Avoiding Cute (Vanity) Phone Numbers

Question:How should Ontario law firms format their phone numbers on their website so Google can find and display them correctly?

Answer:To help ensure your phone number is recognized by Google, Siri, and other Ontario search and voice tools, format it in North American Numbering Plan style (for example, keep digits like 416-555-0123 or (416) 555-0123 and avoid cutesy or vanity styling such as “GET-CUTE” or spaced-out formats that are not true phone digits).  In Marketing.Legal™, we support digital marketing for lawyers, paralegals, and other legal services across Ontario by optimizing your website’s contact data, crawlability, and local search signals so more people searching “near me” can click to call instantly.  If you want a quick audit of your current phone number presentation and on-page SEO, call (800) 551-5751.

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In the past, businesses relied on traditional marketing channels like newspapers and television, using techniques that aimed to make phone numbers memorable.  This often led to the use of vanity numbers, such as 1 (800) GET-CUTE or 1.800.GET.CUTE, accompanied by cutesy styling.

Note: Please contact Marketing.Legal™ by phone at: (800) 551-5751 to discuss any specific questions that you may have.

However, with the advent of technologies like Google and Siri, people no longer feel the need to memorize phone numbers consciously or subconsciously.  Nowadays, individuals turn to technology to find business services, searching phrases like "personal injury lawyer near me" on Google or asking Siri for assistance with specific legal matters like fighting a careless driving charge.  These technologies then provide a list of relevant businesses, typically with clickable phone numbers for instant access.

It is crucial for businesses to adapt to these digital trends. If a business uses cutesy phone number styling on their website that Google, Siri, or other technologies fail to recognize as a phone number, they may miss out on potential clients.

When publishing your phone number digitally, it is important to avoid being cutesy.  The North American Numbering Plan styling is what search engines like Google and other technologies look for when scanning websites for contact information.

Remember, technology takes precedence in the digital realm.  To effectively reach potential clients, digital advertising strategies should prioritize appealing to search engines and technology, enabling businesses to connect with people who are seeking their services.   By optimizing your online presence and aligning it with search engine best practices, you increase the likelihood of attracting potential clients and driving business growth.

Learn about the North American Numbering Plan