A Phone Number Matter?

Your company’s phone number is the direct way that both customers and partners will contact your business. It will be seen right next to the name of your business in just about all of your advertisements. 

By selecting a specific phone number, you will have the opportunity to improve the perception of your business by displaying professionalism and legitimacy. These are a few different examples of phone numbers and what they might imply to a potential customer:

Vanity Numbers

Having a vanity number is a very effective marketing tool that brings attention to your business and helps customers remember your number better. Instead of having ten random digits that your customer needs to remember, a vanity number like 1-800-CASH-4-ME helps. 

But, while it helps a customer to remember your number, it might come off as a gimmick or indicate a lack of professionalism for your business, depending on your product. Late-night commercials featuring payday loans and injury lawyers have commonly used this tactic and somewhat soured the public on it as a result.

Toll Free Numbers

A business that has one of the various toll-free prefixes such as 800 can help give the impression that your business is operated nationally. Since these numbers mean that callers won’t be responsible for long-distance charges, it implies that you serve various customers all over the country. 

This brings a sense of legitimacy to your business, but there are plenty of people that prefer to keep their business local and improve their community instead of a national conglomerate.

Prestige Area Codes

The area code associated with a business can quickly create an assumption about the business. For example, 212 is one of the many area codes that service the island of Manhattan. This area is one of the most important business hubs in the entire world and full of powerful and wealthy companies. 

Having a 212 area code implies that your business has enough to take a place alongside other titans of industry and capitalism. For these reasons, it’s probably not going to be possible to get a 212 area code, but there are plenty more high-quality area codes that may provide a similar boost in perception.  

Where Is Area Code 469?

The area code of 469 is located in the northeastern part of central Texas and services most of the eastern parts of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. There are quite a few area codes that serve this area, but 469 represents several different counties, including Dallas, Collin, and Denton. 

The 469 area code has been in service since 1999, when it was created as an overlay for the 214 area code as a result of high demand. The largest city serviced by the 469 code is Dallas, but other big cities include Plano, Garland, and Irving. Code 469 covers an area of over 2,800 square miles and has a population of over two million people, with Dallas alone boosting over 1.2 million residents. 

How Will A 469 Area Code Can Be Beneficial?

As the population of the Dallas-Fort Worth areas continues to boom, more area codes are required to adequately provide service to the area. The area code 214 has been used the longest, but 469 and 972 have also represented the area for a few decades as well. There have long been plans to include a new area code in the region. 

Earlier this year, area code 945 was added to these other three codes. Adding in a new area code means that the population is growing but that more businesses want to be associated with the area. 

There are plenty of reasons why the area code has become so popular over the years and why outside businesses so often use it. 

A Booming Population

Dallas-Fort Worth has grown to become one of the largest metropolitan areas in the entire United States. There is already an estimated population of over 1.2 million citizens living in Dallas, but more people are moving there every day. 

In fact, the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex led the country in nominal population growth in 2019 by adding over 120,000 new residents. Large populations of people mean a more competitive job market with a deeper recruiting pool for employers. 

Area codes associated with such a large population of people can imply a high-quality team of employees that can provide superior customer service. 

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport

The Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is one of the busiest airport hubs in the entire world and is just behind the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport of Atlanta in traffic. It’s estimated that more than 73 million people will visit the Dallas-Fort Worth area while traveling. 

Although not all of them will stay in the area for long, that is a lot of potential customers coming to the area. Even though these people might not be tourists, they will still be spending money while experiencing a layover and helping boost the local economy with lots of outside money.

The Dallas Cowboys

Every fall, the Dallas Cowboys professional football team brings in hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue and hundreds of thousands of fans to the Dallas area. The team is nicknamed “America’s Team” and was named as the world’s most valuable sports franchise earlier this year. 

Valued at $5.7 billion, the Cowboys bring a ton of business and prestige to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. A new home stadium for the Cowboys was recently constructed and cost over 1.2 billion dollars to complete, making it one of the most expensive sports venues in history.

