As any United Kingdom-based business knows, marketing your business to reach US-based clients can be a challenge for a myriad of reasons. However, if a UK business uses a US Phone Number, they can reach customers and clients in the United States in a variety of ways. In this article, we’ll take a look at several ways that a business based in the United Kingdom can reach the US.
Professional Appearances
While Americans tend to embrace foreign influences, as it is a melting pot of cultures, there is a perception of foreign entities being exploitative to the country’s vast wealth and opportunities. If you’re trying to reach a United States audience, bear in mind that many American citizens prefer their own country’s products and services (think “Buy American” or how advertisers use “Made in the USA” as a point of reference). Therefore, aligning yourself with American tastes is important to reach US markets.
That’s where virtual phone numbers can aid your UK-based business. Virtual phone numbers instantly route phone calls made to them, so there is no lapse of time or connectivity issues (thanks to cloud computing advances and VoIP technology). Additionally, US virtual phone numbers are indistinguishable from other US-based phone numbers. This means that by using virtual phone numbers, you can blend into the US seamlessly. Lastly, because virtual phone number service providers like Global Call Forwarding offer region-based phone numbers, you can get a phone number that matches the city, state, and/or region that customers are already familiar with.
Ease of Accessing US Customers and Clients
Not every US business or individual has the ability to make long distance calls to the United Kingdom. This can be a significant obstacle for UK businesses to reach the business they deserve, especially when it comes down to just being able to make a simple phone call. Virtual phone numbers, however, can reach US customers on their own terms and open up lines of communication (see above).
Furthermore, your business may have UK toll free numbers, but US customers will be charged for dialing this number as if it were any other phone number. Or, they may not be able to make a call at all. This defeats the purpose of toll-free numbers. However, there is an alternative option with ITFS numbers. ITFS (international toll-free services) numbers are essentially toll-free phone numbers that can be purchased in international markets where you want a presence and to offer toll-free services at no cost to callers. They have the same function as virtual phone numbers but do so without charging the caller. These ITFS numbers also come with a host of useful add-on features, like call recording, call forwarding, virtual SMS numbers, directory service, and so forth. This can make accessing your UK business problem-free.
No Physical Presence Necessary
Though there are few trade barriers between the United Kingdom and the United States, it still can be a challenge to establish a physical presence for UK-based businesses in the US, especially for cash-strapped startups and bootstrapped small businesses. This can include following US regulations for foreign entities, filing the appropriate documents in a timely fashion, hiring domestic staff, leasing and purchasing property — and that’s all before you can determine whether your business will be successful in the first place.
However, it may not be necessary to do so in the 21st century. With a US phone number that uses the functionality of virtual phone numbers as part of a virtual branch office, you can provide the same service and functionality that customers are looking for. This can mean significant savings of capital and other resources. Best of all, once your business does gain traction in the United States, the risk of establishing a physical branch office in the United States will be lessened, as you will already have an established customer base, along with an idea of how the US audience responds to your company.
Author’s Bio: As a former resident of the UK, Tom Senkus understands the unique challenges that businesses face to “jump the pond” and reach US markets. For more information, visit www.tomsenkuswriter.com
