Geographic Numbers: Definition, Features, Benefits & More

Geographic phone numbers are telephone numbers for a particular location, such as a town, city, or region. They start with a recognizable set of area codes. For instance, in the US, Austin is represented by 512, Dallas by 214, and Houston by 713 area codes. This makes it easy for callers to recognize the location of the person or business they are calling.

Geographic numbers can receive calls from both within and outside the country, and the charges depend mostly on the service providers.

Geographic numbers are assigned according to a country’s numbering plan, where each area code corresponds to a specific region. When someone dials a geographic phone number, the call is routed based on the prefix to connect with the right location. Here’s how it works:

• A customer dials a geographic phone number with a recognizable area code.
• The call is connected through the telecom network using that location-based code.
• The system recognizes the area code and routes the call accordingly.
• Finally, the call connects to the correct number.

Geographic telephone numbers are commonly used by businesses to connect with nearby customers. Regional offices use them for accessibility, professionals like lawyers or consultants use them to build credibility, and remote businesses use them to appear local in targeted areas.

1. Local Businesses: Shops, restaurants, and service providers use them to connect with nearby customers.
2. Regional Offices: Companies assign local numbers to different branches so customers can reach the closest office.
3. Professional Services: Lawyers, consultants, and agents use local numbers to build trust with clients.
4. Marketing Campaigns: Adding a local number in ads helps attract more calls from the target region.
5. Remote Businesses: Companies outside an area can use a local number to appear present in that region.

Geographic phone numbers use location-based prefixes (area codes) that indicate a specific region. These numbers are often associated with fixed-line connections, and callers can instantly recognize where the number originates from.

1. Location-based Prefixes: Each geographic phone number has an area code prefix that identifies a specific city or region. This inclusion of the area code is the main difference between geographic and non-geographic phone numbers.
2. Caller Recognition: Recipients can identify the location of the caller or business simply by looking at the prefix.
3. Fixed-line Association: Traditionally, geographic telephone numbers are linked to landlines in a certain location. However, with VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services, they can now be used virtually from anywhere.

A geographic number helps businesses create a local presence, build trust with customers, and support regional marketing campaigns.

• Establish Local Presence: A geographic number gives your business a local identity in a specific region, even if you operate from elsewhere. This helps you connect with the community without opening a physical office.
• Builds Trust and Credibility: People are more likely to answer or call back a local number. Familiar area codes create recognition and strengthen customer trust.
• Supports Targeted Marketing: Using geographic telephone numbers in marketing campaigns allows businesses to focus on specific regions, improving engagement and response rates.

As these numbers are restricted to a specific geographic region, it limits the businesses’ ability to connect with customers outside the local market. They are less helpful for companies looking for a global presence.

• Tied to Specific Regions: A geographic phone number is linked to a fixed area code, which may limit its usefulness for businesses targeting nationwide or global audiences.
• Multiple Numbers Needed for Wider Reach: If a business wants a presence in different regions, it may need to maintain separate geographic numbers for each area.
• Less Suitable for Global Branding: Companies aiming for a single, location-independent identity often find non-geographic numbers or toll-free numbers more practical.

You can purchase a geographic phone number from a VoIP service provider. The process is often simple: create an account, choose the plan and phone number, and make a payment.

Here’s how to get virtual geographic phone numbers from Calilio, a leading VoIP service provider:

• Step 1 - Sign up on Calilio and log in to your dashboard.
• Step 2 - Navigate to Settings > My Numbers > Purchase Number.
• Step 3 - Select a country and the Local Number option from the dropdown.
• Step 4 - Provide the necessary details and complete the payment.
• Step 5 - Upload the required documents for verification.
• Step 6 - Start using your number after activation.

A geographic phone number is tied to a specific location, recognized by its area code. It’s especially useful for small businesses, service providers, and companies targeting specific regions.

However, geographic numbers are limited to particular locations, offering little flexibility for businesses that aim to expand nationwide or operate globally.

Virtual phone numbers from providers like Calilio can help you overcome this limitation. It allows you to get a virtual phone number from 100+ countries. You can maintain a local presence in multiple regions while managing calls from anywhere in the world. Plus, its virtual numbers come with additional telephony features like voicemail, call recording, call forwarding, and more.

Get a geographic virtual phone number from Calilio today!