What is the difference between a 1300 and 1800 number?

Now, we’re going to be honest with you, when it comes to a 1300 and 1800 number there isn’t much difference between the two apart from who is being charged at the end of the line.

With that said,  did you know there is a little known, under-utilised marketing feature hidden within both?

We’ll get to that in a sec.

In case you’re unfamiliar with them, 1300 and 1800 numbers are personalised numbers that are used to manage a business’ incoming calls.

Both numbers come with the same features, functions and set-up procedures, and both numbers can be used to call any mobile or landline within Australia without identifying the state the call is originating in.

However, as mentioned the main difference is who is charged for a call.

Account holders of both 1300 and 1800 numbers are charged the cost of an incoming call, but when it comes to a 1300 number, the call cost is split between the caller and account holder. The costs are determined by the business’ 1300 number carrier.

In contrast, just the account holder is charged for calls to an 1800 number. Callers are never hit with the cost, irrespective of whether they’re calling from a landline or mobile. This is why they’re often referred to as Toll Free or Free Call numbers.

So which number is for me?

When weighing up which business number to go for, it’s important to ask yourself what you’re using it for.

If it’s for pure marketing purposes then you’ll want to split the costs of calling between yourself and the caller to reduce overhead. If you are offering a support service, customers should be incentivised to call. It therefore makes sense there is no charge.  

Whether you’re looking at a 1300 or 1800 number, both personalised options create legitimacy when compared to a local fixed landline or mobile number…In other words, they look more professional.

Fun fact: A 1300 number is an easy, inexpensive way to build a businesses’ profile and credibility. This is because they only consist of six numbers, compared to the 10 of an 1800 number, which makes them easier for customers to remember.

1300 and 1800 numbers are powerful reporting tools

We’re going to turn now to the little known, little discussed function of 1300 and 1800 numbers we teased before.

If you’re just using the numbers for calls you’re missing out. Both are powerful reporting tools in their own right; one which can track a business’ advertising response.

Both numbers come equipped with inbuilt reporting options which can record:

• Who is calling
• When they’re calling
• Where they’re calling from
• The length of each call

This is valuable when you have campaigns across multiple marketing channels (such as email newsletters, search engine marketing,  pay-per-click online advertising, social media, and press releases) in play.

All you need to do is set up a number for each campaign, watch the calls roll it, determine what is working for you, and adjust your spend accordingly.

It’s as easy as that!