 The stadium is known to host several other extremely highly marketed sporting events, including the Super Bowl, the NCAA Playoff National Championship Game, the NCAA Final Four, the Big XII Championship game,  the Cotton Bowl, and the NBA All-Star game. 

In addition to sporting events, the stadium also hosts large musical concerts with Beyonce, Metallica, and Paul McCartney performances. In addition to the Cowboys, Dallas also has a professional basketball team (the Mavericks), a professional baseball team (the Rangers), and a professional hockey team (the Stars). 

Fans will travel from around the world to see these teams play and spend a lot of money locally to do so.

A Diverse Community

One of the most impressive things about the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is the growing amount of diversity amongst the population. The city of Dallas has a large variety of ethnic and religious groups and is one of the largest LGBTQ communities in the country. 

Along with a high population of LGBTQ individuals, Dallas has one of the highest concentrations of gay-owned businesses in the country. Every September, there is a month-long gay celebration festival that brings in people worldwide to celebrate. 

The area also has a historic Arts District that includes the Dallas Museum of Art, the Meyerson Symphony Center, and The Perot Museum of Nature and Science. An area code of 469 indicates a more welcoming and diverse company mindset to a potential customer.

The Takeaway

Although it’s not fair or reasonable, every detail related to your company changes a potential customer’s perception of your business. This is even true for something that’s seemingly insignificant such as a phone number or an area code.

The 469 area code is in an area of the U.S. with a booming population, a bustling airport, millions of dollars in tourism revenue. Make sure your business is at the top of local searches by users looking for your products or services. 

Get your Burner number today and place your company in local searches in your markets. Take advantage of the free trial to see your leads increase immediately.

SOURCES

What Is a Toll-Free Number and How Does it Work? | FCC.gov

Want a 212 area code? It's gonna cost you | Marketplace.org

469 Area Code - Location map, time zone, and phone lookup | Allareacodes.com

Get A 407 Area Code Phone Number Today

Even though its usually an afterthought, a phone number says a lot about your business. Even the area code provides information for a possible customer to consider. You can create a specific phone number tailored to meet your company and business model by changing your phone number. 

What’s So Important About A Phone Number?

In business, perception is often more important than reality. It’s the reason why so many business people are often dressed in high quality and expensive suits. By appearing to be rich and successful, they are creating an image of themselves and their company. 

Dressing and acting, the part of being successful, is a very important part of actually being successful. 

The same concept can also be applied to the phone number of your business. There are quite a few different types of phone numbers, each of them will give off a different perception of your business. 

You will have to decide what you want your phone number to say about you and your business. Here are a few examples of the varying types of phone numbers available and what they might imply to a potential customer:

Vanity Numbers

These numbers will usually help get the attention of potential customers and help them remember the number in the future. Trying to remember a ten-digit phone number can be pretty difficult, but remembering one that spells out words such as 1-800-CASH-4-ME is much easier to remember. While these numbers come with a few benefits, they are also heavily associated with late-night infomercials for ridiculous products. 

A vanity number might give off the impression that your business shouldn’t be taken as seriously as the competition.

Toll Free Numbers

Having one of the various 800 prefixes means that your callers won’t have to pay long-distance charges. While this is less of a problem with modern-day technology, it shows that your business is run nationally. 

Any company that does business from coast to coast would have to be considered successful, so an 800 number would imply success. However, some people prefer to do business with smaller companies or those located within their own community. 

This is where the idea of using a specific area code is the better option. 

Prestigious Area Codes

The area code associated with a business can say a lot more than you may think. Take, for example, the area code of Manhattan: 212. 

Any business with a 212 area code at the front of their number is instantly associated with one of the most powerful business hubs in the world. A business calling from that area code has instant credibility compared to one calling from the middle of North Dakota. 

Since you almost certainly won’t be able to secure a 212 area code, you may have to consider an alternative option instead.  

Where Is The 407 Area Code Located?

