How to Buy a Phone Number Your Customers Can't Forget

What This Guide Answers

Businesses often ask:

• How do I buy a phone number for my business?
• Can I choose a custom or memorable number (like 1-800-FLOWERS)?
• What’s the difference between local, toll-free, and vanity numbers?
• Can I use the number with my existing phone service?

This page walks you through everything in plain language, so you know exactly what to do next.

What Is a Custom Business Phone Number?

A business phone number you choose — not one randomly assigned — is often called a custom number, vanity number, or easy-to-remember number. These can be:

• Toll-free numbers (like 1-800-YOUR-BUSINESS)
• Local numbers with your preferred area code
• Vanity numbers that spell a word or phrase
• Easy pattern numbers like 212-222-2222

Custom numbers help customers remember your business and boost inbound calls.

Step 1 — Decide What Type of Number You Want

Start by choosing the kind of number that fits your goals:

Local Numbers

Good for businesses serving a specific city or region. Customers see your number and feel like you’re right in their community.

Toll-Free Numbers

Perfect if you want nationwide reach and a professional brand image. Toll-free prefixes include 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833.

Vanity Numbers

These spell something memorable, like 1-800-HOME-CARE or 313-GET-HVAC — making them great for marketing and ads.

Think about your audience: local customers, national callers, or both — and what you want people to remember when they see your number.

Step 2 — Search Available Numbers

Once you know the type, search inventory to find available options. You can filter by:

• Words or phrases (for vanity numbers)
• Area code (for local presence)
• Pattern (for easy-to-remember numbers)

This is how RingBoost’s phone number marketplace works: you search, find the number you like, and proceed to buy if it’s available.

Step 3 — Purchase Your Number

Buying a number is straightforward:

1. Search and select the number you want
2. Complete checkout in the marketplace
3. Get confirmation that the number is yours

After purchase, you own the number outright — it’s yours to use or move to another carrier as you choose.

Step 4 — Set Up Your Number

After buying, you have two main options:

Forward Calls

Send calls from your new number to your current phone (cell, landline, or VoIP).

This lets you start using it right away without moving services.

Port the Number

If you want your new number to live with your existing phone service provider (like Verizon, Spectrum, Google Voice, etc.), you can port it. Porting lets you use the number directly with your carrier just like any other phone number.

Most carriers require an account number, service address, and PIN to port in a number — and RingBoost sends that info after checkout so you can complete the process with your carrier.

How Long Does Porting Take?

Porting typically takes about 5–10 business days, depending on your current carrier. You can keep inbound calls flowing with call forwarding while the port is in progress.

Common Questions

Do I need a phone plan to buy a number?

No — you can purchase a number first and then either forward calls or port it later to a service you already have. If you are porting the number to your carrier, it is a one-time fee, no other charges to purchase.

Can I use the number with Google Voice?

Yes, but Google Voice typically requires a port from a mobile carrier first before it will accept the number.

Will the number expire if I don’t use it?

No — once you buy it, it’s yours and won’t expire as long as you retain ownership. Parking is an option if you do not need to use the number for several months - which is a small monthly fee.

Why Buy a Custom Number?

Choosing the right number can:

• Boost brand recall in ads and marketing
• Make your business easier to contact
• Improve trust and conversion on landing pages and signage

A memorable number becomes part of your brand identity — not just digits on a screen.

Ready to Get Started?

Search available local, toll-free, and vanity phone numbers on RingBoost and find one that fits your brand today.