Why are Virtual Phones the Best Business Phone Plans for Startups?
One survey found that 60% of companies stated a phone system was their top investment priority. Three-quarters of customers still believe phone calls will help them get a quicker response, and the majority prefer to talk to a person instead of using a web form. Companies must prioritize communications and find the best business phone plan they can get.
Most small businesses quickly realize that traditional phone systems are expensive and don’t offer the features a startup or a modern small business needs.
According to a report in the Houston Chronicle, “A PBX system consists of a cabinet of electronic equipment in your office. Substantial costs are involved to purchase the equipment and for monthly charges. Lower cost is the principal reason for companies to adopt VoIP systems.”
Moreover, Techradar stated that “PBX systems can cost more than 10 times as much. For a business with around 30 users, expect to pay between $700 and $1,000 per user for setting up a new system. Much of this cost comes from paying for PBX-ready handsets and wiring. Once your system is up and running, a PBX system typically costs around $50 per line per month.”
The answer? A virtual phone system is becoming the best business phone plan for startups.
This guide provides a clear and straightforward understanding of virtual phone systems. Explore what the service is and how it works, outline the significant benefits, and learn about what the most reliable virtual phone providers have to offer.
What Is a Virtual Phone System?
If you’re starting up a business, then having a phone number is a must.
Some customers will contact you using your website form, email, or chat, but most will want to talk to a human being sooner or later. You already have a personal cell phone, but you don’t want to mix business with private life. Does it mean you need another phone to split your calls?
Not at all. Premium virtual phone providers let you choose a new number, including local and toll-free. You will not have to use a separate line because you can route incoming calls to your existing phone online.
Think of a virtual phone system as a buffer between you and your customers. You get to choose which number to use when a call comes in or goes out without switching devices.
Related: Why Should I Use an IP Phone for Business?
How Does a Virtual Phone System Work?
The system harnesses the power of the Internet to send and receive calls instead of traditional phone lines and wires. Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP is the technology for virtual phone systems.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) defines VoIP as “a technology that allows you to make voice calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular (or analog) phone line. Some VoIP services may only allow you to call other people using the same service, but others may allow you to call anyone who has a telephone number – including local, long-distance, mobile, and international numbers. Also, while some VoIP services only work over your computer or a special VoIP phone, other services allow you to use a traditional phone connected to a VoIP adapter.”
Providers operate on cloud servers or computers to handle all communications. As mentioned above, there’s no need for you to install a second phone line or purchase another mobile phone. When your customers or suppliers contact your business number, your provider receives the call. Then, they check to see where you want it routed and make it happen.
With this technology, you’re not limited to routing calls to a cell phone either. The best business phone plans give you the choice of landline, VoIP handset, PC, laptop, and desk phone. You can log in to the secure control panel anytime you wish and edit your choice. You also have the option to route to a secondary number if you’re already on a call.
VoIP is helpful for businesses of all sizes that need more robust features, including document sharing, video calling, and advanced setup options. A virtual phone system is perfect for one-person companies, small teams, and freelancers, too.
Virtual phones save money, offer flexibility, and provide a wide variety of features such as text messaging. How much will you save by moving to a virtual system? What other benefits does it offer a startup? Read on to find out.
Related: The Top 10 Benefits of an Internet Business Phone System
Benefits of a Virtual Phone System for Startups
Want to know what the best business phone plans can do for your small business? Here are some of the key benefits:
- Lower costs
- Variable phone numbers
- Call routing
- Virtual call centers
- In-depth reporting
- Flexible and affordable pricing plans
You want a provider that lets you select from millions of phone numbers to suit your needs for a reasonable price. This includes local, premium, and memorable toll-free numbers to match your business plan.
You can also have access to flexible routing, which means you get to choose where you want your calls to go. Use your laptop to receive calls if your cell phone gets lost, or install your provider’s app to access your account from anywhere, just like having a virtual call center. From there, you can view how many calls you received to help reach your marketing goals.
Look for a provider that offers a virtual phone system with dozens of features for a low monthly fee.
Best Virtual Phone System for Small Business
Once you find your telecommunications partner to install the best business phone plan for you, there shouldn’t be too many steps to sign up.
First, you pick a plan.
Check if their basic plan is truly ideal for startups with a limited budget. It may include an auto-attendant and call-screening to block nuisance calls, among other pluses. You can add the unlimited extension option for unrestricted minutes and texts and get a one-base video meeting host and audio conferencing.
Second, choose your number.
Your provider should have a number engine to help you find the ideal number for your business. You can also request an easy-to-remember number. See if they offer a customization service to give you the power to transfer your existing number onto their network. You may also be able to select a ‘vanity number’ to make it easy for your customers to remember you.
Third, activate your virtual account.
If it’s a simple platform, you may only need to add your information to begin. You can start sending and receiving calls from your new or transferred number within minutes. From there, you should be able to add additional extensions on demand, save forwarding phone numbers to your plan, or cancel whenever you wish. Be sure you check with your provider about any cancellation penalties or fees.
An Excellent Virtual Phone Experience with a Top Provider
Now that you know a virtual phone system for startups is the perfect option, it’s time to call the professionals.
Phone.com’s virtual business phone system service provides high-quality calls and services at a low cost. It is no longer necessary for you to use your personal number to answer calls, and the whole system is under your control. By using our virtual network, you won’t miss a single customer call again. Take a look at a few of our top virtual phone systems in action and have peace of mind with our 30-day money-back guarantee. Sign up for one of our plans today.