The area code of 407 is located in eastern parts of central Florida and services the counties of Orange, Seminole, Osceola, and Brevard. These counties are located to the south of Daytona Beach, east of Tampa, and north of West Palm Beach. 

The largest city in this area code is Orlando, but it also includes Alafaya, Pine Hills, Kissimmee, and Sanford as well. The 407 area code is a little over three thousand square miles and includes a population of over 3.6 million people. Due to the high demand for these numbers in this area code, the overlay prefix of 689 has started to be more commonly used. 

Why Should You Use A 407 Area Code?

The 407 code first started to be used in the year 1988. Since the number covers such a large land area, it had been split two separate times by the area codes of 561 in 1996 and 321 in 1999. However, the numbers were frozen, and the current area codes of the location are 407 and 689. 

This information is worth knowing because it means that these area code numbers are very highly sought. One of the largest reasons for this high demand is the location of Disney World and several other theme parks. 

However, there are a few more reasons why outside businesses often use the area code. 

The Theme Parks

Obviously, the largest and most beneficial factor of a 407 area code is that there are several theme parks located there. The most profitable being Disney World, but Orlando is also home to Universal Studios, Sea World, and Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, to name a few. 

Under normal circumstances, these theme parks and attractions generate tens of millions of dollars daily. These numbers have taken a dramatic step backward since the pandemic hit but are starting to rise again and slowly return to normal. 

While the number of tourists hasn’t returned to normal levels yet, plenty of businesses have been built around their inevitable return.  

A Growing Number Of Industries

While tourism might be the major draw for the 407 area code, plenty of other businesses are starting to grow in the area. The area is starting to become synonymous with technology and scientific studies due to the Central Florida Research Park being opened there. 

There are also plenty of film and television shows being filmed in the area as well as aerospace and aviation production. A wide variety of business types is very beneficial for an area as it shows that the local economy can survive on more than just one or two industries. 

Lower Taxes

One of the main reasons so many businesses are started and operated in Florida is their generous tax cuts and low revenue burden. This means that a business that is run in Florida has a much higher value and more capital than a business run in most other states. 

It’s important to note that these tax rates won’t apply to your business just because you are using a Florida area code. However, by using an area code such as 407, potential customers may find your business more appealing if they believe you are paying fewer taxes than other similar companies. 

Huge Population

The 407 area code contains so many people that it was split up two times and still needed a third overlay code. With more than 3.6 million people, it is one of the largest area codes in terms of population, and that’s not counting the tens of millions of tourists that visit annually. 

A large population can signal that the local economy is sustainable and is providing a more competitive job market than other areas. A 407 area code could imply that your business has a higher quality team of employees that will be able to provide a more pleasant experience for the customer.  

The Takeaway

Whether you realize it or not, even the tiniest of details are important for a customer when they are attempting to make a purchase. This can include the overall phone number of your business but might even include just the area code. 

Using the Burner app immediately provides your business with an improved perception of professionalism, regardless of where your business is located. By using Burner to set up a second number in the 407 area code, your business will be viewed positively and be associated with the growing Orlando metropolis area. 

SOURCES:

What Is a Toll-Free Number and How Does it Work? | FCC.gov

Want a 212 area code? It's gonna cost you. | Marketplace.org

407 Area Code - Location map, time zone, and phone lookup | Allareacodes.com

of Area Code 407 - Info and List of Zipcodes in Area Code 407 - Updated | Zpdatamaps.com

The Central Florida tourism industry's money woes mount with each closed day, due to coronavirus - Orlando Business Journal | Bizjournals.com

Central Florida Research Park | CFRP

2020 How Florida Compares: Taxes | Floridataxwatch.org

Get A 805 Area Code Phone Number Today

When running a business, every detail is important. But did you realize your phone number plays a role in your business’ success? 

It might not sound like a particularly important issue, but the official phone number for your business matters. Not only is the phone number itself important, but even the area code can be worth changing. 

Why Does The Phone Number Matter?

