
As a small business owner, your website is one of the most important tools for connecting with potential clients. But when it comes to displaying your personal mobile number, have you thought about whether it’s the right choice for your business, especially if you are a sole trader? This is a question I often discuss with my website clients
There’s no right or wrong answer here. It’s all about finding the right balance between accessibility for your clients and maintaining your own boundaries.
Why It’s Worth Thinking Twice About Sharing Your Mobile Number
On the surface, putting your mobile number on your website seems like a no-brainer. It’s convenient for your clients and shows that you’re approachable. However, it also means opening yourself up to calls at any time of day or night, which could disrupt your work-life balance.
Here are a few things to consider:
1. Do your clients really need to call you immediately?
For many service-based businesses, clients value the ability to speak to someone directly. A quick phone call can help build trust and provide reassurance, especially for tradespeople or personal services.
But for others, an enquiry form or an online consultation booking tool might work just as well or even better. These options can offer clients a clear and structured way to get in touch, without putting your personal life on the line.
2. How much do you value your personal time?
This is a big one. Do you mind answering calls on a Saturday evening, or would you rather keep those boundaries in place? By not displaying your personal number, you give yourself more control over when and how you communicate with potential clients.
3. There’s always a middle ground.
If you decide not to include your mobile number, you can still make yourself available to the right people at the right time. For example, once you’ve established a relationship with a client, you can share your number as needed. This way, you stay accessible without being overwhelmed by constant calls.
A Real-Life Example
Here’s a quick story to illustrate how this decision can play out:
Last year, I built a website for a garden maintenance business. The owner was just starting out and decided to display his personal mobile number on the site to make it easy for clients to get in touch.
A mere three weeks after the website launched, he called me in a panic. “Please take my phone number off the website!” he said. “I’m getting inundated with calls day and night – my diary is already full!”
It was a fantastic problem to have, but it highlighted the importance of thinking carefully about how you manage client communications. For him, switching to an enquiry form was the right solution.
What Are Your Options?
If you’re unsure about putting your personal mobile number on your website, consider these alternatives:
Enquiry forms: Let clients provide the information you need, so you can get back to them when it suits you.
Online scheduling tools: Allow clients to book consultations or appointments directly on your website at a time that works for them.
Dedicated business numbers: Set up a separate phone number just for your business, so you can maintain personal boundaries while staying accessible.
So, Should You Put Your Personal Mobile Number on Your Website?
Ultimately, there’s no definitive answer when it comes to displaying your personal mobile number on your website. It’s about what works best for you, your business, and your clients.
If you need help setting up an enquiry form or integrating an online scheduling tool into your website, I’d love to help. Let’s work together to create a solution that makes your website both client-friendly and efficient for you!