Clients keep asking for my number, how do I keep my business email or DM only?

Here is what you can do. If you do not want to use your own phone number for privacy reasons. You can go to google and get google voice. Its free give them that number and when they call it goes to voice mail. You can call them back later. Just make sure you get a local number when you sign up for it. Here is the link to save you some time. https://voice.google.com/voicemail

tbh I got clients wanna lick my face.

Point is, who calls the shots in any biz relationship?

I seen people demandin' I Skype to order, stay close to my phone like a slave, an' be available on FaceBook Messenger 24/7.

Nope. Saaaaaaaaary. That kinda schwango ain't gowin' noplace.

Problem most clients got is they will eat away atchya time cos they figure jus' bcs they payin' they got access to yr SOUL.

Gotta either DISABUSE these guys of their DELOOSIONS or be paralyzed as a comsummately spectacular creative force.

Tell them Lewis; DM or email communication only.

Just get clear on it buddy. I know you may be afraid to set the rules but we all need to lay 'em out as we become more busy in this online game. Be clear and polite and folks will understand. Anybody who does not understand is not an ideal client

Ryan

One of the best ways to stand out in an online world IS to provide a phone number.

I can't tell you how many people call me and say "you actually answered your phone." From the sounds of it, most online marketers don't provide their phone number. I have mine listed all over my websites.

You don't have to be a slave to your phone. Set boundaries. Have office hours. Hire a virtual assistant to correspond to people.

But, don't be surprised if you miss out on a lot of sales because of no phone interaction.

Just my two cents.

Tell them that you only communicate via email or DM. And make sure that they know that the option to contact you via phone is non-existent. Let them know you dont communicate through phone. You gotta tell them. Just tell them.

Tell them your deaf.

Tell them Your respond to emails so fast then if you use phone thats why prefare email

I only work with email because I want to have everything in writing. With a phone call there's no way to prove what was said.

I've never lost a client due to this policy.

Rose

I think you got this wrong.

Anyone who is not willing to communicate by phone is not a real business.

Refusing to talk over the phone makes it seem like you are hiding something.

Now you can set boundaries and rules for how much time you are willing to spend on the phone or when you can be available for the phone.

If someone told me they only do business by email or DM, I wouldn't be doing business with them.

For design business, I think email and DM are the best because people are careful when type it. I know it's slow, but it will reduce number of revisions.

Just be upfront. Any client who values your time and the importance of policies such as these on the results that you produce will understand when you tell them that you can't be available to answer the phone 24/7 (or that you prefer not to be available at any time).
Give it a shot. You will be surprised how many of them don't mind working on your terms.

Why are you not comfortable? Are you scamming the buyer, or ducking support issues?

Supplying a phone number might also get you a new client that you may not have gotten otherwise... or an "upsell" to a more profitable offering.

Most companies???

Maybe you are referring to most affiliate websites that are selling only $7 ebooks for 100% commission via email. Simple downloadable products where the affiliate isn't even responsible for delivery of the product.

You're right that phone contact between buyer/seller is less needed in many situations today - but do you really want to lose a client to your competition simply because they felt they needed to speak to a real person?

This isn't a one size fits all issue, IMO.

Certainly most, if not all, businesses serving a local community would benefit from having a contactable phone number. So would a majority of service providers - especially when the service is of a technical nature. On the other hand, independent freelancers can usually get away with an email address although it certainly helps credibility to also have a postal address on your site (actually a requirement in many territories).

Of course, once you get as large as eBay, it seems you can make your customers jump through any number of hoops before they give up trying to get hold of you by phone.

If you see from client's point of view they are not wrong actually. Sometimes phone no is required because they cant wait for your reply.

Just be totally honest and up front.

Tell them that you're totally phone-phobic and instead rely on instant messages and email.

If your end user still believes, and knows that you can deliver the goods, then there's a chance that they won't mind that much.

Well, you define the business policies of your company. There is nothing wrong with politely convey the same to your clients.

