Small businesses need to decide on the telephone operating system early on, as it will directly affect their company’s effectiveness and the quality of customer service they will provide. Its functions can range from simple ones like choosing a number and pricing options to more complex features like automatic voicemail and future-proofing your phone system.
A virtual telephone number is an alternative to all traditional operating systems and is the newest technological advancement in the world of telephone operating systems. It is an internet-based system that thanks to the latest technology, is an extremely comfortable and affordable option. This system offers many conveniences and far more benefits than what meets the eye, especially for a small business. Without further ado, let’s dive into the benefits of virtual phone numbers for small businesses.
Saving Money
Call prices with a virtual phone system tend to be much lower than traditionally based systems on local, mobile, and especially for international calls. It makes the virtual phone a more cost-effective option when you look to maintain a sustainable business phone system.
If you have an internet connection, you have instant access to the rates you have agreed to. Your number is based in the cloud, and you can finally forget about expensive line rentals and the charge for roaming. The maintenance of the system is taken care of by your provider, and the setup costs are also significantly lower when compared to other options out there.
Productivity on the Go
Being able to access your phone system anywhere you are is much more important for smaller businesses that simply cannot spare a person only to pick up the phone. A virtual phone system can work not only at your desk but everywhere.
Your calls can be routed via the internet to your phone directly or to your smartphone app, so as long as you are online, you can connect to your phone system, and these days internet is available almost everywhere. Another feature that enables you to be productive on the go is the ability to forward voicemails and faxes to your email account as an audio attachment. You can take your work with you wherever you go.
Developing a Strong Brand Image
Small businesses are very dynamic and have to respond to many challenges constantly. This environment can lead to some problems for entrepreneurs who need non-traditional office spaces or even mobile offices. Virtual phone numbers can move with you, no matter how often you relocate. Not changing numbers often can give your customers the impression that the company is stable, trustworthy, and even larger than it actually is. Having a fixed number is associated with professionalism and trust, so it will help your small business develop a strong brand image.
Cheaper Expansion and Low Risk
Most small businesses have to operate on a tight budget until they establish their position in the industry. A virtual number can act as a cost-effective way to branch out into a new location when you need to expand in the future.
Many customers value local businesses the most. Buy a virtual number with the area code of the target location, and establish a local presence for your company without the cost and trouble of setting up a new office. And if your plans are more ambitious and your target location is international, a virtual number is a fantastic way to test the waters in a new market.
Fast Setup
Some phone systems require a lot of time and effort to set up. For example, with a dedicated VOIP system on your premises, you can expect multiple visits by a whole installation crew as well as a couple of training sessions to learn the system. When you are a smaller enterprise, time and money are even more of the essence, which is why the traditional phone system might not be the best idea out there.
However, virtual phone numbers is a cloud system that is much easier to set up. In fact, it can be working and ready in under five minutes, many web-based companies claim. Anything that doesn’t require a couple of days off just for setup and training is worth a try, and Internet-based solutions seem to cause the least trouble when it comes to manuals and effort.
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Final Thoughts
A virtual phone number is an excellent way to set up communication in a small business. It is a cost-effective way to enable customers to reach you and appear as a trustworthy business easily. This solution will save you a lot of time and trouble with operating it and teaching your staff. So when you are considering a new phone system for your company, consider all the options, but don’t forget how many benefits virtual phone numbers have.