Appearances and perception are two very important factors in the success of a business. It’s one of the reasons why most corporate heads will buy and wear expensive suits. By appearing to be a successful businessperson, they are reassuring the public that their product or service is valuable for them and can be trusted to be high quality. 

The same can be true for a phone number as well. Having an official business phone number can help to provide your business with an additional appearance of being professional, focused, and successful. 

Remember, the phone number of your business appears alongside the name and logo of your company, so make sure you select one that accurately represents you and your business.

What Are The Options For Phone Numbers?

There are quite a few different types of phone numbers available for your business. You need to decide which works best for you and your specific business as they each offer different benefits and drawbacks. Some of the different types of phone numbers include:

Toll Free Numbers

A common example of a toll-free number is the prefix: 800. Customers dialing a 1-800 number will most likely perceive the business as operated nationally instead of locally. While some people may prefer dealing with a smaller and local business, plenty of customers prefer the stability and success of a national company instead.

Vanity Numbers

One of the easiest ways to get people to pay attention to your phone number is by creating a clever vanity number. Anyone trying to remember a ten-digit number they saw on a commercial will almost certainly get mixed up or forget a few digits. 

However, a number such as 1-800-CASH-4-ME would be much easier to remember. While the number might stay in the customer’s head longer, vanity numbers are unprofessional. You should select a number that is easy to remember and doesn’t make your business appear like it’s a joke.

Important Area Codes

The area code associated with your business says a lot about it, even if you have never been to the area. For example, Manhattan currently uses an area code of 212 and is one of the world’s largest and wealthiest hubs of business. 

Having an area code like 212 indicates that your company has made it to and succeeded in one of the most powerful areas of business. 

You probably won’t be able to secure a 212 area code for your phone, but there are plenty of other options that could have a similar positive effect on your business. 

Where Is Area Code 805?

The area code of 805 is located in the southern parts of California and touches the Pacific Ocean. The area is located a little bit north of Los Angeles, south of San Jose, and borders the western side of Fresno and Bakersfield. 

The 805 area code services the counties of Santa Barbara, Ventura, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo, including several large cities such as Oxnard, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, and San Buenaventura. 

There are an estimated 2.2 million people living in the 805 area code range, and the code also services a few military facilities.  

Why Will The 805 Area Code Be Helpful?

The area code 805 has been in use since 1957, making it one of the oldest running area codes in the country. Over the years, it’s become synonymous with the northern parts of southern California. There is plenty of wealth in this area alongside companies like:

• Mission Linen Supply

• Inamed

• Yardi Systems

• Cottage Health

a long history of Fortune 500 companies being created and operated. 

Having an area code related to this area can give off several impressions about your business that could be beneficial. 

An Above Average Household Income

The 805 area code covers 24 cities. One of the largest cities represented by 805 is Santa Barbara. 

The average household income in Santa Barbara is over $76,000 annually. According to the latest United States census, the average household income is less than $63,000 per year. 

Although the 805 area code is far from the wealthiest area code in the country, it clearly has much more disposable income than other areas.  

Multiple Industries In The Area

Several companies have been established in the 805 area code ranging from health care, agriculture, and manufacturing to entertainment, recreation, and tourism. The area is also known for oil fields, high-quality vineyards, and software development. A wide variety of businesses implies that the area is sustainable for industries of all types. 

High Levels Of Tourism

Just about anywhere in southern California experiences high levels of tourism, but the 805 area code has a few specific qualities that might be interesting to tourists. Alongside traditionally beach-related activities such as surfing, sailing, or kiteboarding, the 805 area also has trails for hiking and streams for kayaking and fishing. 

There are plenty of high-quality boutiques and shopping centers located in the area that generate traffic and revenue for the area. Along the southern end of the 805 area, plenty of studios create television and movies that provide lots of tourist attractions. 

Military Base

The Vandenberg Space Force Base, formerly known as the Vandenberg Air Force Base, has been operating in the 805 area code since it opened in 1941. The base is one of six active-duty Space Force bases in the United States and is home to 15,000 soldiers and their families. 