I'll say that it's impolite to tell a customer that you don't want to talk to them. So you have two options:

1. Make them understand that phone is inconvenient for you -- auto reply with "I'm working atm, I'll call you back soon", give a new number you actually got for this purpose, and have it go directly to voice mail, call them back during off-work hours.

2. Learn to live with it. Charge more for this kind of service. Understand that it affects your schedule and your daily work. You can have these clients on a retainer -- charge them a monthly fee for being available on phone.

Hope this helps

IMO, most up-to-date(modern) businesses understand that the internet has become the preferred medium for doing business. Certain types of businesses however still require active contact via telephony. This is particularly true of consultancy businesses.

Your type of business can get on well without a making a phone number available. It does seem that you are feeling guilty for not providing a phone number for your clients.
I suggest you make your clients know that phone calls are only available as part of a consulting package and will attract an upfront fee.

The prospect of paying a fee for information they can acquire for free via DM or email will definitely discourage most people.



The few who are willing to pay the upfront fee will be worth your time.



Goodluck.

Well, if you do answer the e-mails or via DM quite quickly - that's cool, but I do understand how some of the people ask for a number because it is much more personal and reliant. Have you reconsidered it and weighted all the cons and pros? Also, you could just get another phone and ignore it or just turn off/fake number. Then just add "in case I am not answering, please e-mail or DM me".

Why not hire yourself a virtual assistant to take calls? The VA talks to them, finds out all that's bothering them, all they want, tells them you'll take care of ; then she/he/they type up what the client wants and you read it when you choose.



You are losing some people because you do not use phone. You should test to see if what you lose is made up by the time you save, don't just assume you do.

My comment was a bit of an exaggeration. Yes, there are plenty of businesses that operate without doing any business by telephone.

That is very market dependent, and there are very, very few except on the absolute cheap end (fiverr sellers and the like) that are doing it successfully in the B2B niche.

Place yourself as a customer, there are really people who are doubtful to transact online but they are open to these things, provided that you first build trust with them. I know it can really be annoying, however, opening more options for communication is the key to gaining more clients. If you really want to step up the game, hire a virtual assistant to take care of your customer inquiries, if you feel there is a need to do this.

What I would suggest is
Put the chat form on your website like we have let's say it's prevents visitors from asking for a number because when they see that you are online they will contact you there and not via a number

Just tell them you're a very small team and currently don't support customer support via phone. That's I do and they don't mind it.

I don't like being on the phone, but I wouldn't say that these days people communicate only via emails or chat. A phone is still one of the most (if not the most) popular communication method and there are lots of people that prefer to get support via phone.

When people ask for my phone number, I usually tell them that I believe that emails are more effective. Moreover, I don't mind to reply to emails also after hours, if I have time (in practice - if I'm online, I don't mind responding even late at night). It doesn't mean that I would like to be on the phone. However, if they insist to arrange a call, I don't refuse, as everyone is different.

It's really easy (and cheap) to get a virtual number, so you don't need to provide your private number to anyone. Maybe recording a voicemail greeting like I'm working now and can't answer your call but please send me an email and I will reply asap would help...

YES, AVOID TIME VAMPIRES AT ALL COSTS IF YOU WANT TO SUCCEED!!!

This comes down to what I call "CLIENT SELECTION:" where you setup your business processes to DISCOURAGE the types of "problem clients" that we freelancers are so used to dealing with... such as time-vampires or chronic complainers, serial refunders, and serial time-wasters...

Most of all it's YOUR business don't let a customer tell you how to run it.

If you have to EXCLUDE 10% of your potential clients from doing business with you because they don't like HOW you do it.. so be it!

The last thing I would do is CHANGE something big like that just to please 10% of my potential clients.

The 10% that you may be EXCLUDING would only be the problem clients anyway.. the ones who want to chat your ******* ear off for an hour and not buy shit.. pick your brain for free then tell you at the end they think they know a better way but thanks for the free advice... or the people who will start to call you daily thinking that you have time to just chat... these people are NOT your ideal customer... they are simply time vampires looking to find a way to TALK you into doing shit for them for free.

