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Can you text from a business number?
Yes, you can. But did you know there are different types of business numbers you can use for SMS? Plus, there are advantages and disadvantages of using each number type for SMS messaging.
And that not every number that supports business text messaging is worth your attention?
In this post, we'll tell you:
- All about business texting
- The best number for SMS campaigns
- The best business text messaging services
And much more.
Let’s dig in.
Table of Contents
1. Why text from a business number?
2. What type of business number should you get for SMS?
3. How to get a business text number
4. Get an iPlum business number for SMS
5. Sign up for iPlum: It's easy!
Why text from a business number?
There’s nothing wrong with sending business SMSes using a personal number. However, there are serious downsides. First, it doesn’t scale. On top of that, it doesn’t look professional.
A business text number, on the other hand, gives you better structure, consistency, and features that help you connect with customers more effectively.
That said, here are five reasons you should switch to business text messaging.
1. It looks professional and builds trust
Customers take you more seriously when messages come from a business number.
It shows you’re established and makes your texts easier to recognize. And that’s important for customer experience and brand perception.
In addition, it also separates business texting from your personal inbox, which helps keep your inbox more organized. To top it all off, using a dedicated number improves response rates and reduces the chances of recipients ignoring your SMS messages.
2. It gives you access to SMS marketing features
Depending on the texting service you’re using, business numbers allow you to access SMS marketing features like bulk SMS, auto responders, and scheduled messages.
You can use these to promote upcoming events, send appointment reminders, or trigger automated workflows based on customer activity.
Personal numbers, in comparison, rarely offer these functionalities. The point is, with good SMS marketing platforms, you can send targeted messages and manage contacts with far more control.
3. It works better for customer support
A business number gives you more structure if you use texting to answer customer questions.
For instance, you can organize inbound texts, assign messages internally, and keep records of conversations over time, which is hard to manage on a personal line.
In addition, advanced texting services also let you label contacts, manage conversations more easily, and keep conversations flowing seamlessly with few or no missed replies.
4. It allows you to run SMS campaigns legally
Texting from a personal number can get flagged or blocked if you try to send mass texts or SMS campaigns. Business texting services, on the other hand, are designed for compliance.
They allow opt-ins, manage unsubscribes, and reduce your risk of being flagged as spam. The structure is essential if you want to send promotional SMS text messages or use SMS marketing campaigns to reach potential customers.
5. It helps you separate business and personal communication
You don’t want to use the same phone number for personal and business messages. A separate business number keeps your inbox clean and helps you respond faster.
Plus, you can use features such as call forwarding to manage phone calls, set custom business hours, and add other tools to improve communication.
It also gives you space to manage follow-ups and schedule texts without mixing messages.
What type of business number should you get for SMS?
All numbers for business SMS are not equal.
Therefore, effective business texting starts with choosing the right number. While some are great for local outreach, others work better for mass texts or SMS campaigns.
The choice of one option depends on what your business needs, how you plan to send SMS, and how important text messaging is to your outreach strategy.
Here’s a breakdown of your options.
1. Toll-free numbers
Toll-free numbers are commonly used for calls and SMS messages. They work nationwide, and customers don’t pay to contact you.
However, they require registration before sending SMS campaigns and may have lower message throughput. That said, they’re a good fit if you want a national presence and don’t rely on local branding.
You only need to make sure your SMS provider supports compliance and verification for SMS marketing services.
2. Local numbers
Local numbers are great for building familiarity.
Customers are more likely to trust and open text messages from an area code they recognize. As a result, local numbers are ideal for small business texting, appointment reminders, and two-way conversations.
So, if most of your customers are local, go with a local number. It makes your SMS notifications feel more personal and can improve how customers respond to your messages.
3. VoIP numbers
You can use VoIP numbers for phone calls and text messaging, depending on your provider.
VoIP numbers are often cheaper than traditional phone lines and easy to set up. That said, not all VoIP services support bulk SMS or SMS marketing features.
So, if you go this route, make sure your texting service supports SMS campaigns, automated messages, and other essentials for mass texting.
4. Landline texting
Some providers can enable texting on an existing landline.
However, landline texting usually comes with limited features. You may, for instance, not get access to automated workflows, scheduled texts, or SMS marketing tools.
Landline texting is only a good option if you receive low text volume and don’t plan to run aggressive SMS marketing campaigns.