Although the base isn’t known to be a huge tourist attraction, military bases can be very beneficial to the local economy.  

Large Population

Roughly 2.2 million people are estimated to live in the 805 area. In Oxnard, there are nearly 200,000 residents alone, representing just one of 24 cities in the area. A large population indicates a stable local economy that can sustain itself and grow for the future. 

A growing population also means that the job market is competitive. This leads to a higher quality workforce that performs their jobs efficiently and provides a better experience for the potential customer. 

The Takeaway

You might not realize it, but the phone number associated with your business has a very large impact on the perception of your company. Not only does the phone number have an impact on your business, but the area code can make a difference too. 

Despite only being three digits, the area code associated with your business can provide a heightened sense of professionalism and legitimacy for your business. You have the option of choosing a specific area code to use, and you won’t even need to reside in the area that it represents. 

Download the Burner app and setup your second number in the 805 area code today to improve how potential customers and other businesses view you.

SOURCES:

Want a 212 area code? It's gonna cost you | Marketplace.org

What Is a Toll-Free Number and How Does it Work? | FCC.gov

805 Area Code - Location map, time zone, and phone lookup | Allareacodes.com

Get A 949 Area Code Phone Number Today

You can use almost everything to create a competitive edge in the world of business. The obvious examples include the name, logo, product, price, or advertisements of your business. However, a lesser-known opportunity for separating yourself from your competitors is by changing your phone number. 

You might not realize it, but the phone number associated with your business plays a very large role in the way potential customers perceive your company. The area code alone alters the way that the public views your business and plays an important role in your sales. 

Why Is A Phone Number Important To Business?

Having an official business number is extremely important for your company, regardless of the service or product that you are selling. A business number immediately boosts your credibility in the eyes of the local public and makes you appear more professional and successful. 

The number becomes a part of your brand because it appears alongside the name of your company. The number almost certainly is displayed clearly in any commercials, billboards, websites, brochures, or business cards that you create. 

As a result, you may want to select one that can help expand your customer base.

What Are The Options For A Business Phone Number?

There are quite a few different choices when it comes to selecting a phone number for your business. Each of them has its own potential benefits for your business. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which one works best for your specific brand and company model. The various options for a business phone number include:

Vanity Numbers

Using a vanity number is one of the easiest ways to grab a potential customer’s attention and help them remember your number for the future. Think about the late-night commercials that you have seen that include a bizarre number, such as 1-800-CASH-4-ME. 

It’s much easier to remember a phone number like that one instead of ten random digits. However, a number like that may appear silly or gimmicky to some customers. 

Toll Free Numbers

Having an 800 number has a few different benefits for your business. Along with helping your customers and business partners to reach you for free, it also gives the perception that your business operates nationwide. 

There are several toll-free numbers now besides an 800 prefix. Other toll-free numbers available include 833, 844, 855, 866, 877, and 888. 

Each number provides the same service, so you will be able to select whoever one flows most smoothly with the rest of your number. 

A Local Number

Depending on your business, you might have the local area code assigned to your number. However, if you are doing business in another area, you might want an area code used there instead. 

When living in an area, people get used to dialing their area code. If you have a different area code, this could confuse the customer and result in misdialing. 

Another benefit of having a local area code is that people will assume your business is headquartered in the area. They might be more inclined to do business with a local than they would if the number was assigned somewhere out of state. 

Prestigious Area Codes

There are quite a few area codes that come with an altered perspective of your business. For example, one of the most famous area codes is 212, which represents the island of Manhattan. The value of a business having a 212 area code cannot be understated. 

Manhattan is home to some of the world’s most wealthy and powerful businesses. Having an area code associated with Manhattan gives your business an incredible boost in legitimacy and perception. 

While that area code is beneficial, a 212 area code is also nearly impossible to get. However, there are still a few other prestigious area codes that can boost your business credibility. 

Where Is Area Code 949 Located?

The area code of 949 is located in the southern parts of California and primarily represents Orange County. The area of Orange County is located alongside the Pacific Ocean and is south of Los Angeles and a little north of San Diego. 

