Los Angeles, California, is the second-largest city in the U.S. with a population of nearly 4 million people spread out over 500 square miles. If you want to do business in L.A., you need a local presence.
One key element of establishing that local presence is a Los Angeles phone number. This article will walk you through the benefits and options for getting a Los Angeles phone number, including a look at area codes and virtual phone systems that can help you connect with the L.A. market.
Understanding Los Angeles area codes
L.A., like other major metropolitan areas, is served by multiple area codes. Here’s what you need to know.
Primary area codes: 310 and 424
The 310 and 424 area codes serve West L.A. and the South Bay cities, providing a recognizable local identity for businesses.
Other area codes that serve Los Angeles include 213, 323, 661, and 818. The 213 and 323 area codes primarily serve downtown L.A. and surrounding neighborhoods, while 661 is mostly used in the Antelope Valley, and 818 serves the San Fernando Valley.
Why area codes matter for local businesses
A local area code can increase customer trust and recognition. Customers are more likely to pick up the phone or otherwise engage with a business that appears to be local. Area codes help businesses develop a stronger connection with the Los Angeles community.
Benefits of a Los Angeles phone number for businesses
If you’re running a business, there are several good reasons to get a Los Angeles phone number. Here are a few:
Establishing a local presence
A Los Angeles phone number lets you establish a presence in the area even if you’re not physically located there. This is especially useful if you’re using a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) system, which lets you make and receive calls over the internet.
It also helps you build trust and credibility with customers in the Los Angeles area.
Improved customer connection and engagement
People in Los Angeles are more likely to answer a call from a number that looks familiar. Using a local number is a great way to improve your call response rates.
Separating business and personal communication
Using a dedicated business number helps you keep your personal and professional lives separate, which is essential for maintaining a professional image.
Virtual Phone Systems: A Modern Solution
If you’re looking for a more flexible and feature-rich solution than a traditional landline, a virtual phone system might be just the thing. These systems use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to provide phone service through the internet rather than through physical phone lines.
Key Features of Virtual Phone Systems
- Call forwarding: Forward calls to your mobile device or another phone number, so you never miss an important call, even when you’re on the go.
- Custom greetings and extensions: Create a professional image with personalized greetings and extensions for different departments or employees. Virtual voicemail lets you manage your messages efficiently.
- Other valuable features: Many systems include call recording, automated menus, and detailed reporting to help you track and manage your communications.
Popular Virtual Phone System Providers
Several companies, including JustCall and Talkroute, offer virtual phone systems with Los Angeles area codes. These providers offer a variety of plans and features to meet the needs of different businesses.
Choosing the Right Virtual Phone System
If you’re thinking of setting up a virtual phone system, there are several factors to keep in mind.
Factors to Consider
- What features do you need? Compare services, keeping an eye out for options like call forwarding, call recording, and integration with other platforms.
- Is the system scalable? Choose a system that can grow along with your business.
- What do other customers say? Check online reviews and testimonials to get an idea of the provider’s reliability and customer support. Look for comments on setup, ease of use, and call quality.
Number Porting
Make sure the provider lets you port existing numbers so you can transfer them to the new system. This way, you can keep your existing phone number and avoid any disruptions to your business.
How to get a Los Angeles phone number
If you want a Los Angeles phone number for your business, here’s how to get one:
- Sign up for a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service like JustCall or Talkroute. Select a plan that works for your business.
- Select a Los Angeles area code, such as 310, 424, 213, or 323. Then, search the available numbers and pick one you like.
- Set up call forwarding and other features to personalize your phone system.
Final Thoughts
If you’re doing business in Southern California, a Los Angeles phone number is a must-have. It’s a great way to connect with locals and build trust with your customers.
Whether you use a traditional landline or a modern VoIP system, a local number can help you boost customer engagement. By choosing the right phone system and using all the features it offers, your business can communicate more effectively and achieve its goals in the L.A. market.