A local phone number is a virtual or VoIP-based line that lets your business appear present in any city without needing a physical office. In 2025, the easiest way to get a business phone number is through a VoIP provider that offers local DID (Direct Inward Dialing) numbers, toll-free options, and call forwarding features. These providers connect your business identity with the correct geographic prefix so customers see you as part of their community, even when you operate online.
Modern VoIP systems make this process simple. Instead of waiting for traditional carriers, businesses can purchase a number instantly, assign it to a department or employee, and manage it through an online dashboard. This helps startups and SMBs build credibility, reduce missed calls, and expand into new regions without the high costs of branch offices.
To get started, you choose a city, verify availability of prefixes, and register the number through a trusted provider. Once active, the number can route calls to your main office, mobile phones, or cloud PBX system. For businesses growing nationally or internationally, local phone numbers in multiple cities are now an essential strategy to project professionalism and improve customer response rates.
Why Your Business Needs a Local Phone Number
A local business phone number improves trust, credibility, and customer engagement by signaling that your company is rooted in the community. Businesses that use local numbers appear more approachable than those relying solely on national or toll-free numbers.
A local phone number strengthens branding, since customers associate a recognizable area code with familiarity and authenticity. According to multiple consumer surveys, over 70% of buyers prefer calling local numbers when researching products or booking services.
From a digital perspective, local phone numbers support SEO performance. Search engines often match local area codes with geographic relevance, which can increase visibility in Google Business Profile listings and map results. This makes local numbers a practical tool for ranking higher in regional searches.
Another benefit is conversion optimization. Calls from local numbers often have higher pick-up rates compared to unfamiliar toll-free IDs. For example, small businesses in competitive markets report that switching to local caller IDs raised answer rates by up to 40%.
Finally, local phone numbers give flexibility for business expansion. A company can project presence in multiple cities by purchasing virtual numbers in each location, without needing physical offices. This enables startups and SMBs to scale into new regions cost-effectively.
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Local Business Phone Number
To get a local business phone number, you choose a VoIP provider, sign up for an account, select an area code, and configure the number for your team or devices. This process is straightforward in 2025 and can be completed online within minutes.
- Choose a Trusted VoIP Provider
Start by selecting a reliable VoIP service that offers local Direct Inward Dialing (DID) numbers, virtual numbers, and call management features. Compare providers by checking call quality, pricing, and support availability.
- Sign Up and Verify Your Account
Create an account with your chosen provider. Most platforms require basic business details and email or phone verification. Once approved, you gain access to the provider’s dashboard to manage numbers.
- Pick Your Area Code
Decide which city or region you want to represent. Local area codes build trust with nearby customers, and many providers let you search availability by zip code or city name.
- Configure Call Routing
Assign the new number to a department, employee, or device. Configure call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, or auto-attendants to ensure professional call handling.
- Activate and Test the Number
Complete payment or confirm free trial activation, if offered. Place a test call to confirm sound quality and routing rules are working before sharing the number with customers.
Choosing the Right Provider: Comparison of Top Options
To choose the best local phone number provider, compare features, pricing, and scalability across leading VoIP services such as Google Voice, Grasshopper, OpenPhone, RingCentral, Nextiva, and Unitel Voice. Each platform offers different strengths for small-to-medium businesses.
Provider Comparison Table (2025)
| Provider | Starting Price (per month) | Key Features | Best For | Free Trial |
| Google Voice | Free basic tier / $10+ paid | Google ecosystem integration, call forwarding | Freelancers, G Suite users | Yes |
| Grasshopper | $29 | Multiple extensions, call handling, voicemail | Small businesses needing extensions | Yes |
| OpenPhone | $15 | Modern app interface, team collaboration | Startups, remote teams | Yes |
| RingCentral | $20 | Full UCaaS suite, video + messaging | Larger SMBs needing all-in-one | Yes |
| Nextiva | $24 | Advanced analytics, CRM integration | Businesses focused on insights | Yes |
| Unitel Voice | $25 | Simple setup, toll-free + local numbers | Entrepreneurs needing quick setup | Yes |
Summary: Google Voice and OpenPhone are budget-friendly for individuals and startups, while RingCentral and Nextiva provide enterprise-grade features. Grasshopper and Unitel Voice sit in the middle with reliable small-business tools.
Local vs Toll-Free vs Vanity Numbers
Local numbers use geographic area codes, toll-free numbers remove calling charges for customers, and vanity numbers use custom patterns or words for brand recall. Each option has unique attributes that serve different business goals.