5. Short codes
Short codes are five- or six-digit numbers used for high-volume mass texting.
They’re great for sending bulk SMS or running SMS surveys, promotions, or alerts. While short codes allow fast delivery and support large campaigns, they’re expensive and less personal. Also, they’re not ideal for one-on-one conversations.
That said, most small business owners don’t need short codes unless they’re running large-scale SMS marketing campaigns.
6. Dedicated virtual numbers
Dedicated virtual numbers give you a clean setup for business text messaging.
You can send SMS messages, receive text messages, run SMS campaigns, and separate communication by department or purpose. Dedicated virtual numbers are the most flexible option for most small business use cases.
If you want a texting app that works with unlimited contacts, call forwarding, and marketing tools, start here.
How to get a business text number
Getting a business number for SMS messaging is pretty straightforward. Here’s how to set things up the right way.
1. Choose the type of number you want
Start by picking the number type that fits your business.
Toll-free numbers work for nationwide outreach. Local numbers work better if your audience is nearby. Meanwhile, you can also use a VoIP line or get a dedicated virtual number if you want more structure.
Remember, each type has pros and cons, so base your decision on how you plan to use SMS.
2. Pick a texting service built for business
The right texting service lets you run SMS campaigns, send automated messages, and work with unlimited contacts.
So, make sure the platform you choose supports SMS marketing services, not just basic messaging. And always check that they support your number type.
3. Check what features come with the plan
Look beyond the basics.
Good business text messaging services should offer contact list management, scheduled texts, auto responders, and SMS notifications. You’re better off with a service that allows you to add contacts and forward phone calls.
4. Register your number if required
Both local and toll-free numbers require registration before you can send SMS campaigns.
The process confirms you’re a legitimate sender and reduces your risk of getting flagged. Your texting service should walk you through what’s required.
Registration is usually a few weeks, but iPlum agents help users do it.
5. Set up your number and start sending
Once you have your number, it’s time to set up your business text messaging system.
Upload your contact lists, set business hours, and create opt-in messages. Then send your first SMS campaign or schedule messages for later.
You’ll want to monitor response rates and keep adjusting your approach to reach more potential customers.
Get an iPlum business number for SMS
iPlum is a powerful choice if you’re looking for a business texting service that works right out of the gate.
It’s built for small business use and comes with the SMS features most companies need to communicate, promote, and respond.
Here’s what you can do with iPlum.
Send texts, broadcasts, and secure messages
iPlum supports one-on-one text messaging, group texting, and broadcast messages, each with full support for SMS and MMS.
In addition, you can include audio files, photos, or videos.
Meanwhile, broadcasts go out as separate messages, so recipients don’t see each other. And if you need secure texting for compliance reasons, that’s available too.
Automate replies and schedule messages
You can create auto replies for missed calls or inbound texts. iPlum also lets you schedule messages ahead of time, ideal for appointment reminders, follow-ups, or time-sensitive updates. And you can manage everything from the iPlum mobile app or web portal.
Organize and manage your messages
iPlum allows you to pin high-priority threads. You can also mark conversations as unread and archive old messages to declutter your inbox.
That way, you have the tools to stay on top of SMS messaging without losing track of essential details. You can even add text signatures or use templates to respond faster.
Work with unlimited contacts
iPlum supports unlimited contacts, making it easier to send bulk SMS and manage outreach without restrictions.
You can also add contacts instantly and use Groups to keep things organized. Whether you're sending SMS notifications or promoting new offers, you’re not boxed in by low limits.
Keep personal and business communication separate
With iPlum, you get a dedicated phone number for business texting, calling, voicemail, and SMS marketing.
You can choose a local or toll-free number, then set it up with SMS services like auto responders, scheduled texts, and more. And setup takes minutes.
Sign up for iPlum: It's easy!
iPlum ticks all the boxes if you want business texting that’s structured, easy to manage, and built for dynamic communication.
You get full SMS and MMS features, a dedicated business number, and tools to stay organized and responsive.
Whether you're sending mass texts, running SMS marketing campaigns, or replying to customers one-on-one, iPlum has the setup your business needs.
Click the link below to sign up and start texting in minutes.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes and may not reflect the most current features or capabilities of the products or companies mentioned. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official sources of each company.
