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Legitimate businesses and sales professionals still face a very real risk of having their phone numbers labeled as spam. In fact, spam flags and low call answer rates are such widespread problems that many businesses now devote significant time, money, and resources to unlocking a solution—yet the problem persists.
That’s due, in large part, to numerous myths that lead businesses in the wrong direction. PhoneBurner is here to set the record straight. Drawing on our deep carrier relationships and industry-leading telecom experience, we’ll bust 15 of the most pervasive myths about spam likely flags and live answer rates.
With our help, you can enjoy cleaner phone numbers, , and more meaningful conversations.
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Check out ARMOR® done-for-you spam protection
Let's bust some myths.
Myth 1: STIR/SHAKEN Attestation Fixes Spam Issues
Busting the Myth:
Many companies market STIR/SHAKEN as a spam/answer rate solution. In reality, STIR/SHAKEN was not created to combat spam. It targets number spoofing, a practice in which callers use a Caller ID that they don’t actually own.
The framework uses identity verification processes to assign an “attestation” level to each call, to provide carriers and call recipients confidence in the authenticity of the calling party.
Accordingly, while attestation is a factor in spam algorithms (and is a step in the right direction), implementing STIR/SHAKEN protocols in no way provides immunity from spam flags, and must be combined with other mitigation and number reputation strategies.
Takeaway:
STIR/SHAKEN attestation is a valuable tool in the fight against nuisance calls. However, as a caller authentication framework, it should not be viewed as a standalone number reputation or spam flag solution.
Myth 2: When a Number is Flagged, Replace It
Busting the Myth:
Hard no. Unfortunately, this is among the most prevalent and damaging myths that exist. Worse yet, some technology providers tout their ability to quickly replace numbers as a selling point. Red flag. This band-aid approach not only fails to address the behaviors driving the flags, it mimics the behaviors of spammers.
Carriers are well aware of this tactic, which is why number history and reputation are becoming increasingly important factors in algorithms. Besides, continually changing numbers can disrupt existing relationships with prospects and complicate callbacks. Healthy numbers are a long-term asset!
Takeaway:
Avoid the death spiral of tossing and buying new numbers. With carriers increasingly looking for established numbers, businesses must retain and build a positive reputation for their numbers. PhoneBurner can help.
Myth 3: “New” Phone Numbers are Flag-Free
Busting the Myth:
This myth goes hand in hand with the previous one. Businesses often replace flagged numbers with new ones, believing this will fix the issue and give them a fresh start. While it might seem counterintuitive, it is actually very common for new numbers to have flags.
As disappointing as this may sound, it’s actually a sign that the system works. Carriers are looking for numbers with a positive call history... so a lack of history is history. This is fixable by registering your numbers with the carriers (PhoneBurner can do this on your behalf) and engaging in healthy call behaviors, as we’ll elaborate on throughout this post.
Takeaway:
Same as above. Avoid the death spiral of tossing and buying new numbers. It’s not effective.
Myth 4: Dialer Software Doesn't Impact Answer Rates
Busting the Myth:
Your choice of dialer software can absolutely (and significantly) impact answer rates. Does your dialer call multiple numbers in parallel and abandon calls when one answers? Is there an awkward pause or delay at the start of the call that results in hangups and blocks? “Short duration” calls and other patterns that correlate with nuisance callers can impact your risk of being flagged.
See Also: ARMOR® - spam protection and answer rate optimization
Does your dialer help with number reputation management and spam mitigation? Does it leverage a Tier 1 carrier to place calls, or an interconnect carrier, which is less trusted and carries higher risk of flags? All of these factors hinge on dialer selection, and they matter.
From our 1-to-1 dialing model and proactive approach to number reputation, to our Tier 1 carrier, PhoneBurner is a prime example of how dialing software can impact call answer rates.
Takeaway:
Skeptical of the impact dialer selection can have on answer rates? As the #1 dialer for getting calls answered, we encourage you to trial our software and compare your answer rates.
