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How To Get Phone Numbers For Aircall

If you want to use Aircall effectively, having accurate and verified phone numbers is critical. Outdated or incorrect numbers waste time, hurt customer relationships, and can cost you revenue. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Types of Numbers Supported: Aircall works with local, toll-free, international, and vanity numbers. All numbers must be SIP-compatible.
  • Compliance: Follow US regulations like TCPA and DNC rules to avoid legal issues. This includes obtaining consent for calls, updating DNC lists, and respecting privacy laws.
  • Best Platforms for Phone Numbers: Tools like Leadsforge, ZoomInfo, Lusha, and Voila Norbert provide verified numbers for outreach. Choose based on your budget and business size.
  • Data Verification: Always verify numbers with tools like Twilio Lookup and maintain data hygiene to ensure accuracy.
  • Importing Numbers: Use Aircall’s CSV upload, CRM integrations, or API for seamless data import. Ensure numbers are formatted correctly (E.164 format) to avoid errors.

Quick Tip: Regularly update your contact database and document consent to stay compliant and maintain trust with your audience.

Aircall Phone Number Requirements

Aircall

Understanding the types of phone numbers Aircall supports and the legal requirements for using them can help you avoid compliance headaches. These guidelines also clarify how numbers are imported into and used with Aircall.

Phone Number Types Aircall Supports

Aircall offers several types of phone numbers tailored to different needs:

  • Local Numbers: These use area codes that resonate with specific regions, helping businesses build trust. For example, a company in Denver using a 303 area code feels more approachable to local prospects compared to an out-of-state number.
  • Toll-Free Numbers: Numbers like 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833 project a professional image and are ideal for nationwide audiences. Keep in mind that pricing for toll-free numbers can vary depending on the carrier.
  • International and Toll-Free Numbers: Aircall supports numbers from many countries, making it easier to connect with global audiences.
  • Vanity Numbers: These custom numbers are great for brand recognition (e.g., 1-800-FLOWERS). However, they often cost more and may have limited availability.

To ensure proper integration with Aircall, all phone numbers must support SIP (Session Initiation Protocol). Most modern providers offer SIP-compatible numbers, but it’s a good idea to confirm this with your provider before importing numbers into Aircall.

Selecting the right type of number is just one step. You’ll also need to comply with US regulations to avoid legal issues.

US Compliance and Privacy Rules

If your business operates phone systems in the US, you must follow federal and state regulations, including:

  • Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA): This law requires explicit consent before making marketing calls or sending texts. Consent must be clearly documented and easy to verify.
  • National Do Not Call (DNC) Registry: Regularly update your calling lists by scrubbing them against the DNC Registry. You can do this manually or use compliance services to automate the process.
  • State Privacy Laws: Different states have rules about how customer data, including phone numbers, is collected, stored, and used. These laws often require transparent privacy notices and clear procedures for handling consumer requests.
  • Auto-Dialing Restrictions: If you use auto-dialing or predictive dialing tools with Aircall, be aware that the TCPA imposes strict rules on these technologies. The law broadly defines auto-dialers to include software that automates dialing.

To stay compliant, prioritize regular DNC list updates, clear consent processes, accurate record-keeping, and ongoing employee training. These steps will help you meet regulatory requirements and maintain trust with your customers.

Methods and Tools for Getting Accurate Phone Numbers

To get reliable phone numbers for Aircall, it’s important to choose verified, up-to-date platforms that align with US privacy regulations.

Top Platforms for Phone Number Acquisition

There are several platforms that can help you find accurate phone numbers for business outreach. Each has its own strengths, depending on your goals and budget.

  • Leadsforge: This AI-powered lead generation platform simplifies the process with a chat-like interface. You describe your ideal customer, and the platform delivers targeted, verified lead lists with phone numbers. It uses a waterfall enrichment process, pulling data from multiple sources for accuracy. New users get 100 free credits to test it out, and the Essential Plan starts at $49 per month for 2,000 credits.
  • ZoomInfo: Known for one of the largest B2B contact databases, ZoomInfo is ideal for finding decision-makers in specific industries or companies. It’s geared toward larger enterprises, with plans starting at approximately $14,995 annually for the Professional+ plan.
  • Lusha: This platform specializes in contact information for professionals on LinkedIn and company websites. Its Chrome extension makes it easy to find phone numbers directly from LinkedIn profiles. Lusha offers a freemium model with limited free credits each month, and paid plans start at around $29 per month per user.
  • Voila Norbert: While primarily focused on email finding, Voila Norbert also offers phone number enrichment services. Its email accuracy is highly regarded, but its phone number coverage is more limited. Plans start at approximately $49 per month.
Platform Starting Price Phone Number Coverage Best For Free Trial
Leadsforge $49/month High (waterfall enrichment) AI-driven prospecting 100 free credits
ZoomInfo ~$14,995/year Very High Enterprise sales teams Demo available
Lusha ~$29/month Medium-High LinkedIn prospecting Limited free credits
Voila Norbert ~$49/month Medium Email + phone enrichment Free searches available

Your choice will depend on factors like your budget, team size, and specific needs. For example, Leadsforge’s AI-driven system is great for automating prospecting, while ZoomInfo is better suited for enterprises with larger budgets.

