How do I get a free phone number from LinkedIn?

Having a dedicated business phone number can give your LinkedIn profile a more professional appearance. However, getting a second phone line just for LinkedIn can be expensive. The good news is that there are a few options for getting a free phone number to use with your LinkedIn profile.

Using Google Voice

One of the easiest ways to get a free phone number for your LinkedIn profile is to use Google Voice. Here’s how it works:

1. Go to voice.google.com and sign up for a free Google Voice account. You’ll need to verify your current phone number during the sign-up process.
2. Once your account is set up, you can choose a free Google Voice number. You can search for available numbers by area code.
3. Google will connect your Google Voice number to your existing phone number. When someone calls your Google Voice number, it will ring through to your regular phone.
4. Add your new Google Voice number to your LinkedIn profile in the “Contact Info” section. Make sure to set it as your primary number.

The advantage of using Google Voice is that you can answer business calls on your existing phone without having to juggle multiple devices. It lets you keep your personal and business calls separate while using just one phone.

Key Benefits of Using Google Voice for LinkedIn

• Free phone numbers – Google provides numbers for free in the US and Canada
• Call screening – You can screen calls so only ones from your contacts ring through
• Voicemail transcription – Google can transcribe voicemails so you can read them
• Call recording – The ability to record inbound and outbound calls
• Online faxing – Send and receive faxes through the Google Voice website

Using Skype

Skype also lets you get a free online phone number to use with LinkedIn. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Create a free Skype account at www.skype.com if you don’t already have one.
2. In your Skype account settings, enable “Online number.” This allows you to choose a phone number.
3. Select an available online number. Like Google Voice, you can pick a number by specific area code.
4. Skype will generate the number for you. Calls to this number will ring in your Skype app.
5. Add your Skype online number to your LinkedIn profile.

The big advantage of using Skype is that it works all over the world. So you can get a local virtual phone number for your LinkedIn profile no matter where you are located.

Key Benefits of Using Skype for LinkedIn

• Global phone numbers – Get virtual numbers from over 60 countries
• Call forwarding – Forward calls to any landline or mobile number
• Voicemail – Receive voicemails that are emailed to you
• Call recording – Ability to record Skype calls
• Conference calls – Host conference calls with up to 10 participants

Using TextNow

TextNow is another option that provides free phone numbers for LinkedIn. Here is how it works:

1. Download the TextNow app and sign up for a free account.
2. Confirm your email address and log into the TextNow app.
3. Open the app and go to “Get a Number” to choose your free phone number.
4. TextNow will assign you a phone number with your selected area code.
5. Calls to your TextNow number will ring in the app. You can also make outbound calls.
6. Add your TextNow phone number to your LinkedIn profile.

TextNow uses VoIP technology to provide free phone service. It’s easy to set up and works on both smartphones and tablets.

Key Features of Using TextNow for LinkedIn

• Free phone numbers – Get a custom phone number at no cost
• Calling & texting – Make calls and send texts using WiFi
• Voicemail – Receive transcripts of voicemails in your email
• Call forwarding – Forward calls to your cell phone or landline
• Conference calls – Call multiple people at the same time

Using Sideline

Sideline is a phone app that provides a free second phone number. Here is how to use it for LinkedIn:

1. Install the Sideline app on your mobile phone or tablet.
2. Sign up for a free Sideline account.
3. Browse available numbers and select the area code you want.
4. Sideline will assign you a dedicated phone number.
5. The Sideline app will ring when someone calls your Sideline number.
6. Add your Sideline number to your LinkedIn profile.

Sideline operates like a second phone line on your existing device. Just make sure to have the app open in the background to receive calls.

Key Advantages of Using Sideline for LinkedIn

• Dedicated business line – Keep work and personal calls separate
• Local numbers – Get a phone number with your choice of area code
• Call forwarding – Send calls to any mobile or landline number
• Blocked contacts – Prevent unwanted callers from reaching you
• Voicemail – Receive voicemail that can be emailed as an audio file

Using SIP Dialer Apps

There are SIP dialer apps like Talkatone and GrooVe IP that let you make VoIP calls over data networks. Here’s how to use them for a LinkedIn phone number:

1. Download a SIP dialer app like Talkatone or GrooVe IP.
2. Sign up for a free account and username.
3. Connect the app to your existing phone number for verification.
4. The app will assign you a free second phone number.
5. Calls to this number will route through the app using WiFi.
6. Add this number to your LinkedIn profile.

