Should your phone number be in your website header?

Luke Meredith

When someone visits your website, finding out how to contact you should be straightforward. However, while a phone number in the header might seem like an obvious choice, its value depends on how your customers prefer to communicate and what you want your website to achieve.

For businesses that rely on telephone enquiries, the answer is usually yes.

If someone needs an emergency plumber or wants to check whether a service is suitable before booking, a visible number gives them a clear next step. Making that person search through your website for contact details adds an unnecessary barrier at the point when they’re considering getting in touch.

The same applies to existing customers who may be visiting simply to call you about an order or appointment.

Making the number useful

Displaying your number is only part of the job. It should be easy to read and, on mobile devices, visitors should be able to tap it to start a call without having to copy it into their phone.

As well as checking the desktop layout, look at what happens on a smaller screen. If the number disappears into a menu or becomes difficult to select, its position in the header may offer little practical benefit.

You should also consider what happens when someone calls. If your phone is only answered during certain hours, make those hours clear and provide another way to enquire outside them. Encouraging calls that regularly go unanswered can leave potential customers frustrated.

When another action takes priority

A phone number doesn’t have to be the most prominent element on every website. If your business requires customers to book appointments online or submit detailed information before receiving a quote, the header should make that process clear.

You can still provide telephone contact details, but their placement should support the way you handle enquiries.

Ultimately, the decision should come back to your customers. If calling is a useful and welcome next step, make your number easy to find. If another route helps them get what they need more efficiently, give that action priority.

At Engage Web, we help businesses build websites that make taking the next step straightforward. Get in touch with our team to discuss how your website could work better for your customers.

About
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Luke Meredith

Content Editor at Engage Web

At home in both the digital sector and the world of communications, Luke thrives on deadlines and has held roles in healthcare, retail and digital marketing, gaining a sound knowledge of a wide range of sectors. He’s a massive swot as well, holding a first-class degree in BA Communication and Media, and now uses his writing skills and keen editorial eye in his role as Content Editor here. Luke helps to oversee our clients’ content requirements, while also looking after a pool of freelance writers across three continents.

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