What’s the Best Way to Get Local Phone Numbers for Directory Sites and LLG Projects?

AI receptionists and inbound voice agents

We do more than just forward calls. We set up AI voice agents to handle incoming calls and texts. These agents can take messages, answer simple questions, and even book appointments when set up properly. Using an AI receptionist saves time and prevents our personal phone from being interrupted.

HighLevel offers an AI employee feature. It can run an inbound voice agent for each number. For teams that need automation, this is often worth the monthly cost. When calls and texts are handled by the AI inside the platform, everything is logged and searchable.

How we use these numbers for directories and web 2.0

For every directory or branded asset, we assign a local virtual number. That number goes on the directory listing, the Google Business Profile, social profiles, press mentions, and other web 2.0 properties. The number looks local and it rolls into our system.

We avoid putting our cell number into any public place. If a lead wants to speak with a person, the agent or forwarding rule can connect the call or send a link to schedule. That way the field team does not have to manage extra calls or manual booking steps.

Snapshots and SOPs: make the setup repeatable

We build a repeatable process so every directory sub account is consistent. Inside HighLevel we use a snapshot that contains all the tags, workflows, automations, and phone routing settings we want. When we create a new directory, we import the snapshot into a fresh sub account. That gets the number, SMS, call flows, and AI agent ready fast.

Alongside the snapshot, we keep a simple SOP checklist. The checklist helps us confirm everything is in place after import. We update the checklist whenever we add new tags or change a workflow. That way the release number on the snapshot matches the SOP and we can track changes over time.

Step-by-step checklist for getting local phone numbers

1. Choose a provider: use HighLevel or another virtual phone provider that offers local numbers and SMS.
2. Create a sub account: set up a separate sub account for the directory or brand.
3. Issue a number: provision a local number inside the sub account or buy it from the provider.
4. Set forwarding rules: forward calls to a phone, to voicemail, or to an AI inbound agent.
5. Enable SMS: allow texting and make sure replies are logged in the sub account.
6. Install AI agent: add an AI receptionist or voice agent to handle calls and booking if needed.
7. Import snapshot: load your snapshot that contains workflows, tags, and automations.
8. Run the SOP checklist: confirm tags, workflows, and phone routing are correct.
9. Test everything: call, text, and simulate leads to confirm logs and booking flows are working.
10. Publish the number: add the local number to the directory, GBP, and social profiles.

What automation can handle

We set automation to do the heavy lifting. The AI receptionist can:

• Answer basic questions.
• Collect caller details.
• Check availability and book appointments.
• Send confirmation texts and calendar invites.
• Log every interaction in the sub account so the team can follow up.

For field teams who do not want a CRM, we can design the automation so crews only receive scheduled jobs. They do not need to learn a new platform or log in. They share a calendar and we handle booking via AI or the agency team.

Cost and value

There is a cost to running AI features and virtual numbers. For HighLevel, enabling an unlimited AI employee across sub accounts can add a monthly fee. For many of us, that fee is worth it to avoid constant phone distractions and to keep calls organized.

When you compare the time saved and the reduced risk of missing leads, the monthly spend often pays for itself.

Alternatives if you do not use HighLevel

If you use another platform, the plan is the same. Buy a local number from a virtual phone provider. Forward calls to an answering service, voicemail, or an external AI receptionist. Make sure the provider keeps call and SMS logs. Keep every number tied to the right project for tracking and reporting.

Quick tips we follow

• Never use a personal mobile number for public listings.
• Use local area codes for each directory market.
• Keep a snapshot and SOP for repeatability.
• Log all interactions in one place to judge lead temperature.
• Test phone and SMS flows before publishing any number.

FAQ

How do we get a local phone number for a directory site?

We provision a local number through a virtual phone provider. If we use HighLevel, we issue the number inside a sub account. If not, we buy the number from an external provider and forward calls to our chosen system.

Can we forward calls to our cell phone?

Yes, forwards work. But we avoid public exposure of our personal number. We forward to voicemail, an AI agent, or a team line instead. Forwarding to a controlled system keeps logs and reduces spam.

Do we need an AI receptionist?

No. AI receptionists help with volume and booking. They are a big time saver. If you prefer human handling, route calls to an answering service or staff. The key is to keep records of interactions.

How do we keep every directory setup the same?

Use a snapshot and an SOP checklist. Import the snapshot into a new sub account, then run the checklist to confirm tags, workflows, and phone settings are correct. Update the SOP when you change the snapshot.

What about cost?

Virtual numbers and AI features cost money. We weigh that against time saved and fewer missed leads. For many projects, the monthly cost is worth the reduced interruptions and better tracking.

What if we do not use HighLevel?

Choose a reliable virtual number provider. Make sure it supports local numbers, SMS, call recording, and forwarding. Connect it to your booking flow or an external AI receptionist. Keep a separate account for each directory brand for clean reporting.