Myth 5: Stay Under X Calls/Day to Avoid Flags
Busting the Myth:
Reducing call volume below a certain threshold seems like a logical approach to curb flags. After all, spammers make a lot of calls. To be fair, this was sage advice at one point; however, it no longer holds water.
This is an exciting example of carriers and algorithms getting smarter. Think about it. Carriers know that many legitimate businesses place a high volume of calls. These calls are wanted, answered, and have normal engagement metrics that signal integrity. On the flip side, spammers rotate numbers to reduce volume even though they're a nuisance. Volume alone is not the issue. Here’s what is:
- Inconsistency
- Random spikes in call volume
- Dormant numbers suddenly going from 0 to 100 calls/day
- Call metrics that signal nuisance (hangups, short duration calls, blocked calls)
Takeaway:
There is no such thing as an acceptable (or unacceptable) call volume. What matters is consistent call history, along with reasonable call behavior and engagement that is not suggestive of nuisance calling.
Myth 6: Caller ID Doesn’t Impact Answer Rates
Busting the Myth:
People are less likely to answer (and more likely to block numbers) they don’t recognize. Furthermore, inconsistent or misleading caller IDs may trigger spam filters.
Fortunately, the opposite is also true. Caller ID transparency can be improved by employing solutions like Branded Caller ID, which gives businesses control over the name displayed on over 250 million mobile devices across major carriers. This enhances trust, and can positively impact both answer rates and the quality and duration of calls.
Takeaway:
Maintain caller ID transparency and consistency to elicit trust and encourage more of your contacts to answer your calls.
Myth 7: Spam Flags are For Robocalls
Busting the Myth:
Contrary to popular belief, while spam flags were largely created to address the massive proliferation of robocalls, they don’t discriminate solely against these automated recordings. Spam flags are designed to alert customers of potential nuisances of all kinds. That includes scams, unwanted calls, and even legitimate businesses with over-aggressive call practices.
That’s why any number can fall victim to spam flagging, leading to decreased answer rates and potentially tarnishing a company's reputation.
Takeaway:
Spam flagging isn't just about automated calls. Factors like call frequency, caller ID transparency, and call content/quality all contribute to spam-flagging decisions.
Myth 8: Low Answer Rates Mean Poor Lead Quality
Busting the Myth:
Lead quality definitely impacts answer rates, and low answer rates definitely can be a sign of poor, unverified, or old data. But don’t assume that because you have low answer rates it must be the leads.
Obvious factors like spam flags, as well as other factors like your dialer software, call timing, frequency, and even relevance of your offering can influence answer rates. Improving live answer rates requires a holistic approach that addresses these variables while ensuring lead quality remains a priority.
Takeaway:
Enhancing live answer rates involves considering factors beyond lead quality, such as call timing, behaviors and offer relevance.
Myth 9: Increase Answer Rates by Double/Triple Dialing
Takeaway:
The argument goes something like this: If someone doesn’t answer, immediately dial them again (and a third time too, if you have to). Many will answer thinking that the call must be important!
This advice is sadly, very shortsighted. While it might result in some additional calls being answered, the carriers view this practice as a nuisance resulting in an increased risk of flags. Your contacts are likely to find it annoying as well, leading many of them to block and report your number.
Finding the right balance in call frequency is key to avoiding such pitfalls.
Takeaway:
Do not double/triple dial. Opt for an optimal call frequency that strikes a balance between engagement and respecting prospects' boundaries. And if you don’t get a live answer, leave a thoughtful personalized voicemail that can earn you a callback, or increase your odds of a live answer the next time you call.
See Also: How to Leave Irresistible Sales Call Voicemails
Myth 10: Increase Call Volume to Boost Live Answers
Busting the Myth:
Increasing call volumes against deteriorating metrics such as low answer rates and short-duration calls sends a negative “spammy” signal to analytics providers. Increasing call volume only makes sense with healthy metrics, and if you can do so without sacrificing conversation quality.
Takeaway:
Calling faster and faster is futile if your engagement metrics are low. You’ll just burn through good leads. Prioritize engagement metrics first.
