Branded calling is a newer innovation in the mobile technology space, but the advantages are already visible:

1. Retail clients have seen their answer rates increase by over 90%. An unidentified call from a retailer can set off an ominous tone with consumers; 82% of respondents said they assume an unknown number is an illegitimate business. An unknown number doesn’t just cost businesses an opportunity to interact with their customers – it can cost them business with that person altogether.
2. 63% of consumers said they would take their business to a different retailer that offered a branded or identified call. For those companies selling high-value items, a branded call could be the very key to positive brand perception and customer loyalty.

The shift in consumers’ shopping preferences presents an opportunity for retailers to enhance their customer experience and brand loyalty. Brands need to consider how every channel they use to communicate with customers impacts them.

Survey data shows that by remaining anonymous through a ten-digit phone number, consumers are more likely to perceive a retail company and its brand negatively. By not identifying themselves when calling, retail businesses are missing out on an opportunity to gain trust and connect with consumers before they even answer their phone.

So is branded calling the new standard in business reputation management?

The answer is a resounding, YES.

Not only does it reinforce that brand awareness in consumers’ minds, but it also gives them a sense of security when answering calls. When businesses take responsibility for protecting their customers, they preserve their brand reputation as well.

About First Orion

First Orion helps the world’s leading carriers, enterprises, and mobile apps provide mobile users with the protection they need from scams and the identity verification they need to answer trusted calls. The company’s flagship First Orion Call Protection Suite currently provides call control, blocking, transparency, and management solutions to tens of millions of mobile handsets.

Additionally, First Orion’s Call Enhancement Suite, INFORM™ and ENGAGE®, tells mobile subscribers who is calling and why, empowering them with the ability to take action, while also providing businesses the ability to verify their identity when calling their customers. Nearly 87 percent of calls go unanswered because consumers don’t recognize the number or don’t trust the identity. With First Orion – enterprises, hospitals, government entities, non-profits, last-mile logistics, banks, and more can now deliver critical communications and have their calls answered.

Processing over 90 billion calls annually, First Orion​ powers communication transparency solutions for T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, Boost Mobile, Sky, Virgin Mobile, and Sprint Prepaid mobile networks along with PrivacyStar and other mobile apps.

First Orion is headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas, has offices in Seattle, London, and Dubai, and employs nearly 250 people globally.