The advantage of SIP dialers is that they fully work in the background of your device. This lets you make VoIP calls over WiFi without keeping the app open.

Benefits of Using SIP Dialers for LinkedIn

• Totally free phone numbers
• Make and receive calls over WiFi
• Call forwarding to other numbers
• Great call quality with HD audio
• Block unwanted callers

Getting a Free Toll Free Number

If you want a toll free 1-800 number for your LinkedIn profile, there are a few free options:

CallFire

CallFire offers a free toll free number for the first month. After that it’s $2 per month. They provide IVR menus, call routing, and recording.

Telzio

Telzio provides a toll free number free for the first month. After that it’s $5 per month. Includes basic call forwarding and voicemail features.

Phone.com

Phone.com offers a free toll free number for 15 days. After that it’s $5 per month for the basic plan. Gives you IVR menus and voicemail transcription.

While not free forever, these services do allow you to try out a toll free number at no cost to decide if it’s right for your LinkedIn profile.

Choosing the Best Free Number Option

When picking a free phone number for LinkedIn, here are a few factors to consider:

• Location – Choose a number with a local area code if targeting jobs in a certain region.
• Features – Compare features like call forwarding, voicemail, recording, etc.
• Setup – Look for providers with quick and easy signup processes.
• Call quality – Ensure reliable call quality, especially for virtual numbers.
• Customer support – Check for responsive customer service in case issues arise.

Also consider if you need a traditional phone number or VoIP capabilities like Skype provides. Do you want a separate business line like Sideline offers? Evaluate the options to choose what works best.

Pros of Having a LinkedIn Phone Number

Here are some of the benefits of adding a phone number to your LinkedIn profile:

• Looks more professional – Shows you have a dedicated business line.
• Increases contactability – Makes it easy for people to call you.
• Expands your reach – Allows anyone worldwide to contact you locally.
• Builds credibility – Demonstrates you are an established professional.
• Generates more leads – Inspires recruiters and clients to call.

A LinkedIn phone number makes it more convenient for prospects to get in touch. It adds legitimacy and trust to your personal brand.

LinkedIn Profile Tips

When adding a phone number to your LinkedIn profile, keep these tips in mind:

• Use your phone number as your profile contact info – This makes it visible in search results.
• Include your country/region code – Add +1 for US/Canada numbers so people know where to call.
• Set your number as primary – LinkedIn gives the primary number more prominence.
• Add a professional voicemail greeting – Keep it short and engaging.
• Set notifications – Stay on top of voicemails, missed calls, etc.
• Monitor call analytics – Measure the call volume your profile generates.

Optimizing your LinkedIn phone number can get you more profile views, connection requests, and job opportunities.

Potential Drawbacks

While there are many benefits, here are a few potential drawbacks to having a LinkedIn phone number:

• Remembering multiple numbers – It can take effort to remember different lines.
• Fielding unwanted calls – You may get solicitations or spam calls.
• No caller ID – Some services don’t provide caller identification.
• Cost (if not free) – There is a monthly fee for some premium numbers.
• Number portability – It may be hard to switch providers and take your number.

However, there are ways to mitigate these issues. For example, use call screening and blocking to avoid unwanted calls. Overall, the benefits tend to outweigh the downsides for most LinkedIn users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is having a LinkedIn phone number necessary?

No, a phone number is optional on LinkedIn. But it does make your profile look more professional and complete. Most recruiters recommend including a phone number so clients can easily contact you.

Can I use my personal cell phone number?

You can use your existing mobile number for LinkedIn if you wish. However, many people prefer a separate business line to keep their personal and professional calls divided.

Does a virtual number work the same?

A virtual phone number provided by services like Google Voice functions essentially the same as a “real” number. People calling your virtual number won’t know the difference.

Do I have to answer calls on LinkedIn?

No, you don’t have to answer every call from your LinkedIn profile. Let calls go to voicemail if you’re unavailable or screen them to avoid unwanted solicitations.

Can I port my number if I switch services?

Porting your number to another provider is possible in some cases. But there are no guarantees, so don’t bank on keeping the same number forever.

Conclusion

Adding a phone number to your LinkedIn profile is a smart way to appear more professional and accessible. While purchasing a second business line can get expensive, there are options like Google Voice and Skype that offer phone numbers 100% free.

Take the time to explore the various services and pick the one that provides the features you need. With a custom voicemail greeting and good visibility on your profile, a LinkedIn phone number can take your career networking to the next level.