A standard landline number is not equipped to receive or deliver SMS text messages, so all text messages sent to it are lost. The sender will not be notified if the delivery fails, since there are no mechanisms on the telecom side to send error and failure messages.

To text from a landline, you will need to sign up for a landline text service to text-enable your landline. In this post, you will learn how landline numbers work for your business and how to text-enable your landline number.

What is a Landline Number and How Does It Work?

A landline phone number is a regular number that uses physical wires to allow voice communications. Landlines were the only way to make/receive calls from a home or office phone before cell phones.

Landline numbers have been digitized recently, meaning that a VoIP number allows for telephone communication over the internet. By speaking into your microphone, the sound of your voice is converted into electrical signals that travel through the phone lines, the internet, or through cellular service to the other party.

Through their speaker, your phone transmits your electrical signal into sound, so they hear your voice. Both the sender and the receiver use the same mechanism and the process is repeated. 

How to Receive Text Messages Sent to Your Landline Number?

Landline phone numbers can send and receive text messages, as well. The landline will need texting software to receive text messages, which is similar to the way mobile phone numbers function.

To send a text message, open your messaging app, type in the 10-digit number of the person you’re trying to reach, write out your message, and hit send.

Not only can you use a short code for branded text messages, but it’s also perfect for bulk messages. Keep in mind the difference between when to use a short code vs a long code before texting your customers.

How Does Texting a Landline Work for Business?

Texting a landline for business works the same way as a cell phone. However, people can only send texts to the phone number associated with your landline and not the landline number itself.

This is where landline texting software comes in. ‍Text-to-landline software is a third-party service that enables your landline phone to send and receive text messages and offers a user-friendly interface to manage communication.

Sending text messages from a business landline number is simple if you have the landline texting software installed. With the text messaging software for your business, you can convert more leads and increase revenue by setting up your company phone number to receive texts. Investing in a text-to-landline service will also let you read and reply to incoming text messages within the platform.

Why You Need to Text Enable Your Landline Phone

SMS is undeniably a powerful communication and marketing tool for businesses. Consumers tend to text more than they call, and reply to text messages quicker than other methods. If you still have doubts, we have listed some reasons why you need to text-enable your landline phone.

Customers Prefer Texting

More and more customers are ditching phone calls in favor of text messages. In fact, nearly 75% of consumers say they would rather receive a text than a phone call from businesses.‍ Not only do customers prefer texting, but they also expect it. Some studies show that 60% of consumers say they would like to be able to text with businesses.

Texting is Convenient

‍Texting is a convenient way for customers to get in touch with businesses—no need to wait on hold or schedule a call around their busy day. With business texting, you can have two-way conversations with your customers right from your computer or smartphone—making it easy to stay connected even when you’re on the go.

Texting is Fast

‍Text messages are typically read within minutes, making texting a fast way to reach your customers. And, with business text messaging, you can easily send mass texts to large groups, which is perfect for announcing sales or sending reminders to customers.

Texting is Reliable

You can always trust that your text will get to the right person because they never end up in a spam folder as emails do. You also don’t have to worry about your message getting lost in a long thread of emails. Text delivery statistics show that texts have a 98% open rate and are typically read within 3 minutes.

Helps to Streamline Customer Service

Textable landlines not only improve call management, and customer engagement, but also reduce the number of calls received. By being more available, you can increase your reach and actually improve customers’ engagement with your company.

How to Text-Enable Your Landline Number for Business?

Do you have any plans to text-enable your landline number for your business? There are a few easy steps for text-enabling your landline number:

  1. Choose a business text messaging software like Textback that offers a landline texting service. 
  2. Follow the instructions to sign up for an account and add your company’s landline number.
  3. Once your landline number is added, you can start texting with customers from the app.

Textback provides you with an opportunity to start a free trial, add your company’s landline number, and start texting with customers right away. Plus, the easy-to-use interface makes it easy to stay connected with your customers—even when you’re on the go.

What Happens If You Text a Landline Phone Number and It is Text Enabled?

Textback transforms text messages sent to your landline phone number into an email and delivers them directly to your inbox. The subject line automatically includes “Text Message From,” so you can easily distinguish between a text and an email.

How Does a Text to Landline Service Work?

A text-to-landline service converts texts into voice recordings that can be played on a traditional phone. To use the service, recipients must have a mobile device that can send and receive texts as well as an eligible landline.

The sender’s message is recorded in a human voice before the text-to-landline service calls the recipient’s phone number.

Pros and Cons of Landline Phone Numbers

Although landline phone numbers are no longer as popular as they were, many individuals and organizations continue to use them. So, it is helpful to distinguish the advantages and disadvantages of using a landline phone number. 

Here are the benefits of having a landline phone number:

  • Reliability: Landline phone service is far more secure than cellular or VoIP services since it is connected to an actual, physical telephone line.
  • Emergency Services: Landline phone service may be a lifesaver in case of an emergency. Because it is not reliant on batteries or electricity, it will continue to function even if the power goes out.
  • Cost: Landline phone service is cheaper than cell phone service because you don’t need a data plan for landlines.
  • Great sound quality: Since landlines utilize a line-based exchange, the sound quality is often much clearer. This makes them ideal for long-distance calls, which radio waves historically have had issues with.

There are also some disadvantages of using a landline phone number, such as:

  • Limited Mobility: The landline phone service is not mobile, so you will need to be in a specific location to use it.
  • Installation: Landline phone service requires installation by a professional. This can be costly and time-consuming.
  • Limited Features: A landline phone service is less sophisticated than a cell phone service. Landline phones, for example, lack the ability to send or receive text messages.
  • Require a Phone: You can use landline phone service if you have a physical telephone. If you don’t have a landline phone in your home or office, this could be an issue.

Benefits of Text Enabling Your Business Landline Phone Number

Businesses can tap the many benefits of text-enabling their landline phone number and save time, money, and resources. Some of the benefits of text enabling your business landline include:

Increased Customer Satisfaction

Enabling your business landline phone number for text enables you to increase customer satisfaction by providing them with a convenient way to reach you. Customers can easily text you with questions or concerns and receive a prompt response.

Improved Customer Service

With a text message center, your business landline phone number can improve customer service. You will be able to reply promptly and easily to consumer questions by using text messaging. Replying via text will also allow you to keep a record of the conversation, which can be helpful for quality assurance purposes.

Increased Sales

Text-enabling your business landline phone number can increase sales by making it easier for customers to contact you. With text messaging, businesses can provide their customers with product information and updates, special offers, and discounts. Customers can quickly and easily text you to make a purchase or inquire about a product.

Keeps Your Cell Phone Number Private

By text-enabling your landline phone number, you can give out your business number to customers and clients without revealing your personal cell phone number. This is a convenient way to keep your cell number private and avoid unwanted calls and texts.

Additional Features

The ability to add additional features to your business landline phone service, such as voicemail, call forwarding, and caller ID. These features can be useful for businesses of all sizes.

Reduced Operational Costs

Text-enabling your business landline phone number can help reduce operational costs. By using text messaging, businesses can save on the cost of printing and mailing marketing materials, as well as the cost of making phone calls. Text messaging is a more efficient way to communicate with customers and can help businesses save time and money.

Reliable Service

Landline phone service is generally more reliable than cell phone service, so you can count on it for important business calls. Unlike cell phone service, which can be interrupted by bad weather or a weak signal, landline service is not as susceptible to these issues.

Can I Send Text Messages from a Landline Phone Number?

Yes, you can send text messages from a landline phone number using a landline texting service. It allows businesses to send and receive text messages using their landline numbers. The text-to-landline service will then convert the text message into a voicemail that is delivered to the recipient.