Virtual phone numbers are becoming increasingly popular among businesses today, offering a range of benefits and features that can help companies improve communication with their customers and clients. From call handling and routing to international calling capabilities, virtual phone numbers offer a range of options that can help businesses enhance their communication strategies. However, choosing the right virtual phone number provider can be a challenge, given the many options available in the market. In this article, we’ll discuss the key factors to consider when choosing the best virtual phone number provider for your business.
- Features to Consider When Choosing a Virtual Phone Number Provider
- Pricing and Plans
- Reliability and Customer Support
- Security and Compliance
- Get Started With a Free Business Phone Number
Features to Consider When Choosing a Virtual Phone Number Provider
The first factor to consider when choosing a virtual phone number provider is the features that are available. Call handling and routing options, integration with existing business tools and systems, international calling capabilities, auto dialing options, and additional features such as voicemail drop and call recording are all important factors to consider.
Call handling and routing options, such as IVRs, ring groups, and call queues, are critical for businesses that receive a high volume of incoming calls. Some virtual phone number providers offer advanced call routing options, such as automatic call forwarding to specific departments or employees, or automated menu systems that allow callers to choose the department they need.
Integration with existing business tools and systems is also essential, as it can help businesses streamline their communication processes. Some virtual phone number providers offer integrations with popular business tools such as CRM systems, email platforms, and other communication tools.
International calling capabilities are also crucial for businesses that operate globally. Some virtual phone number providers offer international calling plans that include low rates for international calls, while others may offer virtual phone numbers in multiple countries.
Lastly, additional features such as voicemail drop, local presence dialing, and call recordings can help businesses improve their communication with customers and clients. Voicemail drop allows agents to leave a pre-recorded voicemail with the click of a button when a customer doesn’t pick up the phone. Local presence dialing allows companies to call with a variety of different local area codes and encourage a higher number of pickups on cold calls. Call recordings can be useful for training purposes or to resolve disputes with customers. We’ve also compiled a list of 12 must-have contact center phone features that you can read about here.
Pricing and Plans
The second factor to consider when choosing a virtual phone number provider is pricing and plans. The cost of virtual phone numbers can vary greatly, depending on the provider and the features included. It’s essential to choose a provider that offers pricing and plans that fit your usage and scalability needs.
Virtual phone number providers typically offer pricing plans based on usage, with options for monthly or annual billing. Some providers may also offer a pay-as-you-go option, which can be useful for businesses that have unpredictable call volumes. Generally speaking, voice over internet protocol (VOIP) phone software systems that provide virtual phone numbers range from $30-150 per agent, per month.
It’s also important to consider the scalability of the provider’s plans, as businesses may need to upgrade their plans as they grow. Some providers may offer flexible plans that can be adjusted as needed, while others may require businesses to purchase additional numbers or services.
Reliability and Customer Support
The third factor to consider when choosing a virtual phone number provider is reliability and customer support. It’s essential to choose a provider that offers reliable service and uptime, as any downtime can negatively impact a business’s communication with customers and clients.
Software providers usually track this information and have a page on their website where anyone can monitor the percentage uptime over the past few days (or months). For instance, you can see Kixie’s service uptime here. Check this information before signing up with a phone provider to ensure that your business will have reliable phone service.
Customer support is also critical, as businesses may need assistance with setting up and managing their virtual phone number accounts. Some virtual phone number providers offer 24/7 support, while others may have limited support hours. Support options also differ from company to company, with some offering email, phone, ticket, and Zoom/ video call support, and others offering just a couple of options.
It’s also important to research the reputation and customer reviews of virtual phone number providers to ensure that they have a track record of providing reliable service and customer support.
Security and Compliance
The fourth important factor to consider when choosing a virtual phone number provider is security and compliance. Calling and texting in the US is subject to various regulations, and can be a target for fraud and other security threats to consumers, so it’s essential to choose a provider that prioritizes security and compliance.
Some virtual phone number providers offer advanced security features such as STIR/SHAKEN for caller ID authentication, two-factor authentication, end-to-end encryption for calls, and secure data storage. It’s important to research the security features of different providers to determine which ones offer the most comprehensive protection.
Compliance is also an important consideration, particularly for businesses in regulated industries such as healthcare or finance. Virtual phone number providers may need to comply with regulations such as HIPAA, SOC2 or PCI-DSS, so it’s important to choose a provider that has experience and expertise in meeting these requirements.
Get Started With a Free Business Phone Number
Choosing the best virtual phone number provider for your business requires careful consideration of the features, pricing and plans, reliability and customer support, and security and compliance of each provider. By taking the time to research and assess your needs, you can choose a provider that offers the most comprehensive and reliable service for your business.
When evaluating virtual phone number providers, it’s important to take advantage of free trials and demos to test out the features and functionality of each provider. This can help you make an informed decision and ensure that the provider you choose meets your specific needs and requirements. If you’d like to get started with a free business phone number and try out an all-in-one contact center platform today, you can begin a 7-day free trial of Kixie right now (no credit card required).
Virtual phone numbers offer a range of benefits for businesses, including enhanced communication capabilities and improved customer service. Choosing the right virtual phone number provider is essential to maximize these benefits and ensure that your business is able to communicate effectively with customers and clients. By considering the factors outlined in this article, we hope you are better equipped to choose a provider that offers the most comprehensive and reliable service for your business.