Some of the major cities inside of Orange County include Irvine, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and San Clemente. There are over three million people estimated to live in Orange County, making up approximately 75 percent of the people who use the 949 area code. 

Why Use Area Code 949?

949 was first put into service in 1998 and is one of several area codes representing the southern part of California ever since. Orange County is home to some of the wealthiest people in the world and is one of the most important business hubs globally. 

Using this area code is highly beneficial to the way that your business is perceived. There is plenty of positive information about the 949 area code that improves the perception of your company.

A Large Population

Nearly three million people are living in Orange County. More than 200,000 people live in the suburban city of Irvine, and that number continues to grow annually. This is just one of the dozens of cities using the 949 area code. A population that high suggests high amounts of shopping and a thriving local economy. 

Great Schools

Orange County has a very highly rated public school system that helps to produce a strong workforce for any business located in the area. Potential customers will take comfort in thinking that your business is staffed by capable individuals that successfully graduated from Orange County schools.

Wealth

Newport Beach is one of the cities located in Orange County and is considered one of the wealthiest communities in the United States. The property values continue to rise along with the average income. 

These economic rises have led to a steady decline in crime, making Orange County one of the safer places to live. It is a safe assumption that a business located in this area code is doing very well financially. 

Technology Centric Area

The technology boom of the last few decades affected Southern California. Several Fortune 500 tech companies started and continue to operate in the surrounding areas of 949. Being associated with some of these industrial giants adds legitimacy to your business. 

Along with tech companies, there are plenty of other businesses located in the area inducing fashion moguls, automotive engineers, and regional headquarters. 

The Takeaway

The phone number that is associated with your business says a lot about your company. It’s important to select a phone number that will carry along with it a message of professionalism and legitimacy. 

Whether you opt for a vanity number, toll-free number, or local number, you should make sure that the area code is best for your business. A 949 area code helps to improve the public perception of your business. Use the Burner app as a second calling number to stay relevant in the 949 area code and keep your business and personal lives private, and separate.

SOURCES

Newport Beach is the richest US city | Orange County Register.

Want a 212 area code? It's gonna cost you | Marketplace.org

What Is a Toll-Free Number and How Does it Work? | FCC.gov

949 Area Code - Location map, time zone, and phone lookup | Allareacodes.com

Orange County California - Visitor and Community Guide | Orangecounty.net

Get A 954 Area Code Phone Number Today

Marketing and branding are two common buzzwords associated with your business. But you’re probably thinking about the name, logo, or commercials relating to a business. These are just a few examples of marketing and branding, but another important factor that can commonly be overlooked is the phone number. 

Choosing a certain phone number or area code makes a big difference and separates your business from the competition. 

Why Does The Phone Number Matter?

The ultimate goal of your business is to offer up an alternative to your competition. Any way that you can separate your business from the others is beneficial to making a sale. Having a generic phone number makes your business seem dull and unimaginative. 

Think about all of those late-night commercials for injury lawyers or payday loans. They often have a specific number that spells out a word that’s related to their law firm. You might not realize it, but this is a clever marketing move designed to help you to remember the phone number this way instead of ten random digits. 

These are what are known as vanity numbers, but they are far from the only important factor when it comes to the phone number of a business.    

Why Does The Area Code Matter?

Even if you don’t decide to opt for a vanity number, you should still consider changing the area code associated with your business. Although it might not seem like it, a lot of information is being relayed to a potential customer with just those three numbers. 

There are a few different options available when it comes to changing your area code, each with its own potential benefits and perceptions. 

A Toll Free Number

Having a toll-free number means that the person calling won’t be charged fees for making a long-distance call. The most common toll-free code is 800. But over time, the codes 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833 have been added due to the popularity of the prefix. 

A toll-free code gives your customers a sense that your business is run nationally. The perception that a business is national helps provide trust for the customer that they will have a quality product and positive experience.

