Phonewords or phone names (known as vanity numbers in the USA) are the alphanumeric equivalent of a numeric telephone number. Phone words and phone names are made up from the various letters of the alphabet that correspond to particular numbers on a telephone keypad. These letters can form a word, a partial word, an acronym, abbreviation, or an alphanumeric combination.
The main advantages of phone words and phone names over standard phone numbers inlude: 1) increased memorability 2) Increased response rates to advertising.
Regular side by side testing of phone names vs. phone numbers in TV and radio advertising in Australia has shown that phone names generate up to three times more calls than phone numbers. A 300% increase in advertising response rates.
A study conducted by Roy Morgan Research in February 2006 indicated that 92% of Australians are aware of alphanumeric dialling.
A vanity number is a toll-free telephone number that also spells a person’s or company’s name or spells a word or acronym that is chosen by the subscriber, such as 1-800-FLOWERS or 1-888-NEW-CARS. To find out whether a specific toll-free number is available, contact any toll-free service provider.
Examples of phonewords, phone names and vanity numbers
Well known examples in Australia include: 1800 REVERSE, 1300 GO HARVEY, 1300 GREYHOUND, 1300 UNICEF, 1300 OFFICE, 1300 HARD ROCK, 1300 HILTON, 1300 FOXTEL, 1300 CAR LOAN, 1300 FLOWERS, 13 RAMS, 13 FLOWERS, 1300 FLORIST, 1300 WESTPAC, 1300 TELSTRA
Well-known North American examples include 1800 CONTACTS, 1800 WESTERN, 1800 CALL ATT, 1800 MATTRESS, 1800 GO FEDEX, 1800 METLIFE, 1800 THE CARD, 1800 FLOWERS, and 1800 COLLECT.
Vanity numbers in the United States
Phonewords in Australia
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