My Alltel 
Analytix 
Hardware Hub 
If you’ve been looking for a 1300 number for your business, you won’t find yourself hard up for options. Quite the opposite: you’ve probably run into more options than you can easily sort through.
Finding the right 1300 number for your business need not be a slog. As long as you know your priorities, you can make the process quick and easy. There are, broadly speaking, two ways to start:
- If you’re looking for a specific number: use a smartnumber lookup tool to find one that fits your criteria
- If the specific phone number isn’t important: compare 1300 number plans and choose from the provider’s list of numbers
Let’s go into each of these methods in detail.
Got a number in mind? Search for a 1300 number with a smartnumber look-up tool.
Smartnumbers are phone numbers with a distinctive pattern. They can be phonewords, which spell out words when typed on a dial pad; or they can have repeated digits that are easy to memorise. Because of these patterns, smartnumbers are easier for brands to advertise—leading to their other name, vanity numbers.
If you plan to use your 1300 number widely in advertisements or marketing campaigns, or if your business relies on customer calls for revenue, then a smartnumber is a wise investment.
Of course, there’s quite a bit of competition for smartnumbers. If you want to use one, you need to see if it’s available using a smartnumber look-up tool. Many 1300 number providers will have lookup tools of their own, but you can also use the one on the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) website.
Here are the basics of understanding the ACMA smartnumber look-up tool:
- Prefix: 13, 1300 and 1800 numbers are all inbound numbers but each entail different costs. Read more on their differences here.
- Number/Phoneword: You can search using either digits or letters. Take note that phonewords can be longer than six letters—anything after the sixth just gets ignored by the dial pad.
- EROU holder: EROU stands for “exclusive rights of use.” When you buy a smartnumber, you get the EROU, though technically ACMA still owns the number.
- Status: You can narrow down your search results by filtering for “Available smartnumbers” only. Those marked “Allocated” have been purchased and are in use. Those marked “Assigned” have been purchased but are not currently in use.
- Price: If you’re on a budget, you can filter results based on certain price categories. The more expensive, the more easy-to-remember the numbers are.
Don’t be discouraged if your first few choices are taken. Finding the right smartnumber is just a matter of trying different combinations. Brainstorm a few ideas with these tips in mind:
- Benefit over brand: unless your brand is already well established, it’s good to focus on what you offer, rather than who you are. Choose words that spell out your product (e.g. FLOWERS, SLACKS, CREPES, etc.) or the benefit (e.g. MOVE-NOW, SHIP-IT, etc.). Keep in mind that you can go longer than six letters—though you should still keep it brief.
- Digits as words: The digits 2 and 4 sound like “to” and “for” respectively. This can help you come up with clever combinations of short words in your phoneword.
- Repeating digits: While it’s always nice to have a brand-related phoneword, the most important thing in a phone number is that it’s easy to remember. Sometimes, a number with repeated digits (e.g. 50 10 50, 112 233, etc.) is your best bet.
- Cost per month and per call: Plans usually have a monthly fee, which includes a fixed number of call minutes, and call rates for any calls in excess of that. Before signing up to a plan, measure your how long you’re on the phone in a given month (or week, then multiply by four) and choose a plan with enough minutes to cover this. If you plan to answer most of your calls on mobile, take note of this too, as providers charge differently for calls answered on landline versus those answered on mobile.
- Plan flexibility: You might not be able to come up with the most accurate estimate of your call time or you might find that your average call time changes after getting a 1300 number. Either way, it’s always good to have a provider that’s flexible with your 1300 number plan. A reliable provider shouldn’t rely on rigid contracts to keep you on as a customer.
- Call routing and other features: Call routing is one of the major advantages of a 1300 number. Look for providers who offer call routing built-in or at low prices. The same goes for call analytics, IVR and other features. You might not need them now, but you may find them useful in the future.
- Customer service: Telcos aren’t generally known for great service, but there are still some providers who go above and beyond. Look up customer reviews to see your potential provider’s track record.
Not looking for a specific number? Compare 1300 number plans and providers.
Normal issue 1300 numbers go for much cheaper than smartnumbers. If you want a 1300 number mainly for its functions—and don’t have a specific number in mind—then it’s best to start by comparing 1300 number plans.
1300 number providers generally retain a pool of normal issue numbers that they offer for free (with one of their plans) and are quick to set up. Any of these numbers is just about as good as any other, so you can focus on the pricing and features that they come with.
Here are some things to consider:
Don’t let the options overwhelm you
There may be a lot to consider with 1300 numbers, but as long as you focus on your priorities, you’ll find it’s simple enough to narrow down your options.
That said, if you’re looking for advice on more technical matters, our inbound number experts are always willing to help: contact us at 1300 255 835 (1300 ALLTEL) or visit us at www.alltel.com.au.
Or check our 1300 smartnumber look-up tool if you have a specific number in mind.