Don't fall for it.

Now there will be a few out there that just won't hire anyone unless they talk to them on the phone. These are the same type of old fashioned folks that CANNOT SEND AN EMAIL OR TYPE A CHAT IF THEIR LIFE DEPENDED ON IT... they feel like they absolutely must talk to a person immediately every time they have an issue. If they had you on retainer to provide 24/7 tech support that would be fine... BUT if you only miss out on a few of these and your life is much happier because you get to do business the way you prefer... to me it's totally worth it.

In the long run only 20% of your clients will earn you 80% of your business anyway. It's the 80% of clients who suck up all your time and only make up about 20% of your income that you need to watch out for.

Again, each client is different so this cannot be a one-size fits all solution.

Maybe you could have a phone number that always goes to voicemail. I tell you what, this would STOP all the folks who bug you by phone more than once per day dead in their tracks because they would assume every time they call you don't want to answer. Or that you are always busy.

But everyone else who realizes that it can take up to 2 days for a business phone call to be returned,
would certainly wait patiently for the return call.

Only the time-vampires demand you answer the phone or return a call immediately... stay away from them!!

Well, you kinda have to convince them that you will answer the e-mails or DM as fast as it would take to make a call.

Get a VA to act as a client manager / customer service and let them do the talking.

You'd just have to design some forms for them to work on each type of call you get.

This is really backwards thinking and is going to hurt you in the long run. What is your problem actually talking to people and explaining your services to them? Do you feel you're a charlatan and that would be exposed by a simple phone call?

If you're running a legitimate high value business, then having a voice communication option will legitimize you further.

Never understood why people go to such great length to hide behind emails and DMs

I dont blame you for not wanting to take calls, even more so, if you run a smooth operation, and if you are not careful, spending time on phone calls from time wasters because they do not have a life will not gain you any more clients, they will just continue to bleed you, and keep you from what they paid you to do.

You can kindly explain to them via your site or email that you do not offer phone support.It would be a different story if you had a 5 person operation with someone taking phone orders, however, if you do not need to talk to them, then all they are doing is sucking up all your time, and 9 out of 10 times, I bet you they will start talking about other things that are not relevant to their order ie: I'm lonely, I just need to talk because I paid you, etc....

I would not call it hiding...
not every business needs or requires to be phone based when email and DM will work just fine, so are we really talking about the OP or insecure clients that just have to talk on the phone?

I'd look into a business line, I think they're pretty cheap if you search around for them. Or set up a WhatsApp for your business so they don't have your personal number, if that's what you're worried about.

You can always schedule times when you'll accept phone calls. Use something like Acuity to send the them a link showing when you're available to take calls or post it on your website so they can schedule themselves. Something like a 15 or 20 min free consult just so prospect can hear a live person may be all they need to make them feel better. Make yourself available only twice a week for a narrow time frame so you can control when they call you. Most people and with an online business would love to keep it strictly email or DM but until you get to a certain point in your business you may need to accept phone calls in the beginning stages.
Do whatever is necessary to make your business a success and you can make adjustments as you get more clients and be more selective about how you communicate with people.

Put yourself as a customer, there are really people that are doubtful to transact online however they're open to those items, assuming you first build trust with them. I am aware that it really can be annoying, however, opening more options for communication is the secret to gaining more customers. If you really want to measure the game, hire a virtual assistant to take care of your client inquiries, if you feel there's a need to do this.

Hi Lewis,

I Hear you on that..i face the same issues as well. here's what I've done
I use burner app on android to get disposable phone numbers, its relatively cheap
and I only use this on high ticket sales. I am not getting on the phone so you can buy a $50 product...no sirrrrr

Also understand that the clients that want the extra time and attention are often the ones that either end up not buying or doing chargebacks. Not sure if you've read Tim Ferriss 4-hour work week, he explains it better there. 80% of your income will be from 20% of your clients and these are usually low maintaince clients. the other 20% of your income will be from 80% of your clients..these are the time wasters the ones that wants a background check and introduction to your entire family before they sign up for a free trial

Take a good look at your business and if the above holds true then I would not even bother..if its your time wasters that keep asking to get on the phone, trim the fat and cut them lose.