Once you’ve chosen a platform, it’s essential to verify and standardize phone numbers to ensure smooth integration with Aircall.

Data Enrichment and Verification Best Practices

Before importing phone numbers into Aircall, they need to be verified and standardized. This step ensures you’re working with active numbers, reducing bounce rates and wasted effort.

  • Real-time Verification: Platforms like Leadsforge often include real-time verification, using multiple data sources to confirm accuracy before delivering numbers.
  • Cross-Referencing: Use additional tools like Twilio Lookup or Numverify to double-check phone numbers and gather carrier information.
  • Regular Data Hygiene: Phone numbers can quickly become outdated due to job changes, carrier switches, or disconnections. Schedule a quarterly review of your contact database to remove invalid entries.
  • Standardized Formatting: Use the E.164 international format (e.g., +1234567890 for US numbers) to avoid import errors. While many platforms handle this automatically, it’s a good practice to verify formatting for large batches.
  • Compliance: Document consent and opt-in details to ensure compliance with TCPA regulations.

For existing contact lists, consider using progressive data enrichment. Instead of replacing all your data at once, update and verify contact information gradually as you interact with prospects. This approach helps control costs while maintaining high data quality.

How to Import and Set Up Phone Numbers in Aircall

After gathering verified phone numbers from platforms like Leadsforge, ZoomInfo, or Lusha, the next step is to bring them into Aircall. Proper formatting and organization can make the process smooth and efficient.

Step-by-Step Process for Importing Numbers

Aircall provides multiple ways to import contact details, including phone numbers. Choose the method that aligns best with your business needs.

CSV Upload Method

The CSV upload is one of the easiest and most widely used methods. Start by organizing your contact data in a spreadsheet, ensuring all numbers follow the E.164 format. Once your data is clean and ready, save the file as a CSV.

In the Aircall dashboard, upload the CSV file as prompted. The system will display a preview, allowing you to map fields correctly to ensure everything is in the right place.

CRM Integration Method

If you’re already using a CRM like Salesforce, HubSpot, Pipedrive, or Zendesk, Aircall’s integrations can automatically sync contact details and caller context. After authenticating your CRM with Aircall, your contacts will sync seamlessly, keeping your data current without manual imports.

API Integration for Advanced Users

For businesses with custom systems or specific technical needs, Aircall’s API offers a way to programmatically import contact data. This option provides the flexibility to handle large-scale data or unique formats efficiently.

Creating New Numbers in Aircall

In addition to importing contacts, you might need to set up new phone numbers for your team. Aircall allows you to create international, geographic, and toll-free numbers directly through its dashboard. If you’re switching from another provider, Aircall’s support team can help port your existing numbers over. This feature complements your imported contacts, creating a cohesive communication system.

Connecting Lead Generation Tools with Aircall

Once your contacts are imported, you can connect your lead generation tools to Aircall for ongoing updates and seamless workflows.

Leadsforge Integration

Leadsforge’s AI-driven system can integrate directly with Aircall through API connections or scheduled CSV exports. Since Leadsforge uses waterfall enrichment to verify phone numbers from multiple sources, the data quality is high and ready for immediate use. To set this up, configure Leadsforge to export data in Aircall’s preferred format and schedule exports based on your lead generation activity.

Zapier Automation

If your lead generation tool doesn’t have a direct integration with Aircall, Zapier can act as a connector. By creating automated workflows, or "Zaps", you can extract, format, and add new contact information to Aircall without manual effort.

Real-Time Sync Considerations

Integrating multiple tools requires careful planning to avoid duplicate contacts and ensure smooth data flow. Decide which system will serve as the primary source for your contact information. For example, if you’re using both a CRM and a lead generation tool, determine whether leads should sync directly to Aircall or flow through your CRM first.

Set up validation rules to catch formatting errors or incomplete data before importing contacts into Aircall. During the initial setup, monitor your integrations to ensure numbers are importing correctly, formats remain consistent, and no data is lost in the process.

Maintaining Data Quality and Compliance

Getting phone numbers into Aircall is just the beginning; keeping them accurate and legally compliant is where the real work begins. Even the best phone numbers can become outdated or lead to compliance headaches if not properly maintained. Ensuring both data quality and compliance is essential for successful outreach and protecting your business.

Best Practices for Data Maintenance

Phone numbers often change due to job shifts or company updates, and without a clear plan to manage this, your outreach can suffer. A structured approach to maintaining your data ensures your Aircall system runs smoothly and avoids wasted effort.

