Considering a virtual phone number for your business?
That’s a great move and one that can lead to increased productivity and significant cost savings. A recent study by PC World found that large businesses can save up to $1,200 per month with VoIP compared to the traditional PBX phone system.
In a world rocked by COVID-19 and where the future of work is remote, your business needs a solution that can adapt to the changing times.
Needless to say, a virtual phone system is one of the few solutions that are evolving at the same pace as the world amid the pandemic. When you switch over to VoIP, you can work and receive calls from virtually anywhere.
So, what exactly is a virtual phone number, and why do you need one for your business? Keep reading to find out.
What Is a Virtual Phone Number?
Conventional phone numbers are usually tied to a physical device, like a mobile phone or landline. In the case of mobile devices, calls are routed through a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) placed inside the device.
A virtual phone number differs from the traditional phone systems in that it’s not tied to a SIM or mobile device.
Instead, a virtual phone number allows you to make and receive calls and texts via the internet. Simply put, a virtual phone number is a telephone service that is not bonded or tied to any address, phone, sim card, or device.
Virtual phone numbers are cloud-based.
Since your number is tied to an account—rather than a device or location, it can be used virtually from anywhere, as long as there is an internet connection.
How Does a Virtual Phone System Work?
Most virtual phone numbers utilize a technology called voice over internet protocol, commonly known as VoIP.
When someone makes a call, VoIP converts the message into digital voice data.
This data is then broken up into bits called “packets” small enough to move through the world wide web. The packets are then pieced back into the original voice data you hear over the phone upon reaching the recipient.
Why You Need a Virtual Phone Number for Your Business
Without further ado, here are the benefits that accrue to your business once you make the switch to a virtual phone system.
1. Allows Smoother Remote Work Setup
As mentioned earlier, the dramatic shift to remote work caused by the novel COVID-19 pandemic has made businesses reconsider remote work arrangements.
However, transitioning to remote work can be a headache, especially considering most operational tools are still within the business premises.
A virtual phone system allows for a smoother remote work setup since it can be operated virtually anywhere. Hence, setting up your call center facility at a remote location far away from your business premises is also possible.
2. Saves Money on Hardware & Calls
Conventional phone systems require costly investment in hardware. These systems can also require professional installation and regular maintenance.
In contrast, a virtual number doesn’t require any additional investment in hardware. In fact, you won’t need any new hardware at all. You can receive and make calls from devices you already own—without any additional costs.
What’s more, the charges of a virtual phone number are usually cheaper compared to the conventional carrier-based calls.
3. Improves Productivity
Smooth communication between your team and your customers boosts productivity. A virtual phone system allows you to keep track of your business from anywhere easily.
Apart from calling and tracking your customers, you can also send them promotional faxes and voice mails. Businesses can also set up lead routing rules to direct prospects to the relevant sales rep, further streamlining communication.
For example, if a prospect calls your company via a virtual number and is interested in a product demo, this call can be routed to a rep in the sales team.
4. Improves Performance
Keeping track of your calls is vital for measuring performance.
And this is where the true power of virtual numbers manifests. You can purchase multiple virtual numbers and assign them to different employees. Then, track key customer metrics using your virtual phone line.
Modern CRMs allow you to integrate your phone calls with your activity. This way, you won’t have to spend hours entering in data. The data collected can help evaluate the effectiveness of your employees performance.
5. Expand Your Business Globally
Using virtual numbers allows you to communicate easily with people around the world.
Whether you want to hire top talent from abroad or scale your business operations internationally, a virtual phone system helps reduce disruptions to your operations by streamlining communication between teams.
Wrapping Up
Virtual phone numbers are the golden nuggets your business needs to succeed in the ever-competitive digital landscape. They’re cost-effective, good for employee performance, ideal for business expansion, and offer the best solution for remote operations.
So, if you’re still pondering over whether to get a virtual phone number for your business, there is no better time to get one than now.
