What is a virtual business phone line?

A virtual business phone line is a service that provides a dedicated, secondary phone number which forwards calls to your existing device, allowing you to manage business communications without using a separate physical phone.

Why should I get a second phone number for my business?

A second phone number helps maintain a professional image, ensures your personal number remains private, and enables efficient call management with features like call forwarding, voicemail, and scheduled availability.

How does Google Voice work as a business number?

Google Voice allows you to select a virtual phone number, link it to your existing device, and configure settings such as call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and custom greetings, making it a cost-effective option for small businesses.

Can I use my personal phone for business calls with a virtual number?

Yes, virtual phone services forward business calls to your existing personal device, keeping your personal number hidden while enabling you to answer work calls seamlessly.

What is ChatOdyssey Phone Relay and what are its benefits?

ChatOdyssey Phone Relay is a service that provides an encrypted call and text relay along with unlimited email relay for creating custom business emails without a domain. It offers a free trial and costs $4.99/month thereafter.

Are virtual phone numbers secure?

Yes, reputable virtual phone services use advanced encryption and privacy measures to secure your communications and protect your personal data.

Can I choose a local area code for my business number?

Many providers let you search for and select a phone number by city or area code, which gives your business a local presence and builds customer trust.

How easy is it to set up a virtual business phone number?

The setup process is typically straightforward and guided. You choose a number, verify your existing phone for call forwarding, configure settings like voicemail and business hours, and then start receiving calls on your personal device.

How to Get a Second Phone Number for Your Small Business (Without a Second Phone)

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced business world, separating your professional communications from your personal calls is essential. Using a virtual phone number gives your small business a polished, professional appearance without the need for an extra device. This guide explains how you can set up a second phone number for business use, the many benefits it offers, and provides a detailed comparison of top providers.

Whether you’re a solopreneur or part of a growing team, a dedicated business line can enhance your call management, improve customer trust, and protect your personal contact information. Read on to learn the step-by-step process and discover which service suits your business best.

Why a Second Phone Number for Your Business?

A separate business line improves your company’s credibility and creates a clear divide between work and life. One business owner explained that having a dedicated number “helped our small startup transition into a professional company,” building customer trust and boosting response times.

Key Benefits Include:

Professionalism: Establish a dedicated business identity.
Privacy: Keep your personal number safe from spam and unwanted calls.
Efficiency: Configure specific business hours and call screening for smoother operations.
Scalability: Add extensions or additional lines as your business grows.

Top U.S. Virtual Phone Providers for Small Businesses

Discover a range of virtual phone number services tailored for small businesses. The following providers offer robust features, reliability, and scalability:

Provider	Starting Price	Key Features	Ideal For
Google Voice	Free (Personal), Business plans ~$10+	Voicemail transcription, call forwarding, Google Workspace integration, permanent local number.	Solopreneurs, Google users
Grasshopper	~$31/month	Custom greetings, multiple extensions, mobile and desktop apps.	Small businesses seeking a dedicated line
eVoice	~$14/month	Auto-attendant, call routing, voicemail-to-email, multiple numbers.	Budget-conscious professionals
RingCentral	Starting ~$20/user/month	Unified communications: calls, SMS, video, team messaging, robust integrations.	Growing teams needing advanced features
Nextiva	~$25/month/user	CRM integration, analytics, omnichannel communications.	Customer-focused businesses
Line2	~$9.99/month	Second line on mobile, unlimited US/Canada texting and calling, local numbers.	Freelancers and side-business owners
ChatOdyssey Phone Relay	Free trial; then $4.99/month	Encrypted call/text relay, unlimited email relay for custom business emails.	Privacy-focused entrepreneurs and businesses seeking affordable masking.

Note: ChatOdyssey Phone Relay not only masks your number but also includes unlimited email relay for creating custom business email addresses without the need for setting up a domain.

Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Up Your Virtual Business Number

One of the most popular and accessible solutions is Google Voice. Here’s how to set up your dedicated business line:

Sign Up: Visit Google Voice and sign in with your Google Account. If you’re a Google Workspace user, choose the Business option.
Choose Your Number: Search by city or area code and select an available local number that fits your business identity.
Link Your Device: Verify your existing phone number to forward calls from your new virtual number.
Configure Settings: Customize your voicemail greeting, set business hours, and enable call screening. For example, record a greeting like: "Hello, you’ve reached [Your Business]. Please leave your name, number, and a brief message and we will return your call promptly."
Download the App: For on‑the‑go access, install the Google Voice app on iOS or Android.

Follow similar steps with other providers if you choose an alternative service. Each offers a seamless, guided setup process.

Additional Tips and Real-Life Testimonials

Voicemail Script Example: "Hi, you’ve reached [Your Business]. I can’t take your call at the moment. Please leave your name, number, and a brief message and I will call you back as soon as possible." This keeps your communications professional.

Testimonials: One owner shared, "Using Grasshopper for my business number made us look professional and our customers feel valued." Another entrepreneur noted that adopting Google Voice "boosted our customer inquiries while safeguarding my personal phone number."

Conclusion

Establishing a dedicated second phone number for your small business is easier than ever. Virtual phone services provide the tools you need to keep your professional communications separate from your personal life—all without purchasing an extra device.

The benefits include improved professionalism, enhanced privacy, and efficient call management. Whether you choose Google Voice, Grasshopper, eVoice, RingCentral, Nextiva, Line2, or the privacy‑focused ChatOdyssey Phone Relay, you’re taking a significant step toward a more organized and professional business operation.

Embrace the flexibility and security of virtual phone numbers to grow your business and protect your personal identity.