  • Conduct regular checks. Set up monthly reviews to verify phone numbers and track when contacts were last engaged. Focus on re-verifying high-priority contacts - those most critical to your business or those not recently updated.
  • Monitor bounce rates in Aircall. If certain numbers consistently fail or cause complaints, flag them immediately for review. Use Aircall's call analytics to identify patterns that might indicate outdated or incorrect numbers.
  • Leverage successful calls to update records. When you connect with someone, confirm their current phone number and ask for alternative contact details. This method, often called progressive profiling, helps you build backups in case a primary number becomes invalid.
  • Automate data updates. Use tools that automatically enrich contact details to keep your database fresh. Automation reduces manual work and ensures your contact information stays reliable.

US Compliance Tips for Phone Number Usage

Once your data is in good shape, compliance becomes the next critical focus. Staying within US telecommunications laws isn’t just about avoiding fines - it’s about protecting your reputation and maintaining trust.

Adhering to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and state-specific rules is essential. Here are some steps to ensure your outreach stays compliant:

  • Track consent status. When importing phone numbers into Aircall, include a field to record consent and the date it was obtained. Don’t assume that purchased contact lists include TCPA consent - explicit permission is required.
  • Keep consent records updated. Regularly refresh your consent logs and audit opt-out lists. Scrub your phone number database every 31 days to ensure compliance with Do Not Call (DNC) rules. Many data providers can help by filtering out DNC-registered numbers during their enrichment process.
  • Respect time zone restrictions. Aircall allows you to configure calling schedules, so set them to align with legal timeframes - typically 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM in the recipient’s local time zone. This is especially important if your team operates across different regions.
  • Honor opt-out requests immediately. Ensure Aircall flags opt-out contacts automatically and that your team respects these requests. Keep detailed records, including timestamps and the method used for opting out, to demonstrate compliance if necessary.
  • Store documentation for four years. Retain consent records, opt-out logs, call histories, and other compliance-related documentation to protect your business in case of regulatory scrutiny.
  • Understand state-specific laws. Some states have stricter rules than federal regulations. If your outreach spans multiple states, apply the strictest standards to your entire operation for consistency and safety.

Regular compliance audits are your best defense against potential issues. By reviewing your practices every quarter, keeping consent records up to date, and ensuring your team is well-versed in current regulations, you can maintain a high standard for both data quality and compliance.

Key Takeaways for Using Reliable Phone Numbers with Aircall

Creating a successful phone outreach strategy with Aircall hinges on three key elements: verified data sourcing, smooth integration, and maintaining compliance. These steps, outlined earlier, are essential for ensuring effective communication and avoiding wasted effort.

Start with verified data sources to eliminate the hassle of outdated or incorrect phone numbers. Using platforms like Leadsforge, which provides AI-powered lead generation with real-time data verification, ensures that the numbers you import into Aircall are accurate from the start. This real-time verification is critical for maintaining data reliability.

Prioritize integration accuracy over speed. Proper data mapping between your tools and Aircall is essential for smooth operations. When your data flows seamlessly into Aircall, your team can focus on meaningful conversations instead of wasting time on data cleanup.

Compliance is non-negotiable. Adhering to TCPA guidelines and state-specific regulations is crucial to avoid penalties. This includes recording consent, respecting opt-outs, and routinely auditing your Do Not Call list. Keeping thorough compliance records not only safeguards your business from fines but also helps protect your reputation and financial health.

FAQs

What are the advantages of using local and toll-free phone numbers with Aircall?

Using local phone numbers with Aircall can make your business feel more relatable and accessible to customers in specific areas. People are often more inclined to pick up calls from area codes they recognize, which can lead to better engagement and help foster stronger relationships.

Meanwhile, toll-free numbers remove the worry of call charges for your customers, making it easier for them to reach out. This can improve their experience, encourage more inquiries, and leave a positive impression. Deciding between a local or toll-free number comes down to your priorities - whether it's building a local connection or offering a cost-free way for customers to get in touch.

How can I stay compliant with US regulations when using Aircall for phone outreach?

To ensure compliance with U.S. regulations while using Aircall for phone outreach, you need to adhere to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR). These regulations mandate that businesses must obtain prior express written consent before making autodialed or prerecorded calls to mobile phones. It's also important to cross-check numbers against the National Do Not Call Registry and avoid contacting those listed.

Make sure to obtain clear and explicit consent for any marketing communications, particularly when using automated systems. Keeping up with regulatory updates, like new FCC rules, is equally important. Lastly, prioritize safeguarding customer data and following privacy laws to maintain ethical and lawful outreach practices.

What’s the best way to ensure accurate and reliable phone numbers when importing them into Aircall?

To make sure your phone numbers are accurate and ready for import into Aircall, start by using trusted verification tools. These tools help confirm that numbers are correctly formatted, active, and usable. Regular audits and cleanups of your contact database can also eliminate outdated or incorrect entries, keeping your data reliable over time.

Another helpful step is leveraging data enrichment platforms like Leadsforge or ZoomInfo. These platforms can update your contact list with verified and current information, minimizing errors and boosting communication effectiveness. By following these steps, you not only improve the quality of your outreach but also stay aligned with data privacy regulations.

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