Phone Words - Frequesntly Asked Questions
What exactly is a phone word?
A phone word is the letter-based version of a phone number.
Instead of remembering a string of digits, customers remember a word and dial the matching numbers on their keypad.
Example:
1300 EXPERT → 1300 397378
It works much like a website domain name and its underlying IP address.
We advertise a domain name, not the numeric IP behind it.
In the same way, a phone word is the memorable label, while the network still routes the call using the underlying digits. Rather than promoting a long number, businesses promote a word that is easier to recall and recognise.
Do I need a phone word for my business?
Most businesses benefit from a memorable number. Even if you don’t rely heavily on phone sales, a phone word strengthens branding and improves advertising recall.
How can a phone word help my marketing?
A phone word is one of the most cost-effective branding tools available. It increases recall across radio, print, vehicles, signage and digital advertising, helping businesses of any size stand out.
How do customers dial a phone word?
Customers press the numbers that correspond to the letters on their keypad.
Example: 1300 FLIGHT = 1300 354448
Multiple Words from One Number
In some cases, a single number can represent more than one word because different letter combinations share the same numeric sequence.
Example:
1300 MEDICINE → 1300 633424
1300 OFFICIAL → 1300 633424
Both words produce the same digits when dialed, meaning one phone number can effectively spell more than one word.
How many letters can a phone word have?
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1300 / 1800 numbers: typically, 6–10 digits after the prefix
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13 numbers: typically, 4–8 digits after the prefix
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Longer names may still work but can involve overdial (see below).
What is overdial?
Overdial occurs when a caller enters more digits than the standard phone number length.
For example:
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13 numbers: typically, 4 digits after the prefix
Example: 13 FIRE → 13 3473 -
1300 / 1800 numbers: typically, 6 digits after the prefix
Example: 1300 EXPERT → 1300 397378 -
Overdial: 1300 TELEBRAND → 1300 835327 (the extra letters "AND" is overdial)
Most traditional telephone networks will still connect the call even if extra digits are entered, commonly known as "digit absorption". However, some VoIP or internet-based providers may reject the call if the number exceeds the standard length.
For best reliability, display the full numeric phone number alongside the phone word.
What are prefixes?
Prefixes are the starting digits such as 13, 1300, or 1800. They influence both pricing structure and customer perception.
What’s the difference between 13, 1300 and 1800 numbers?
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13 Numbers: Shorter, premium-style numbers with higher setup costs.
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1300 Numbers: Shared-cost calls and widely used by businesses.
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1800 Numbers: Free for callers; the business pays the call charges.
Types of Phone Words
Phone words generally fall into three categories:
1. Industry Phone Words
These relate to an entire business sector and can be relevant to many different companies.
Example: 1300 WINERY (1300 946379) — suitable for any winery or wine-related business.
2. Brand Name Phone Words
These are specific to a single company or trademark and usually only hold value to that business.
Example: 1300 TELEBRAND (1300 835327) — primarily relevant to TELEBRAND only.
3. Generic or Plain Words
These are common dictionary words that may suit a wide range of marketing uses.
Example: 1300 DELUXE (1300 335893).
4. Matched Phone Word & Domain Pair
A coordinated branding strategy where the phone word and exact-match domain name are secured together to create cross-channel consistency and defensive brand positioning.
Examples:
Industry Phone Word
https://www.1300 HOMELOAN (1300 466356)
Brand Phone Word
1300 TELEBRAND (1300 835327)
Generic Phone Word
1300 SMILES (1300 764537)
Industry and generic phone words typically appeal to a broader market and may attract higher pricing due to wider demand. Brand-specific words, while powerful for the right business, usually have a narrower market.
What does a phone word cost?
Pricing varies depending on the word, length and prefix. Highly memorable or in-demand words generally attract higher fees.
Do I need new phone lines?
No. Calls to your phone word can be redirected to your existing number including mobile, so there is no disruption to your current setup.
What’s the best way to promote it?
Display your phone word everywhere your current number appears — website, email signatures, vehicles, signage, print and online ads. Consistent exposure builds recognition.
Will customers know how to use it?
Yes. The vast majority of Australians are already familiar with phone words and how to dial them on a standard keypad.
How do I check availability or get advice?
Contact us on 1300 EXPERT (1300 397378) or visit www.telebrand.com.au to confirm availability or discuss suitable options for your industry. Alternatives can also be suggested if your first choice is unavailable.