How to send texts from a different number with the same phone (for business)

Between fulfilling client orders, handling inventory, managing employees, and payroll, there’s so much to worry about as a business owner.

The prime challenge though? Privacy.

You see, with so many new changes in technology, it’s not surprising that people are more conscious of their efforts to protect their privacy.

Protecting your mobile number is one of the first steps to ensuring online privacy. However, as a business owner, your personal number can quickly get into the public eye. So what can you do to prevent this?

In this guide, we’ll show how five different ways in which you can use the same phone to text from a different number that isn’t your personal number.

5 ways to send a text from a different number

Remember that each of these methods for texting from a different number comes with its unique advantages so you’ll want to decide on one go-to solution (+ a backup method) before implementing them.

1. Use a texting app like SimpleTexting

While various apps allow you to create a second number, few provide a business text messaging service like SimpleTexting.

With SimpleTexting, you get a hassle-free service that fits your small business workflow. In addition to being able to create multiple phone numbers for the same account, features like unlimited text-to-join keywords, analytics, toll-free texting, 1000+ integrations, and more make it an excellent choice when considering the best small business texting services.

Here’s how SimpleTexting’s Multiple Number feature helps you create and text with a new number.

Step 1: In SimpleTexting’s app, go to your profile’s right-hand corner and click Numbers.

Step 2: Click Add number.

Step 3: Choose whether to text-enable an existing number, create a vanity toll-free number, or use a local number.

Let’s assume you chose to add a local number for this article.

Step 4: Enter your area code, choose a number, and select Get this number.

Step 5: Add a description to the number to indicate what you want to use it for. For instance, if you want to use it for two-way messaging between you and customers or suppliers.

And just like that, you have a new number to text without giving out your personal information.

Aside from offering privacy, you can create new numbers for departments, store locations, or salespersons so they can easily manage text message conversations.

You can also create permissions, monitor inboxes to help where needed, delegate conversations, and set up campaigns with your additional number.

💡 Pro Tip from SimpleTexting: The Multiple Number feature also comes in handy when setting up landline text messaging — a service that allows you to text with the phone number connected to a landline.

🎉 Sign up for a free trial now to start using SimpleTexting for texting from a business phone number with your personal phone.

2. Check with your carrier service to see if they provide this option

To check if your carrier service provides the option to text from a different number, you can usually find this information on their website or contact their customer support directly. 

Start by visiting the official website of your carrier, such as Verizon, AT&T, or others. Look for a “Support” or “Help” section on their website. Here’s a list of some popular ones to help you get started:

• Verizon Support
• AT&T Customer Support
• T-Mobile Support
• Visible Help Center
• Mint Mobile Help Center

To find help with this specific issue, use keywords like “text from different number” or “secondary number texting” in the search bar on the carrier’s website. This should direct you to relevant pages or articles that explain if such a feature is available and how to use it.

Tip: If you can’t find the information you need on the website (or you want a quick reply), try reaching out to the carrier’s customer support. Ask them directly about the possibility of texting from a different number and (super important!) any associated costs or requirements.

3. Get a secondary SIM card 

Your carrier will also be able to help with this but, alternatively, you can look into different mobile service providers in your area to find a better price-to-value offer. You’ll simply have the option to purchase these cards online or from a physical store.

A couple of points to be aware of when you get a secondary SIM card:

• You want to first test out this approach (as well as the actual carrier) so you should look for providers that offer secondary SIM cards or prepaid SIM cards without contracts that require a long-term commitment.
• Plans are different so you’ll want to start with one that covers the basics (i.e. texting, calling) and scale with a prepaid plan with minimal monthly charges.
• Before relying on a single secondary number for important communication, test it out. Send a couple of test messages and make a few test calls to confirm connectivity. If all works well, you’re ready to make this secondary phone number public.

For example, you could buy an eSim or physical SIM card from T-Mobile for as little as $0. This zero cost includes a new phone number. However, you’ll have to pay separately to top up your prepaid account. T-Mobile also has an exclusive AutoPay and Auto Refill service that securely stores your payment methods to automatically deduct payments from your credit card or checking account, ensuring your T-Mobile bill is paid on time.

4. Getting a virtual phone number

We’ve already covered how you can get a virtual phone number from SimpleTexting. However, there are other services that can act as an app to text from a different number. Google Voice, for instance, is a convenient choice that can be tied to your other Google accounts.

To get started, head over to Google’s Voice product page and select a plan that best suits your needs:

A simple Starter plan will be enough for national texts and conversations. But there’s a catch: Besides the cost of the Google Voice plan you need a Google Workspace account as well. This comes at an extra cost and you simply can’t use the Voice feature without having a Google Workspace account.

If you already have a Workspace plan and don’t mind the additional Voice costs, you’ll be immediately prompted to pick a virtual phone number by city or area code. 

Once in, you’ll be able to send voicemail greetings, forward calls, send text message notifications, and even block unwanted callers. 

Tip: You can link your Google Voice number to devices such as phones, tablets, or computers and send and receive calls and texts from any of them.