Another option is Facebook calls, i usually invite prospects to my page so they see am a real person and we can do a quick facebook call to reassure them its someone real behind the keyboard. Alot of people have been burnt before and this might be why they are now very skeptical, so i try to warm up the clients as much as possible by bringing them over to my facbook business profile.

Hope this helps, and keep being awesome

Its worth to communicate via email.

I just state upfront on all my sales/order pages that support is email only to keep costs down and for accurate record keeping with client communications. That's it, no other explanations or details needed.

It's totally business dependent.

I don't provide a business phone because too many only want conversation. If you don't want to do business with me because I don't provide one, see ya, have a nice day.

You can simply tell your clients to contact you through dm or email since you do not have time to entertain each and every call which will take up a lot of of your time and effort.

Which is best used on more productive activities of getting more clients or follow up with those who just signed up with you.

i think you should take another business number for your clients.

You could make it clear with them, or even give thema number, and let them know it will be exclusively for voice mails.

By giving mobile number you can have healthy discussion

If you're selling video animation, you probably need phone number, unless you're not English speaker and can't communicate well using English, then your client probably understand that

I think you could also look a it in terms of what kind of client you want to attract.

Older business owners are often more comfortable speaking to someone over the phone. They equate a phone number with legitimacy. If you want to tap into this market, then by all means get phone. Having a VA answer it and only answering during office hours adds to your legitimacy so don't worry about not having the time to answer calls. In some ways, it might be better if you don't answer all calls. Only call back if it's a legitimate lead/referral or when you're about to close the deal.

But if that's not the market you want to tap, having a phone would just be added cost. The fact that 90% of your clients come in through Instagram just shows that not having a phone isn't stopping you have getting clients.

i filtered the clients on the basis of their behavior, now m left with just handful but really good clients

This is something I've struggled with myself.

When you're a freelancer, the product you're selling is your time. If you're not using your time wisely, you're hurting your profits.

The problem I've had with offering phone access to the general public is that I've had people call and suck 40 minutes out of my inventory only to walk away empty-handed afterwards.

This can't happen. I simply can't afford to let any casual site visitor take that kind of time out of my day on a whim, and I think it's unreasonable to expect that from someone who trades hours for dollars.

On the other hand, if someone is a paying client, I feel like I at least owe them the courtesy of a phone call if they so desire. Not on an on-call basis, not for hours at a time, not several times a day, and not for every single back-and-forth interaction we have. But one or two 20 minute calls in order for them to explain something they couldn't articulate over email isn't going to break me, and it's the least I can do for someone who chose to bet their money on me instead of someone else.

I've come to the conclusion that the best approach is to offer a phone number publicly on my site, but phone support is only available to paying clients who schedule a call with me in advance (and I use Skype's phone service to facilitate this so it stays at my desk and I can keep it separate from my actual phone.) Inquiries are directed to email. This is all spelled out on the contact section of my website, and so far it has worked well enough.

Am I losing out on potential clients who may be put off by this? Possibly, but that's a trade off I'm willing to make. I've built up enough demand for my services that I can afford to choose my working conditions.

I agree with some of the previous answers regarding offering transparency, your buyers will appreciate it. From my perspective there are two options you can do:
1. Make it clear on your Instagram bio description that you offer only email and DM communication, as well as any other "policies" you choose. When customers know what to expect, you eliminate disappointment.
2. Offer a window of 2hrs when you can answer phone calls and again, explain in your bio that in order to focus on editing and produce the best products FOR THEM, you can only offer this time period for the phone. Otherwise, you'll gladly answer each and everyone via email and private messages.

Basically, be straightforward and set your rules.

Good luck! Btw, are u also selling on eBay or Amazon, or just via social media?

VERY SIMPLE TO ANSWER !

