Marketing is a lot different today from what it used to be. Ads pop up on your phone. Brands talk to you on social media. And topping the first page of Google search listings is the holy grail most businesses are trying to achieve. Even so, one thing hasn’t changed. Some people still like picking up the phone and talking to a human being.
That might sound a bit old-fashioned, especially given that most Gen Z and many millennials are quite used to communicating with businesses via messaging apps and online forms. However, phone calls continue to play an influential role in marketing. Especially amongst people who are close to making a purchasing decision.
In Australia, over 300,000 businesses use 1300 numbers. The main reasons why are that:
- They make people feel confident about who they are calling
- Helps attract higher-quality leads
- Give businesses useful data on what customers actually want
If your business does not currently have one, this post is for you. Here’s why smart marketers still use 1300 numbers in a predominantly digital world.
Why Is Receiving Phone Calls Still An Important Part of Modern Marketing?
People usually call a business for a reason. Often, this is because they are interested in procuring your products or services but have a question they need answering before they commit to a sale.
But here’s the thing. A phone call shows stronger intent than most online actions. Indeed, anyone can fill out an online form. And clicking a button only takes one second. However, actually calling a company takes effort, which means a person is already invested in what it is you have to offer.
Moreover, inbound phone leads often lead to better conversations, as the business can answer questions straight away. Additionally, they can gain a deeper understanding of what the customer is actually looking for. For marketers, this usually translates to fewer low-quality leads and more sales opportunities.
What Is a 1300 Number?
A 1300 number is a business phone number that customers can call from anywhere in Australia. Crucially, the cost of the call is shared between the caller and the business. This provides the former with more incentive to pick up the phone.
Many businesses use 1300 numbers with Telcoworks or other similar companies to manage their inbound calls. These numbers can forward calls to mobiles, offices, or even teams working remotely. They also come with tracking and reporting features that can help to measure the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and customer service departments.
From the customer’s perspective, calling a 1300 number builds their trust because they perceive it as a professional-looking number. From the marketer’s side, each call can be tracked, recorded, and measured just like an online conversion.
How Does 1300 Numbers Support Omnichannel Marketing?
Most people don’t interact with a brand through just one channel. Instead, they might see an ad on social media or an unrelated website. They might then later search for the business on Google and visit the website. This might lead them to read a few reviews before finally deciding to make the call.
A 1300 number helps tie all of those touchpoints together because the same number can be used across various media. This includes:
- Websites
- Social Media Posts
- YouTube Videos
- Search ads
- Emails
- Offline campaigns like radio or print
Doing this helps keep the experience simple for the customer.
Moreover, behind the scenes, marketers can track where the calls are coming from. This, in turn, helps them understand which channels are driving real conversations and potentially generating sales.
What Metrics Can You Track With a 1300 Number?
There was a time when phone calls were difficult to measure, which sometimes made companies feel like they were a separate entity from digital marketing. However, that’s no longer the case.
Today, call tracking allows marketers to see exactly where calls are coming from. Whether that be from a search ad, a landing page, or an offline campaign. Additionally, phone call attribution treats calls like any other conversion. That is because it is easy to generate clear data around the timing, source, and outcome of any conversation.
This helps marketers to understand which channels are driving the most meaningful engagement and if their budget is being used effectively. It also helps them to improve their customer experience.
Can 1300 Numbers Outperform Online Forms?
Online forms can be a useful tool when someone is just browsing your products or gathering information about your business. However, phone calls usually happen when a potential customer is on the verge of finalising a purchasing decision.
By calling a 1300 number, people get to ask questions to a member of your staff. Crucially, they also receive their answers straight away from an authoritative source.
From a marketing point of view, inbound phone leads often show stronger intent and clearer interest than form submissions. That makes having this type of phone number a savvy option for businesses that prefer lead quality over volume.
What Industries Can Receive High-Value Leads From 1300 Numbers?
Companies in industries that rely on trust, urgency, or help with complex decisions often see the most value from 1300 numbers. This includes:
- Trades
- Healthcare providers
- Legal and financial services
- Real estate
- Home improvement businesses
In these sectors, customers usually want to speak to someone before making a decision. That is why they call, because talking to a real person on a phone call allows them to have questions answered quickly and concerns addressed in real time.
The smartest businesses realise that these inbound phone leads are often higher quality because the caller is already motivated. That is why they encourage them by sharing half the cost of the call.
Are 1300 Numbers Right For My Business?
At the end of the day, only you can decide if getting a 1300 number is financially viable and right for your business. But it might be a good idea to do so if you want to communicate better with your customers.
If customers have questions, need reassurance, or want to talk things through before committing, a phone call can add real value to your bottom line. Without a 1300 number and the trust it brings, you might be less likely to have these conversions.