Comparative Attributes Table
| Type of Number | Definition | Key Attribute | Example | Best Use Case |
| Local Number | A phone number tied to a specific area code | Geographic presence | (212) for New York | SMBs building local credibility |
| Toll-Free | A number starting with 800, 888, etc. | No cost to caller | 1-800-555-1234 | National customer support |
| Vanity | A customized number spelling a word or phrase | Branding + memorability | 1-800-FLOWERS | Marketing-driven businesses |
Virtual Local Numbers: How They Work
A virtual local number is a VoIP-based phone line that uses internet routing instead of physical landlines, allowing businesses to appear local while managing calls through apps or dashboards. These numbers are hosted in the cloud and can be assigned instantly.
Virtual local numbers work by mapping a city-specific area code to a VoIP platform. When a customer dials the number, the call is routed over the internet and directed to a chosen endpoint such as a mobile phone, desktop app, or business PBX system.
Because the number is software-based, businesses can manage it entirely online. Features like call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, and auto-attendants can be configured without on-site hardware. App-based management also makes it simple to add or remove users, track call logs, and integrate with CRM tools.
For SMBs and startups, virtual local numbers offer scalability and flexibility. Companies can purchase multiple city numbers, project presence in new markets, and control all communications from one central interface. This removes the cost of branch offices while maintaining customer trust in each region.
Buying vs Renting a Local Number
Buying a local number gives permanent ownership and long-term cost stability, while renting a virtual number provides flexibility and lower upfront costs. The right choice depends on your budget, business stage, and scaling needs.
Comparison Table: Buying vs Renting
| Factor | Buying a Local Number | Renting a Local Number |
| Ownership | Full ownership of number | Temporary access through provider |
| Cost Structure | Higher upfront cost, lower recurring fees | Lower upfront cost, monthly subscription |
| Flexibility | Less flexible once purchased | Easy to upgrade, downgrade, or cancel |
| Scalability | Must purchase new numbers individually | Add multiple numbers instantly |
| Best For | Established businesses with stable demand | Startups and SMBs testing new markets |
How Much Does a Local Business Phone Number Cost?
A local business phone number typically costs between $10 and $50 per month in 2025, depending on the VoIP provider, included features, and call volume. Setup fees may apply, but most providers bundle free trials or discounts for new customers.
The cost of a local number varies by plan type:
- Basic plans ($10–$20/month): Limited features, one line, good for freelancers or single-location businesses.
- Mid-tier plans ($20–$35/month): Call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, and multiple users included.
- Premium plans ($35–$50+/month): Advanced routing, CRM integrations, analytics, and scalable team management.
Additional expenses may include one-time setup fees (usually $0–$15), international call rates, or add-ons like vanity numbers. Since numbers are VoIP-based, there are no physical line installation costs, which makes local numbers affordable for SMBs.
Google Voice & Alternatives for Small Businesses
Google Voice for business is a free or low-cost option that provides call forwarding, voicemail, and app-based management, but it has limitations in scalability and advanced features. Small businesses often compare it with alternatives like OpenPhone and Grasshopper for more flexibility.
Google Voice at a Glance
- Pricing: Free basic tier; $10–$20/month for business plans.
- Key Features: Google Workspace integration, voicemail transcription, call forwarding.
- Limitations: Lacks multi-user extensions, advanced analytics, and call routing options.
Alternatives to Google Voice
| Provider | Pricing (per month) | Strengths | Best For |
| OpenPhone | $15 | Modern app, collaboration tools, integrations | Startups and remote-first teams |
| Grasshopper | $29 | Multiple extensions, business texting | SMBs needing structured call handling |
| Google Voice | $10–$20 | Low cost, simple setup, Google integration | Freelancers or micro-businesses |
FAQs on Getting a Local Business Number
Q1: How do I get a mobile number for my business?
You can get a business mobile number by signing up with a VoIP provider that supports app-based calling. This allows you to use your cell phone to make and receive calls on a dedicated business line without revealing your personal number.
Q2: How do I set up a phone number for a small business?
To set up a phone number for your small business, choose a provider, select a local area code, and configure features like call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, and auto-attendants. Most platforms let you complete setup online within minutes.
Q3: Can I get a local number in another city?
Yes, virtual local numbers allow you to project presence in another city without having a physical office. By choosing an area code from that region, calls can be forwarded to your existing devices or apps, helping expand your business footprint.
