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How to print telephone numbers

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Should you print telephone numbers with parentheses, hyphens, slashes, and/or periods? While no official standard exists, I've developed some guidelines:

Always include an area code

This is a visual cue that says "Hey there! Here's the phone number you're scanning this advertisement for." Also, good news travels fast from coast to coast. When readers refer you to friends out of state, they'll need to know the area code to call in. One more thought. We're running out of numbers -- and the phone companies are adding area codes within the same geographic areas. In fact, the same house with two or more phone numbers might have different area codes.

When to use hyphens

Use hyphens when the number is surrounded by parentheses within a body of text. For example: Contact WebCards (it's a FREE call at 800-352-2333) for more information about saving 31% (or more) the next time you mail advertising.  

Periods, marks, or bullets

Many graphics designers use periods, marks, or bullets on fancy business stationary -- not recommended for most applications.

Slashes are for database entry

One slash is faster to type than two parentheses. And speed is crucial in data entry. An example is 610/630-8247. Also, if you decide to fax broadcast a flyer to your clients, and you outsource to a service bureau, it helps if your data is in a consistent format.

Parentheses is the safe bet

Most of the time, surround the area code by parentheses.

 

Joe Haedrich
joe@printing.com
http://www.printing.com

Standard Disclaimer: Opinions expressed herein are solely those of the contributing author.
Reprinted with permission from the WebCards e-mail daily update, July 19, 1999.