If you are in the market to get VoIP, you’re not alone. According to recent reports, VoIP is expected to reach a value of $93 billion by 2024. The many benefits VoIP offers have attracted businesses of all types. Using this article, we’ll break down some of its most important VoIP features, which will help you better understand this ever-growing market.
These issues are eliminated when you use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). A VoIP service is a type of business phone service that establishes and converts connections over the internet rather than old-fashioned copper wires, so set-up is almost immediate, no matter where your team works.
A VoIP phone system works with any device you already have. Make sure you have an internet connection and are ready to go.
Here are the top five VoIP features that your small business should look for when choosing a new VoIP provider.
Local And Free Toll Numbers
When an unknown caller uses a local area code that the person recognizes, that percentage jumps to over 27%.
Your small business must have a local number in the area you’re servicing. As a result, customers will not be offended by answering (or making) your business’ calls. In fear of being charged extortionate call charges, they may ignore your call altogether.
Most business VoIP providers offer free local numbers as standard, but you should also check whether they offer toll-free numbers for customers outside your local area.
Customers who call toll-free numbers don’t get charged extra fees when taking long-distance calls. In this case, if you frequently make business calls to and from different locations, using a toll-free number could increase your chances of getting picked up. Customers will see the toll-free number on your caller ID.
Call Forwarding
Call forwarding allows you to direct incoming calls to another number at no extra cost. It boosts efficiency across your team, making sure that there is always someone to answer the call. You can also create custom journeys to ensure that after-work-hour calls are reached via voicemail or transferred to your mobile phone. Making sure every message reaches your business, and you are able to get back to customers is essential for a successful business.
Virtual Auto Attendant
An auto attendant or “virtual receptionist” handles incoming calls for you. You don’t need a human receptionist to greet incoming calls and direct them to the right person.
When a caller calls your business, an auto attendant will play a voicemail that asks them what they need help with. This might include:
For opening hours, press #1
For directions to your store or office, press #2
To reach the sales department, press #3
Otherwise, hold the line and contact customer service
Having an auto-attendant on your team can save money on staffing costs because you have a virtual receptionist.
Incoming callers receive an immediate response with an automated greeting. They’re then automatically directed without having to explain their reasons for calling repeatedly.
Incoming callers can avoid going straight to voicemail if a person is unable to take their call. The auto-attendant greets them before they hang up.
Voice And Video Conferencing
VoIP systems can handle more than just voice calls. Some VoIP providers even offer video conferencing, a top VoIP feature for team collaboration.
A conference bridge lets you connect with more than three members of your team, at the same time, no matter where you (or they) are located.
Most (94%) businesses believe that regular video conferences boost productivity. The benefits of conference calling are greater collaboration and better communication. Because with a business VoIP system, you don’t have to rely on messages in your CRM, nor long email threads, to keep on top of a project.
Hence, they are branded as a unified communications tool: no need to buy many add-ons to get a comprehensive communication suite for your small business.
Call Recording And Routing
Recording and storing inbound and outbound calls allow you to access past conversations whenever necessary. It prevents miscommunication between your business and your clients.
You can route calls automatically to the appropriate department or party. It reduces customer wait times.
Why Is VoIP Beneficial For Your Business?
Most businesses today are looking to expand their reach, which requires both internal and external communication services.
Due to increasing costs and limitations of traditional landline services, VoIP has become the preferred alternative for businesses worldwide.
Other than that, you can choose additional features such as call analytics, music on hold, team messaging, power dialer, and more, depending on the requirements of your business.
Conclusion
No matter what the size of your business, every call matters so that you can connect with customers, stakeholders, and business partners. That is why you need a reliable communication system that can make your communication efficient. It provides you with numerous benefits over traditional telephony, such as flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and scalability. You must do research and choose a reputable provider to get maximum benefits.