Virtual phone numbers: a guide for business
Have you ever wondered what a virtual SMS number is? Maybe you’re looking at implementing an SMS solution to improve internal and external business communications, but you’re unsure if you need to add a dedicated virtual SMS number to the mix.
As experts in all things SMS, we explain exactly what a virtual SMS number is, how you can get one in Australia and the benefits a virtual SMS number can have on your business communications.
What is a virtual SMS number?
Have you ever opted-in to receive SMS marketing materials from your favourite brands or services? Maybe they’ve sent you monthly specials or provided you with a reminder for your upcoming appointment. Most of the time, these text messages are being sent via a virtual SMS number using an online SMS service to a business’ entire contact list.
A virtual SMS number, also known as a dedicated virtual mobile number or virtual phone number, is just like a regular traditional phone number; however, it’s used for virtual (or online) SMS services. Instead of receiving a SIM card to put into a smart device, you receive a number that can be used to send and receive SMS via an online SMS platform, like Notifyre.
A virtual SMS number makes it easy for 2-way SMS messaging with your business, instead of relying solely on a smart device such as your personal mobile phone for communications with your audience.
What types of virtual SMS numbers are available?
There are many different types of virtual mobile numbers that you can choose from. The type of number will depend on your business communication requirements and where you’re located. At Notifyre, we offer four types of virtual numbers:
- Australian virtual mobile number – a 10-digit number, local to Australia. A virtual mobile number is perfect if you’re creating and sending regular SMS marketing campaigns, or just want to let your customers know you’re located in Australia.
- Australian virtual phone number – an 8-digit localised number, dependent on the state you’re in. An Australian-specific virtual phone number is a great option if you’re looking to specify that your business address is in a specific state.
- Australian inbound virtual phone number – as an Australian SMS provider, Notifyre offers 13, 1300 and 1800 virtual phone numbers to all our customers. These numbers are Australian-only and therefore easily recognisable by customers.
- Personalised virtual phone number – looking for a personalised number that Notifyre doesn’t have on-hand? Easily reserve the number you’d like with any carrier and port it over to Notifyre to transform it into a virtual phone number.
Traditional number vs virtual number: the benefits
There are several benefits a virtual SMS number can have on your business communications. At a glance, a virtual SMS number can lower SMS costs, provide an easy way to reach your entire audience and improve overall business communications by integrating SMS into existing business workflows.
| Traditional number | Virtual number |
| Requires a smart device to work | Works via the internet on your PC or smart device (using the Notifyre app). |
| Can only send and receive SMS via the smart device | Can send and receive SMS via the Notifyre platform on any internet-enabled device, via email to SMS or via existing business applications through API integration. |
| Requires a SIM card and carrier | Can be used without a SIM card and is not tied to any specific carrier. |
| Not customisable | The number can be customised with an 11-digit alphanumeric ID, specific to your organisation. Notifyre also offers SMS personalisation tools and Unicode support. |
| Expensive | Notifyre’s virtual mobile number is a cost-effective solution, with pay-as-you-go SMS from 5c and unlimited free SMS replies. |
| Can only send to a single recipient | Has SMS broadcast capabilities to send to an unlimited number of contacts, all at the same time. This is perfect for SMS marketing campaigns including sales, offers, membership deals and more. |
| No SMS history, apart from on your smart device | Receive a complete history of sent & received SMS via the Notifyre SMS activity page. Can be used to manage opt-outs and more. |
Learn more about the benefits and why your business needs a dedicated virtual phone number here.
How can I get an Australian virtual SMS number?
It’s simple to receive an Australian virtual phone number through Notifyre. Once you’ve created a Notifyre account, all you need to do is login to your account, select “Settings” and then “Numbers” and click “add new”. You’ll be taken through a short selection process to choose a virtual number that works for you. If a number you’d like isn’t displayed on the list, simply contact us on 1300 032 936 and our team will be happy to help you out.
After completing the checkout process, our support team will activate the virtual number on your account and you’ll be able to start sending & receiving straight away.
For more information on getting an Australian virtual SMS number, check out our Help Centre.
Virtual phone number FAQs
Can you make and receive normal calls with a virtual number?
No. A virtual phone number is for SMS communications only.
Can you have multiple virtual numbers?
Absolutely. If you have multiple sites, departments or locations, it may be beneficial for you to add multiple virtual numbers to your account. With Notifyre, there is no limit to the number of virtual numbers you can have.
