What is a local number?
A local number is a phone number whose area code matches the region of the person being called, so the call appears to come from nearby.
Why it matters for sales teams
Prospects screen calls from numbers they do not recognize. A local area code removes one reason to ignore a call, because it looks like a nearby business rather than a distant one. It also gives the prospect a nearby number to call back.
Local numbers only help while their reputation stays clean. Scammers know local numbers get answered too. The FCC describes "neighbor spoofing," where robocallers display a number similar to the recipient's own so the person is more likely to answer.
Example
A rep in Boston calls prospects in Phoenix. From a Phoenix number that the business holds and can answer, the call shows up as local. From the Boston office line, it shows up as out of state.
Local number vs toll-free number
A toll-free number suits inbound support lines but does not look local. A local number is tied to a region. Using local numbers across many regions is the idea behind local presence dialing.