Virtual business phone systems work with the communications devices your team already uses. These services are affordable, quick to set up and straightforward to use.
Some services include HD video conferencing, pairing productivity tools with your call system for an all-in-one solution. Others provide a basic plan with unlimited calling, videos, and internal chat starting at $12/month per user.
Easy to Set Up
Virtual business phone systems operate on Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which routes callers over an internet connection. This digital data is then changed back into analog voice data to be heard by the caller, who can then respond via the same method.
Most of these virtual phone services are compatible with the most popular mobile devices, including iPhones and Android phones. Many offer additional features that go beyond traditional landlines, like branded voicemail greetings, unlimited extensions, and more.
Some providers offer a free trial for new users to evaluate the quality of their service. For example, Dialpad offers a free 30-day trial for new users. Others may provide more advanced call analytics to help small businesses improve their strategies and performance. They also offer competitive plans and flexible pricing options to fit the needs of different companies. This flexibility allows small business owners to find a system that works best for their business without overpaying for unnecessary features.
Easy to Maintain
As a business owner, you know that maintaining and managing an efficient communications infrastructure is critical to your team’s success. That’s why virtual phone numbers are such a great option for small businesses. Unlike clunky desk-hogging wired phones, virtual telephone services are easy to maintain and work seamlessly on the devices that your team uses.
In addition to enabling employees to use their preferred device, virtual business telephone service providers offer a host of other valuable perks, such as call recording (to capture customer experience call conversations) and online faxing. Additionally, some services integrate with existing ticketing systems and team communication apps to further streamline workflows and provide a cohesive work experience.
Similarly, some virtual telephone systems include native video conference calling capabilities to improve remote team collaboration. This allows teams to share screens, rearrange camera views, present slideshows, use virtual polls, and engage in group discussions. It also ensures that team members can see each other in real-time and eliminates the need to transfer calls to different lines or locations.
Scalable
When businesses grow, they need a phone system that grows with them. A virtual business phone system is more scalable than traditional landline-tethered systems that require installers to run wires and drill holes in office walls. A virtual phone system is a hosted service that works over the Internet and can be delivered on mobile devices and desktop apps.
The best virtual business phone systems also offer collaboration tools like internal messaging and video conferencing to keep teams connected no matter where they’re working. This is especially important for small businesses with multiple team members who travel and work remotely.
Businesses can use call analytics and reporting to see trends in their daily calls and identify areas of improvement. This information is available to team members via a single dashboard and can be integrated with CRM tools. This makes it easy to connect with customers and prospects and drive more sales and engagement.
Affordable
A virtual phone system is an affordable solution for small business owners. It eliminates the costs of maintaining landline hardware and a dedicated IT team. Plus, users can access collaboration tools like internal messaging and video conferencing on one platform, making it easier to keep teams connected no matter where they are working.
Additionally, a virtual phone system provider can give users a single professional number that is immediately forwarded to their personal mobile devices. This feature helps protect personal cell phones and home numbers, as well as makes it easy for clients to reach the right person. Lastly, a virtual business phone system offers robust call analytics and reporting capabilities to track trends over time. These insights can help make more informed decisions for a company’s communication and sales strategies. Learn more about the top five virtual phone system providers for small businesses in our detailed review.