5. Use a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service

With VoIP and virtual phone numbers you get to pick your own area code. This allows you to chat with clients from all around the globe as if they were right next door. This setup is perfect for businesses that operate remotely or have teams spread out all over the map.

➡️Read more on how a VoIP number works and when you should get one.

To send a business text from a different phone number using a VoIP service you need to first select a provider that offers texting capabilities. With SimpleTexting you can start text marketing through its dedicated VoIP lines.

With its native advanced texting capabilities and user-friendly platform, all you have to do next is choose from an existing 10-digit number, validate a toll-free line, register a local number, or set up a short code. In minutes, your business will be fully equipped to send and receive texts, speeding up your communication with customers.

💡 Pro Tip from SimpleTexting: We’re proud to offer the unique ability to text-enable VoIP numbers. Consider integrating voice services with your number through a third-party VoIP provider, while using SimpleTexting for SMS. This dual approach can lead to cost savings for your business.

If you’re looking to start with texting, SimpleTexting lets you first get a new number through the platform. This means you can begin texting right away and it’s perfect for businesses or individuals who need a dedicated number for SMS communications.

In addition to our robust texting capabilities, we now support voice forwarding. After you get your new number from SimpleTexting, you can also accept phone calls through the same number. The calls can be forwarded to any phone of your choice, whether it’s your mobile phone or another device.

For more flexibility, we offer the ability to text-enable a local number. If you prefer using a local number for texting, you can do so, and we can also set up voice forwarding to ensure you don’t miss any important calls. This feature is handy for those who need a landline or prefer not to text-enable their existing landline.

Simply put, SimpleTexting gives you the power to manage both text and voice communications seamlessly, using a single number for both purposes. Whether you need a new number specifically for texting or want to enhance your local number with text and voice capabilities, we’ve got you covered.

Why you might want to text from a different number

There are several reasons why you might want to use a different number instead of your personal line to text people — especially for business.

To handle business

Running a business requires you to text suppliers, customers, and a ton of other people. As expected, many business owners would rather not use their personal numbers for this purpose.

This is where texting from a different business number while using the same phone comes in handy.

You can use this different number to text all you’re doing business with while protecting your personal details. That’s what EML Pool & Spa needed to manage business text messages (watch their video to learn more):

To protect yourself from scammers

Your mobile number holds a lot of information about you. In the wrong hands, it could be used to steal your identity or hack into your bank or social media profiles.

It’ll be better to text using a number different from your personal line to protect yourself.

To limit spam calls and texts

SMS and telemarketing are no doubt vital marketing channels. However, some businesses lack the ethics to receive consent before sending marketing SMS or calls.

As such, you risk receiving spam or unsolicited calls and texts if many people can get a hold of your personal phone number.

To differentiate business from personal communication

Using the same number for personal and business communication often makes creating and maintaining a proper work-life balance challenging. Your messages inbox becomes overwhelmed with a mix of personal and business texts.

However, with separate numbers, you’ll find it easier to filter the messages you want to receive as you see fit.

To ensure multiple people on your team can send and reply to texts

If you use your personal phone number for business communications and each of your team members do the same, there is no easy way to manage all of your business texts in one place.

Sending business texts via single, defined business phone number gives you a single inbox to send and reply to texts that multiple people may access.

Etiquette when using a new number to text

So now you’ve gotten a different number to use for business while using the same phone. How do you go about sending texts?

Here are the best practices to follow when texting someone with a new number.

1. Introduce yourself

When texting your customers, suppliers, or anyone else for business purposes with a new number, you’ll first need to introduce yourself and explain why you’re texting them.

When people know who you are and why you’re texting, it’ll help to keep their guard down and ensure they don’t regard you as spam — except, of course, they’ve made it clear that you shouldn’t text them.

2. Think about your text’s recipient

Every text you send in a business capacity is an extension of the brand you represent. As such, you must make a good impression with your text recipient. 

To achieve this, you’ll need to be clear on who you’re texting and ensure that your message is appropriate for them.

For instance, a promotional text to a customer might contain emojis and informal vocabulary, while one to a supplier might sound more formal.

3. Be clear

Anyone who receives your texts should be able to quickly get the message you’re passing across. Given the character limitations that come with text messages, it’s essential to cut any fluff and focus on the main message.

If your messages are unclear, it’ll leave room for multiple interpretations and might cause the recipient not to take the action you require from them.

So before you hit send, ensure you’ve proofread your text to confirm it’s clear.

4. Maintain your brand tone

That you’re sending an SMS doesn’t mean you should throw your brand guidelines away. Instead, it’s vital to maintain your brand tone to ensure people have the same experience with your brand — no matter the communication channel they use.

5. Respond as soon as you can

After sending a text, you can expect the recipient to text back, especially if you’ve asked them something. 

When you receive a response, you shouldn’t leave them hanging. Instead, you should text them back as soon as possible — either to confirm that you got their response or to continue the conversation.

Next steps

You protect your privacy and personal information when texting with a different number. Also, you’d be able to properly manage customer conversations — and ultimately grow your small business.

Using SimpleTexting’s Multiple Number feature is simple, and you get to enjoy many other features that make it easier to build your business. Book a demo to see how SimpleTexting can work for you.