If you see a phone number starting with 312, you know you’re talking to someone in Chicago. As the third-most populous city in the United States, Chicago is a hub for innovation and business. The 312 area code is more than just a set of numbers; it’s an identifier that can help your business tap into that market.
For businesses, having a 312 area code establishes a local presence and builds trust with Chicago customers. This article will give you an overview of the 312 area code and how you can use it to your advantage.
History and Geography of the 312 Area Code
When the Bell System created area codes in 1947, they assigned them based on geography. Areas with denser populations and more phone lines got codes that were easier for mechanical switching equipment to dial. That’s why Chicago got 312.
Originally, the 312 area code covered a much larger region. As the population grew, the Illinois area split the 312 area code into several new codes. Today, 312 covers only downtown Chicago, including the famous “Loop.”
The Loop is the second-largest commercial business district in the United States, making the 312 area code a valuable piece of telephonic real estate.
Benefits of using a 312 area code for business
If you’re trying to grow your business, you might consider using a 312 area code, even if your business isn’t located in Chicago.
Establishing a local presence
A 312 area code can help you create a virtual presence in Chicago. You can use the number no matter where your business is physically located.
Using a 312 number may boost your credibility and foster trust with Chicago-area customers. It can also improve brand recognition within the Chicago market.
Marketing and sales advantages
A local phone number can improve your local advertising campaign performance.
Cold calling is another area where a 312 number can make a difference. People may be more likely to answer a call from a local area code.
The city of Chicago has over 2.9 million residents, so a 312 phone number gives you access to a large potential customer base.
How to get a 312 area code phone number
If you’re looking to establish a presence in Chicago, you might want a phone number with the 312 area code. Here’s how you can snag one.
Virtual phone providers
Thanks to VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, it’s easier than ever to get a phone number in a specific area code. VoIP lets you make calls over the internet, which opens up the possibility of having a virtual phone number.
Companies like Ringover and Dialpad can get you set up with a 312 number.
- Ringover offers business phone lines with a Chicago 312 area code. They boast easy setup and use.
- Dialpad offers local phone numbers in the 312, 773, and 872 area codes as part of their unified communication platform.
Steps to acquire a 312 number
Here’s what it typically takes to get a 312 area code phone number:
- Choose a provider and plan. Dialpad, for example, has several plans you can choose from. Their basic plan has fewer features and less support than their Enterprise plan.
- Go through the verification and number selection process.
- Activate and configure your new phone number.
Virtual Phone Systems: Features and Benefits
So, you want a 312 area code for your business, but you don’t actually have a physical office in Chicago? Virtual phone systems can help.
They offer a lot of useful call management features, including:
- Call forwarding, so you never miss an important call.
- Call routing, to direct callers to the right department or person.
- IVR (Interactive Voice Response), which lets callers navigate menus and find information themselves.
A good virtual phone system, like Dialpad, combines all kinds of communication tools — calls, video, messaging — into one app that works on all your devices.
Plus, they have cool productivity features like real-time call transcription and voicemail transcription.
How to use a 312 area code number
If you’re doing business in Chicago, or want to project a Chicago presence, a 312 area code number can be a great asset. Here are a few ways to use it:
- Customer service: Use the number as a dedicated line for your customer service team. Chicagoans will appreciate knowing they can reach a local representative.
- Sales and marketing: Equip your sales and marketing departments with 312 numbers to connect with local leads and customers. A local number can increase trust and response rates.
- Internal business communication: Use the number as a direct line for your Chicago-based colleagues, partners, and suppliers. This simplifies communication and reinforces your local presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 312 a good area code?
Whether or not 312 is a “good” area code is subjective, but it’s certainly a desirable one! As one of the original area codes, and the primary code for downtown Chicago and its immediate surrounding areas, 312 carries a certain prestige. Having a 312 area code can signal that your business is established and centrally located in the heart of Chicago. However, from a purely functional perspective, all area codes work the same.
What are all the area codes for Chicago?
While 312 is the primary area code for downtown Chicago, the city and its surrounding suburbs are also served by several other area codes. These include 773 (which covers most of the city outside the downtown core), 872 (an overlay for both 312 and 773), 708 (primarily serving the south and west suburbs), 847 and 224 (serving the northern suburbs), and 630 (serving the western suburbs). This array of area codes reflects the size and population density of the Chicago metropolitan area.
In Closing
The 312 area code is more than just a set of digits; it’s a signal that your business is serious about connecting with Chicagoans. For businesses looking to establish or grow their presence in the Windy City, a 312 phone number can boost local credibility and build customer trust.
Using a virtual phone system to get a 312 area code offers both flexibility and affordability. You can tap into the Chicago market without the expense of a physical office.
So, if you’re aiming to expand your reach in Chicago, consider leveraging the power of the 312 area code to make a strong, local impression.