Myth 11: Services Can Automatically Remediate Flags For You
Busting the Myth:
Beware of service providers that promise "automatic remediation" of spam flags. Dig deeper into what that actually means. In most cases, it means replacing flagged numbers with new ones - which a) is not remediation and b) is short-sighted and ineffective.
True remediation is a manual process. It requires direct negotiation with the carriers along with evidence that shows the label is a false-positive. As part of PhoneBurner ARMOR® our team can help remediate false flags on your behalf. We've successfully removed over 1000 flags for our customers.
Takeaway:
Remediating flags is a worthwhile endeavor that involves working directly with the carriers to highlight the false positives. It’s a manual process (that PhoneBurner can do for you) that can pay long-term dividends, by showing carriers that your numbers are reputable and trusted.
Myth 12: A Flagged Number Is a Widespread Issue
Busting the Myth:
Maybe. Maybe not. Flags are applied independently by carriers (e.g. T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon) and services/apps (e.g. Robokiller, Nomorobo, etc.), and can be removed as quickly as they appear. Flags can even be applied on a per-call basis.
Bottom line? The appearance of a flag is cause for concern, but can be an isolated occurrence.
Takeaway:
Flags are not necessarily widespread. When they are, it’s likely a sign that your call patterns and behaviors are problematic. For long-term number health, register your numbers (we can do this for you), exhibit consistent, reasonable call behaviors and remediate when necessary.
Myth 13: Live Voicemail Doesn’t Impact Answer Rates
Busting the Myth:
Apple’s Live Voicemail feature—which transcribes voicemails in real-time and gives iPhone users the ability to answer as the message is being left—impacts answer rates in some meaningful ways. For one, iPhone users are increasingly using it to screen calls, which can reduce answer rates if you’re not leaving personalized voicemails (or using a parallel dialer).
Ironically, Live Voicemail may actually be artificially inflating your answer rate metrics. Because live voicemail is an on-device platform, many tracking softwares artificially register calls in which Live Voicemail activates as an answered call, despite no conversation taking place.
Takeaway:
It’s important to understand Live Voicemail’s implications for outreach and how to leverage this game-changing feature to earn conversations.
Myth 14: Call Timing Has Little Impact on Answer Rates
Busting the Myth:
The timing of sales calls can significantly impact live answer rates. Calling during peak hours when prospects are more likely to be available can yield higher answer rates compared to off-peak times. That’s not to say that teams should only call when answer rates are highest—however, identifying these optimal calling windows and prioritizing around them is essential for maximizing call effectiveness.
Takeaway:
Identify the best times to make sales calls to improve live answer rates. Our Sales Call Statistics Report can provide valuable insights that help you call during the right windows, or, better yet get ARMOR® analytics and see firsthand data to determine your best days and times to make calls.
Myth 15: The Quality of Answered Calls Doesn’t Impact Flags
Busting the Myth:
Analytics agencies monitor the duration of calls and factor the data into their flagging algorithms. In fact, “short duration calls,” calls that last less than 6 seconds, are a strong signal that calls are unwelcome or nuisance calls.
Accordingly, it’s important to focus on the quality of your interactions in an effort to minimize hangups and dropped/abandoned calls (a byproduct of parallel dialing). Longer call durations let the carriers know that your calls are well-received and less likely to deserve a flag.
Takeaway:
Prioritize call quality over sheer volume to enhance sales call effectiveness and minimize spam flagging.
Base Your Sales Call Strategy on Facts—Not Fiction
Understanding the realities of spam flags and live answer rates is crucial for long-term number health. And long-term number health is vital for outreach success.
Carriers are getting smarter. Quick fixes like getting rid of numbers, reducing call volume, and rotating shared numbers is proving short-sighted.
On the flip side, businesses who make long term number reputation a priority, work with the carriers to register and remediate numbers, and exhibit consistent and reasonable call patterns find that their calls increasingly get through without flags.
By debunking common myths surrounding these metrics and adopting a balanced and informed approach, businesses can improve their call success rates, foster meaningful connections with prospects, and ultimately drive better sales outcomes.
Need an ally in the fight against spam flags? PhoneBurner can help. Start a free trial today and find out how our features can help more of your calls connect.
