What is Call Branding? A Beginner’s Guide

Your business might be calling, but are your customers picking up? With billions of robocalls made every month and consumer trust at an all-time low, it’s harder than ever to get your calls answered. That’s where branded calling from First Orion comes in.

Let’s dive into the essentials of branded calling and how it can help improve your answer rate.

What is Branded Calling?

Branded Calling is the modern upgrade to caller ID. Instead of just a number showing up on a customer’s phone, branded calling puts the outbound display of name, logo, and sometimes even reason for the call in the hands of the caller. This way, every time you call a potential lead or an existing customer, they immediately recognize who’s calling.

How Branded Calling Works (And Why It Builds Trust)

Here’s how First Orion makes branded calling work for your business:

1. Verification: Branded calling vets your business and ensures your business calls are viewed as legitimate and displayed accurately.
2. Customization: Institutions can tailor the displayed information to provide context, such as “Fraud Alert” or “Account Update,” enhancing the relevance of the communication. This can be updated within the Brand’s Name, Logo, and “Reason for Call” on some devices.
3. Logo: Branding your outbound call with a logo is the very definition of putting your brand front and center, and it instills confidence beyond measure for the person you are calling. Implementing First Orion’s advanced call authentication is the first step to INFORM with Logo.
4. Integration: Branded calling solutions integrate seamlessly with existing telecommunication systems, facilitating easy adoption without significant infrastructure changes.

Why Should You Brand Your Calls?

Imagine getting a call from an unfamiliar number. Would you answer it? Probably not.

The FTC reported that people lost over $1.9 billion in phone scams in 2024, amounting to a median loss of $1,500 per person. It’s no surprise that most people often let those calls go to voicemail. Spoofing and scam calls are projected to cost consumers $70 billion by 2027, according to Juniper Research. That level of risk makes answering a phone call feel like a gamble for many people.

And AI is only making it worse. Nearly half of Americans doubt they could identify an AI-generated robocall, according to a Whistleout survey.

This growing distrust is reflected in phone habits. A Pew Research study reveals that 67% of Americans say they don’t answer the phone when an incoming call is from an unknown number but do check a voicemail if one is left. Still, 14% don’t bother to listen at all. For businesses, that uncertainty can translate into missed connections and billions in lost revenue.

What can companies do? Choose First Orion’s Branded Calling solutions to cut through the noise, build trust, improve recognition, and increase your ROI.

Why branded calling is great for ROI.

3 Key Ways Branded Calling Boosts Business

• Increased Recognition: Customers are more likely to answer calls from recognized numbers.
• Stronger Trust: A branded call shows professionalism, reliability, consistency, and creates a positive brand reputation.
• Higher Engagement: More calls answered lead to better customer engagement and conversion rates.

Elevate Your Outreach with INFORM® Branded Calling

One of First Orion’s most powerful branded calling solutions is INFORM Branded Calling It goes beyond just adding your name and logo to calls—it allows you to display a custom message directly on the recipient’s device screen, providing real-time context and clarity before the call is even answered.

INFORM lets you identify your outbound calls with a 32-character customizable screen, including your brand name, call reason, and even logo – giving customers confidence before they pick up.

Think of it like a pre-call notification. For example, instead of your customer just seeing “ABC Health Center,” they might see “ABC Health Ctr – Appt Reminder.” That level of detail not only improves trust but also encourages action.

With INFORM Branded Calling, companies can:

• Reduce call hang-ups and missed appointments
• Provide specific, relevant call reasons
• Increase overall call answer rates
• Deliver consistent branding across mobile carriers

We’ve Got You Covered

INFORM Branded Calling covers every major U.S. and carrier and even reaches some Canadian carriers. INFORM branding appears on both Android and iOS devices, helping your business reach a wider audience with a professional, branded experience that builds credibility from the first ring.

Now that you understand what INFORM can do, let’s explore how easy it is to implement.

How to Implement INFORM Branded Calling

Ready to take the leap into branded calling? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Partner with a Trusted Provider
   Choose solutions such as INFORM by First Orion advanced verification and customization features.
2. Register Your Brand
   Once you’ve chosen a provider, you’ll need to register your business name and logo. Ensure that your branding aligns with your overall company message.
3. Ensure Compliance
   Stay informed about the regulations surrounding branded calling in your region. Compliance helps you avoid potential legal issues and maintain a reputable image.
4. Test Your Setup
   Before going live with your new branded calling, conduct tests to ensure everything works smoothly. Make calls to different devices and check how your brand appears on the recipient’s end.
5. Analyze Call Engagement
   After implementing branded calling, track engagement metrics with our Advanced Analytics. Are more people answering calls? Are you noticing an increase in conversions? Use this data to refine your strategy further and the ROI to your business.

Why branded calling matters for small and medium-sized businesses.

Pro Tips for Success

To get the most out of branded calling, follow these simple tips to ensure your calls are clear, consistent, and aligned with your overall marketing strategy.

• Keep It Consistent: Match your call display to your overall marketing style for consistency across all platforms.
• Be Clear and Concise: Use simple, recognizable branding that communicates who you are without confusion.
• Pair With SMS or Email: Create a full-funnel approach that drives home your message.

It’s Time to Be Seen, Heard, and Answered

When your calls go unanswered, your business goes unheard and you lose money. Don’t let that happen. INFORM will put your name, logo, and message front and center where it belongs.

Want to know more? Explore the benefits of INFORM and try it for yourself!