For many businesses, the “contact us” page is the first step in turning a curious visitor into a paying customer. Traditionally, this has meant relying predominantly on “Contact Us” forms to qualify their interest. But today, customers expect faster and more direct ways to connect with businesses. That’s why 1800 numbers have become a lot more popular in recent times.
A toll-free number is a proven way to build trust, improve your customers’ experience, and generate more sales leads. While there is no question that forms still have their place, businesses that want to stand out are increasingly offering 1800 numbers as part of their customer enquiry process.
What is a 1800 number?
An 1800 number is a toll-free business number that lets customers call your company without paying for the call. Instead, the business covers the cost.
These numbers are widely used in Australia because they make it much easier for customers to reach you. Typically, businesses that offer a toll-free option demonstrate professionalism, trust and credibility, and give clients a quick way to connect with your team.
Ways 1800 Numbers Outperform “Contact Us” Forms
If you’re thinking about adding a toll-free option to your business, check out 1800 numbers by Telcoworks Australia.
However, before you do that, here are five ways 1800 numbers can outperform “contact us forms”
1. Accessibility that your customers expect
With “contact us” forms, customers fill them in, hit send and then wait for a response. However, one of the main drawbacks of them is that it can often take companies a long time to respond. In such a time, customers can lose interest or find what they need from your competitors.
But with 1800 numbers, customers get instant access. This means that customers don’t need to worry about call charges and can reach you whenever they need to.
This level of accessibility shows that your business is ready to listen. Subsequently, it doesn’t matter whether people are calling for product information, general support, or to place an order; your team can provide them with real-time support right away.
2. A professional business image
A generic contact form doesn’t say much about your brand. But an 1800 number instantly gives your business a more established, credible feel.
Customers tend to associate toll-free numbers with larger, trustworthy companies. Therefore, if your company has one, you instantly signal professionalism, reliability and a strong customer focus.
For small and medium businesses, this can help level the playing field against the bigger competitors.
3. More leads and higher conversion rates
A key focus for any business is to generate new leads. Unfortunately, contact forms can often result in missed opportunities because people sometimes abandon them before hitting submit.
By contrast, 1800 numbers act as a lead generation strategy that works in real time. That is because, when a customer picks up the phone, you’re not only capturing their interest but also moving them closer to a sale.
Essentially, having a real conversation with one of your skilled team members increases your chance of building trust with customers and closing deals. Indeed, businesses that switch to toll-free calls often report higher conversion rates in comparison to relying solely on online forms.
4. Improving the customer experience
For customers, forms can feel quite impersonal because they are a one-way interaction. The customer types a message, sends it, and then waits for someone to get back. One of the main issues associated with them is that there’s no guarantee of tone, warmth, or clarity.
On the other hand, phone calls give your business the chance to connect on a personal level. Customers can hear your voice, ask follow-up questions, and be made to feel reassured. This helps to improve their overall customer experience and resolve any issues they have much faster.
In addition, it’s also a chance to uncover other opportunities that might not appear in a form. For example, a quick chat might reveal that a customer is interested in another product or needs ongoing support. A form just can’t deliver that level of insight.
5. Real-time problem solving
When customers have a problem, it is natural that they will want it fixed quickly. A form puts their issue into a queue, which might mean hours or even days before they hear back. That wait can turn into frustration, which eventually may result in lost business.
With 1800 numbers, your team can provide real-time customer support. Instead of waiting for an email reply, the customer speaks directly with someone who can help. Fast responses not only solve problems but also build loyalty.
This immediate approach also reduces the risk of miscommunication. Written forms can sometimes be vague or lack important details. A phone call clears up confusion straight away and ensures the right solution is given on the spot.
