Introduction
One of the biggest concerns businesses have about getting an answering service is whether they'll need to change their phone number. The good news? Many modern answering services work seamlessly with your existing phone number through call forwarding. This guide covers the best answering services that don't require you to change your number, port numbers, or update all your business materials.
How It Works: Call Forwarding
The Simple Solution
Most modern answering services use call forwarding, which means:
- You keep your existing phone number
- Calls to your number are automatically forwarded to the answering service
- No need to change business cards, websites, or marketing materials
- No number porting required
- Easy to set up and manage
How Call Forwarding Works
- Customer calls your existing business number
- If you don't answer (or based on your settings), the call forwards to the answering service
- The answering service answers professionally
- You receive notifications about the call
Benefits of Keeping Your Number
1. No Business Disruption
You don't need to update business cards, websites, signage, marketing materials, or tell customers about a new number.
2. Maintain Brand Consistency
Your phone number is part of your brand. Keeping it maintains consistency and avoids confusion.
3. Preserve SEO and Local Presence
If your phone number is listed in directories, on Google My Business, or used in local SEO, keeping it maintains that presence.
4. Easy Setup
Call forwarding is typically easier to set up than number porting and doesn't require coordination with multiple parties.
5. Flexibility
You can easily change or cancel the service without affecting your phone number or requiring number porting back.
Types of Services That Work With Your Number
1. Call Forwarding Services
Services that forward calls from your existing number to their answering service. This is the most common approach.
2. Simultaneous Ring Services
Services that ring your phone and the answering service simultaneously, with the answering service picking up if you don't answer.
3. Failover Services
Services that only answer when your line is busy, you don't answer, or your phone is unavailable.
What to Look For
1. Easy Setup Process
Look for services that provide clear instructions and support for setting up call forwarding with your phone provider.
2. Flexible Forwarding Options
Services that let you control when calls forward (always, after hours, when busy, etc.) give you more control.
3. No Number Porting Required
Ensure the service explicitly states that number porting is not required and that call forwarding is sufficient.
4. Works With Your Phone Provider
Most services work with major phone providers, but verify compatibility with your specific provider (landline, VoIP, mobile, etc.).
5. Transparent About Process
Good services clearly explain how call forwarding works and what you need to do on your end.
Setting Up Call Forwarding
Step 1: Choose Your Forwarding Rules
Decide when you want calls to forward:
- Always forward all calls
- Forward only when you don't answer
- Forward only during specific hours
- Forward only when your line is busy
Step 2: Configure With Your Phone Provider
Most phone providers allow you to set up call forwarding through:
- Online account portal
- Phone settings/app
- Customer service support
Step 3: Test the Setup
Make test calls to ensure forwarding works correctly and the answering service responds as expected.
Compatibility Considerations
Landline Phones
Most landline providers support call forwarding. You may need to enable it through your provider's settings or customer service.
VoIP Services
VoIP services (like RingCentral, Vonage, etc.) typically have robust call forwarding options in their admin panels.
Mobile Phones
Mobile carriers support call forwarding, though setup methods vary. Some answering services work directly with mobile numbers.
Google Voice / Other Virtual Numbers
Virtual number services usually have excellent call forwarding capabilities, making them ideal for answering services.
Alternative: Using a Dedicated Number
When It Makes Sense
Some businesses choose to use a dedicated number for the answering service while keeping their main number. This allows:
- Separate tracking of answered vs. forwarded calls
- Different handling for different numbers
- Testing the service before fully committing
When to Avoid
If you want seamless integration where customers can't tell the difference, call forwarding with your existing number is better.
Common Questions
Will customers know calls are being answered by a service?
With good answering services, customers typically can't tell. The service answers with your business name and handles calls professionally.
What if I want to answer some calls myself?
Most services allow you to configure when calls forward. You can set it to only forward when you don't answer, are busy, or during specific hours.
Can I use call forwarding with multiple numbers?
Yes, many services support multiple numbers, allowing you to forward calls from different lines or locations.
What if I switch answering services later?
Since you're not porting your number, switching services is typically just a matter of changing the forwarding destination. Your number stays the same.
Will call forwarding affect my existing phone service?
No, call forwarding is a standard feature that doesn't change your existing service. You can still use your phone normally.
Tips for Success
1. Test Thoroughly
Test call forwarding from different scenarios (when you answer, when you don't, when busy) to ensure it works as expected.
2. Configure Smart Forwarding Rules
Set up forwarding rules that make sense for your business. You don't have to forward all calls—be strategic.
3. Monitor Initially
When first setting up, monitor calls to ensure the service is handling them correctly and adjust as needed.
4. Keep Your Phone Provider Informed
If you have questions about call forwarding setup, your phone provider's customer service can help.
Conclusion
You don't need to change your phone number to use an answering service. Most modern services work seamlessly with your existing number through call forwarding. This means no updating business materials, no number porting, and no disruption to your business. Look for services that clearly support call forwarding, provide easy setup instructions, and work with your phone provider. With the right service, you can start benefiting from professional call answering while keeping your existing phone number and maintaining brand consistency. The setup is typically straightforward, and you'll be up and running quickly without any of the hassles of changing phone numbers.