10 Ways A Virtual Phone Service Can Help Your Business

As technology continues to improve, the businesses around technology grow and improve as well. The internet, cloud computing, and smartphones are all examples of new tech that has revolutionized how businesses operate.

Even telecommunications are changing and improving in new ways. smartphones, certainly, but also the recent emergence of virtual phone services (VoIPs).

According to Wikipedia, a VoIP is a telephone number that has no direct physical line associated with it. In other words, it’s not directly connected to a specific landline or mobile account. For businesses, this means having a central number that can route corresponding incoming calls to designated pre-set destinations.

Typical possibilities may include but not be limited to:

1. Landline
2. Mobile
3. VoIP

How can these additional lines provide a positive ROI for your business? Read on to find out.

#1: Escaping Long Distance Fees

This is a client-friendly benefit, as well as one that benefits your business. A VoIP makes it easy to set up a toll-free number for accessing your business, instead of having to pay for connecting with you.  That could give you an edge over competitors who don’t offer the same convenience.

When companies help clients save money, it doesn’t go unnoticed.

The sweet part of this point for you is that, no matter how many numbers you use, they can all be routed to one single line. This cuts out any confusion in maintaining multiple numbers should more than one number become necessary.

#2:  Zero Hardware Requirements

In order to put these lines to work for you, all you need is a number.  That’s it.  No equipment required.  VoIP easily transforms your mobile device into a smartphone or allows you to manage calls from your computer. As long as you have internet access, you can use VoIP service, without needing to purchase extra equipment. However, some providers do recommend the purchase of a VoIP phone for some of their features.

#3: Time Management Control

If you work from home have you ever found your business phone ringing when you were supposed to be closed?  Did you succumb to the temptation of answering it?

Perhaps you work out of an office.  Ever face the tardiness of a late receptionist that forced you away from critical duties just to make sure the phone was answered?

Virtual phone services allow you to control when you will and will not answer the phone, sending calls to voicemail or to another team member, without sacrificing client relationships in the process.

#4: Automated Call Forwarding

Some clients need that extra bit of care and service. When you’re working with a VoIP, it’s easy to make them feel like a priority customer.

Make sure these calls are routed to your top reps while all others travel through the mainstream.  It’s possible with virtual phone services.

Another way this is an advantage for your business if found in matching French, Spanish, English speaking clients with those associates that speak their language.  Clients will see the difference which will likely show through in your bottom line ROI.

#5: Voicemail to Email

Save yourself from the hassle of having to key in (and remember!) your passcode every time you receive a new message. Many VoIP services offer voicemail-to-email services, sending your messages right to your inbox, no passwords required.

#6: Texting Service

When your clients need a quick response, sometimes a text is all you need. Support SMS messages from China, Australia, or nearly anywhere else, without racking up long-distance fees or having to rely on a secondary app.

When you empower your clients to secure support and service via text messaging everyone wins.  This is yet another amazing feature of virtual phones.

#7: Call Tagging

How many times have you found yourself swimming in a labyrinth of call options?  There is a fine balance between being kind to your clients and sending them directly to call queue hell.

However, what if with one simple message you could identify the exact needs of your client before answer.

It’s easy.

Just route the call to the appropriate extension based on their need.  The corresponding readout will tell you exactly what your client wants before you answer the line.  Even if you are a one-person shop, all your clients will feel like royalty and most won’t have a clue as to how you know their needs before they make their request.

#8:  CallerID

Even if you don’t use the clever trick to customer service listed above, your virtual phone system will empower your ability to know who is on the line before you answer.  Being able to greet clients by name, or being aware of their needs (by name recognition) as soon as you pick up the phone provides an amazing customer service experience for your customers.

#9:  Huge Savings

Every business would like to cut expenses, and when you make the telecommunication switch from land and mobile devices to a VoIP, you’re going to save money on your overhead.

#10: Cutting Edge Technology

Welcome to the digital age. Technology is improving and changing faster than most people can keep up with. With VoIP, you’re guaranteed to have the most recent updates, without paying for a new upgrade every two years.

Picking the Right VoIP Service

There are several VoIP companies offering their services to business professionals. Which one is right for your needs? It comes down to the needs of your business and the needs of your clients. Knowing which features matter the most, and your budget for the service can help you make an informed decision.