A Local Area Code

Using a local area code gives customers a sense that you are headquartered in their area and beneficial to their community. The idea of helping their community by supporting a local business can be the deciding factor for some customers. 

If you are primarily selling a product or service in a certain area, having an out-of-town phone number for your business might confuse your customers and lead to them misdialing or not answering. 

Prestigious Codes

Some area codes can even bring a sense of legitimacy to your business right from the beginning. For example, the area code of 212 is one of several codes that are assigned to Manhattan, which contains some of the most powerful and wealthy businesses in the world. 

Having a business number with an area code of 212 boosts the perception of your business. 

Where Is Area Code 954?

Area code 954 is located on the southeastern seaboard of Florida and covers the cities of Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Coral Springs, Pembroke Pines, and several others. This area is known as Broward County and makes up about 1,200 square miles of the space between West Palm Beach to the north and Miami to the south. 

Around 1.7 million people currently live in Broward county. The 954 area code has been in use since 1995, but the overlay code of 754 was added a few years later as a result of the population boom in South Florida. 

Why Use A 954 Area Code?

Tourism is an extremely popular business in the South Florida region. Using an area code of 954 helps you to build up a local presence in the area and potentially reach new customers. 

Another key factor determining the value of a 954 area code is that Florida is the 4th largest state economy in the nation. Because approximately half of the state’s workforce is made up of small businesses, having a 954 area code brings a certain appeal and charm to your business. 

There are a few other perceptions that can come with a 954 area code as well: 

A Low Unemployment Rate

Before the pandemic changed the world, Fort Lauderdale consistently had an unemployment rate of less than five percent. As the world slowly begins to return to normal, the unemployment rate should return to around these levels. 

When an area has a low unemployment rate, it means that the job market is more competitive. This gives off the indication that your business is thriving despite having intense competition. 

Another benefit is that low unemployment rates lead to further job growth and expansion, so local customers will be more likely to purchase a product with these potential benefits. 

Lower Taxes And Cost Of Living

Although the cost of living for Florida is a little bit higher than the national average, the minimum wage is more, and the tax burden is much less. Seven states have a low tax rate for the residents and businesses; Florida is one of them. 

Along with the geographical location of Florida, this low tax rate is considered one of the main reasons for so many businesses relocating to Florida in the last few decades. While the tax rate and cost of living for your business wouldn’t change by simply switching your area code, it is appealing to a potential customer that your business has more capital and value by being in Florida. 

Tourists And Colleges

Tourism is one of the most important economic factors for Florida. The weather is preferred to the icy storms and snow of many northern parts of the United States, so the beaches are filled with people from out of town.

The addition of Disney World has helped Florida grow into a popular vacation destination as well. A number associated with a high tourism area would indicate that your business always has a steady stream of money coming in front out of town. 

Instead of circulating money around the community, out-of-town money helps build it up and improve the area, leading to higher levels of tourism. 

Another benefit of the 954 area code is all of the colleges and institutions of higher learning nearby. Similar to the 415 area code of San Francisco, having an area code associated with high levels of education brings an intellectual appeal to a business. 

The Takeaway

Despite only being three digits, the area code associated with your business has a large impact on your customers and their perception of your business. Whether reasonable or not, customers can make a lot of assumptions about a company based on the area code in their phone number. 

An area code of 954 currently has several potential benefits and brings about positive perceptions for your business. Use the Burner app as a second calling number to stay relevant in the 954 area code and keep your business and personal lives private, and separate.

SOURCES

Do area codes even matter anymore? | Marketwatch.com

What Is a Toll-Free Number and How Does it Work? | FCC.gov

In Manhattan, the 646 Area Code Is Correct, but Somehow Wrong (Published 1999) | NYTimes.com

954 Area Code - Location map, time zone, and phone lookup | Allareacodes.com

The Alliance - Broward County June jobs increased by 34,800 year over year (+4.4%) | GFLAlliance.org.

Do Floridians pay the lowest taxes? A comparison with other states - May 19• Opinion | Tampabay.com