People wants your number to directly call you and get some advices, coaching and so on?

Go to Clarity.fm and put there your number: clients won't see it, they ask a call and they agree to pay some bucks PER MINUTE for your consulence.

Quite fair.

It's the 80/20 Rule Lewis!

Chances are the few that are demanding phone calls aren't adding anything to your business, just sucking your time.

You set the rules and you will be left working with people you want to

Good luck

Always try better to get business call

It would be easier for you to close a sale on call. what you can do is like a free 10 min consultation call. and after 10 mins you charge them. this will increase your leads and sales.

I think that solving the problems or questions through using the mobile phone it's easier and faster, than e-mail.

Focus on the clients that will allow you to do your work and generate income. Someone already said "choose your clients" - great advice. Years ago I used to believe the customer came first. Now I believe the right customer comes first. If someone is too needy and wastes too much of my time asking irrelevant questions, or the same questions over and over again, I tell them that this isn't working and perhaps they need to find someone else.

Use a spare number, switch it off and put voicemail on it telling them to email you instead... or give them a premium number and you can even make money for that all day long lol!

When you are doing a business why do you need to keep your number secret? you can have a personal and a business numbers separate and keep the fixed business hours adding a voicemail to it.

Displaying a phone number can help increase trust and credibility, as well as make you stand out from the crowd. However at the same time, it can be intrusive and distract you from focusing on the core of your business.

Have you considered using an answering service?

We do this for many clients who are in a similar position to yourself. We give them a dedicated phone number and our agents answer it in their business name and handle as instructed.

Sometimes people just want to pick up the phone and hear a real voice. You might be surprised by the amount of extra leads you capture as a result.

The more a client spends, the more they valuable phone time. I think it's fair when they're spending in the thousands personally. Email just doesn't have the same throughput.

You can configure your phone for a call divert. Like putting a number that is not working where calls be diverted to it.

Simply let them know the way that your business runs is the way that you run your business. Only via DM and email at the moment

When it comes to business, some people strongly prefer to communicate by phone. If this is a problem then just state it and be honest with people and give them the options.

This has turned out to be a very interesting thread.

I'm just a little bit "old school" and believe that you should have multiple ways for your clients to get in touch with you.

A lot of it also has to deal with the demographics of your customer base. For example, if most of your customers are Baby Boomers, you might want to consider have a business phone number.

I personally prefer businesses with a phone number, but everyone is different. I like to be able to talk to a real person when I have a question or an issue to deal with. I also believe it's a lot quicker to solve an issue by phone than email.

I can tell you that I get a LOT of business because I do have a phone number listed on my website, and I do answer it. I also get a lot of people who just want to talk with someone. I guess it's a double edged sword.

Keep the comments flowing.

Hire a virtual assistant for phone inquiries. Or be strict with it by warning them you dont entertain phone inquiries.

Hi lewisjamespro ,

Do I feel your pain - I know exactly where your question is coming from. You just want to do your thing, grow your business and keep things chugging along...but your clients want to call you, Facebook message you, WhatsApp message you, Skype, Google Hangout, Slack etc etc. The list goes on.

I had the exact situation as you - and (worse) - people giving out my cellphone number to potential clients (who weren't in my target market, and took a lot of my time and energy). I had internal systems put in place so that leads went to person X, and existing clients went to person Y on my team, but you know what? Those cellphone calls just kept coming.

But, you know what? Those clients just want to actually hear someone's voice, so you're stuck between doing what's best for you and your business (specific channels) and doing what they need to be able to be your client (speak on the phone).

The solution I found is a VoIP phone line. They're cheap to set up, are uber-professional (Google Voice is good, but the other features you can get on VoIP are amazing) and have made my whole life so much easier. Clients/leads/whoever call and hear a pre-recorded message, directing them to the correct department...OR they leave a voicemail, which is sent to my inbox, and I decide what to do with it accordingly.

It means I get to do what I need to do, they feel like they're being heard, and everyone is (mostly) happy.

Good luck!