The short answer: Most small businesses do well with a mobile or local number that rings wherever you are. 1300 and 1800 numbers give you one national number, and virtual numbers run over the internet so they can ring any phone or app. Whatever you choose, make sure missed calls are answered or texted back, and use call tracking to see which marketing works.
Your phone number is often the first thing a new customer uses. Here’s how the different types of Australian business numbers work, and what to think about when you choose one.
The main types of business numbers
| Number type | What it is | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile (04) | A standard mobile number | Sole traders and anyone who texts customers |
| Local (02, 03, 07, 08) | A landline-style number for a city or region | Businesses that want a local presence |
| 1300 | A national number, usually charged to callers at a local rate | Businesses that want one number Australia-wide |
| 1800 | A free call for customers from mobiles and landlines, with the business paying for incoming calls | Businesses that want to remove any barrier to calling |
| Virtual number | A mobile or local number that runs over the internet and rings any phone or app | Teams, call tracking and keeping business and personal calls separate |
Why many businesses choose virtual numbers
- Keep your personal number private. Use a business number on your existing phone.
- Ring the right person. Route calls to different team members, or to a menu.
- Answer from anywhere. Take calls on your mobile, computer or an app.
- Track every call. Calls and texts are saved against the customer.
What is call tracking?
Call tracking gives each ad, listing or campaign its own phone number, so you can see exactly which marketing makes your phone ring. It’s the simplest way to stop wasting money on ads that don’t work.
Recording calls
Recording calls is useful for training and resolving disputes. In Australia, it’s best practice, and often a legal requirement, to let callers know a call may be recorded. Federal and state rules differ, so check what applies to your business, and play a short notice at the start of recorded calls.
Don’t let missed calls go to waste
Many callers won’t leave a voicemail. They’ll simply ring the next business. Two simple fixes help: an instant text back to every missed caller, and an AI receptionist that answers when you can’t.
How to choose
- Where are your customers? Local customers may prefer a local or mobile number.
- Do you text customers? Choose a number that can send and receive texts.
- Will your team share calls? Virtual numbers make routing easy.
- Do you advertise? Use separate tracking numbers to measure results.
All of this in one place. My New Admin’s call tracking gives you Australian local or mobile numbers, call tracking, recording and missed-call text-back, all saved to your CRM.
Frequently asked questions
For most small businesses, a mobile or local number works well, especially if it can send texts. 1300 and 1800 numbers suit businesses that want one national number.
It’s a phone number that runs over the internet instead of a physical line, so it can ring your mobile, computer or an app, and calls can be routed to your team.
Yes. 1800 numbers are free to call from mobiles and landlines in Australia. The business pays for incoming calls.
It’s best practice, and often a legal requirement, to let callers know a call may be recorded. Federal and state rules differ, so check what applies to you.