There has been an increase of virtual phone systems used across a variety of industries. These platforms have overall taken the small business industry to the extreme with by improving the communication between employees being able to take meetings or speak to different departments all from different locations. This is essential as there is a rise of employees working remotely. There are many reasons that companies should push to include virtual phone systems in their business including being able to effectively talk and message employees from other subdivisions, effectively take phone calls, and keep personal phone numbers discreet.

If you were having a business phone call using your own number, this can appear unprofessional and affect your security issues with customers having access to your personal contact number. With a virtual phone system, you are guaranteed to have a business that has their own custom phone number that can be accessed by every employee whether it is own their phone device or laptop. With this amount of advantages to using a virtual phone system there is an expansive array of virtual phone systems for small businesses such as Grasshopper, Talkroute, and MightyCall.

All of these products have their own unique characteristics that will differ depending on your company’s specific requirements and values.  It is highly essential to do your homework before you choose the virtual phone system for your company. In this article, we will be uncovering what’s the go with virtual phone systems, how it works, and suggesting the best virtual phone systems for your small business.

Here is the lowdown on virtual phone systems for small businesses

What are virtual phone systems? 

A virtual phone system is an application that utilises all the duties of a traditional phone system alongside a few extra functions which are all placed on the one system, whereby all employees can enter simultaneously. This stands out from the original phone system is because you can only use it in the one remoted area whereas a virtual phone system works to be able to be utilised on multiple locations provided you have internet access. They can be accessed on a range of different devices such as phones, laptop, desktop, and other technologies. All you need to do is install the application and voila!

These programs have an incredulous amount of benefits and advanced characteristics such as the ability to use a customised business phone number, texting, to recording voicemail. The application utilises the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which allows you to take and receive phone calls online. With these features, your company will be at the top of their game with having instant feedback between different departments in order to improve their work and productivity therefore increasing the success of their business. You won’t have to dial no more as popular phone numbers can be recorded and therefore dialled in. This application has a massive array of advantages and facets that overall improve your communication ability among staff and therefore increase the workflow in the office space.

How does it work?

A virtual phone system links users all with their own phone number to produce a phone call over the internet. These systems otherwise known as cloud phone services control all the telecom organisation and affairs with a PSTN which is short for a Public-switched Telephone Network in order for all these users to connect. As mentioned prior, Voice Over Internet Protocol or VoIP works to make sure you can call someone from far away without having to use any wiring. The virtual phone system works to transform the analogue audio using VoIP codecs to have high-quality phone calls. The phone extensions don’t use wires but exist on a virtual level. These systems are found online allowing you to work outside of the office being able to transfer your office number to your personal phone. From right there, your co workers can collaborate together to make sure the communications between employees or with customers are much more effective. This virtual phone system altogether works to efficiently give phone calls from various locations.

The best virtual phone systems for small businesses

 

1. Grasshopper

If you want your small business to look professional, Grasshopper is the one for you! Grasshopper is a virtual phone system for good value with an abundance of features in system. It is a convenient way to take and receive phone calls on their personal contact numbers. Benefits of this application includes call forwarding, extension, voicemail converted to text without the requirement of expensive devices. Grasshopper has three different subscriptions ranging from prices of $29 all the way to $49 monthly. The small business plan that is $89 has five numbers and a limitless extensions.

2. Talkroute

If you’re trying to find the right route, Talkroute may be the best solution for your business. If you would like to keep your current phone without the extra expense of external hardware and technology. This virtual phone system works to provide entry to local and toll-free numbers, extensions for your team, routing, and call forwarding, voice messages, and in-depth recording from the comfort of your own phone without the need for further purchases of equipment. On their website, you can find a demo video which allows you to see how your small business could work with their virtual phone service. Talkroute helps small businesses reap the most benefits from business phone companies without having to use another device. The price ranges from $19 to $99 per month. Each subscriptions has additional features that depend on the needs for your business.

3. MightyCall

MightyCall works to have an easy setup and begin using their virtual phone system. Their system is easy to install and begin installing right away. You begin by choosing your business phone number which can either be local or toll-free. You can then include your employees and start getting calls from customers! MightyCall allows you to keep in close contact with your customers. As a result of their extensive data tracking and analytics, you will get to overview your team’s productivity over the phone to find ways to improve. These virtual phone systems are founded on the phone or through a laptop. These plans begin from $19.99 monthly all the way up to $99.99 depending on the specific features necessary. The further the cost the more benefits.

The takeaway

Virtual phone systems are not going anywhere. There’s a variety of benefits that come to virtual phone systems such as data tracking features, security over personal phone numbers, and being able to be used from different locations. You can access across a variety of devices from mobile phones, laptops, desktops, and other devices so long as it can connect to the internet. We’ve highlighted example of the many virtual phone systems on offer that are perfect for small businesses such as Grasshopper, MightyCall, and Talkroute. With this bountiful amount of options, you are for sure to find one that is tailormade for your specific company. You can be confident you will have a business that is thriving and on top of the current trends. You won’t have to ever feel like a mile away with these virtual phone systems.

Brandon Muniz
Brandon Muniz is a highly-regarded journalist who has written extensively for a variety of influential finance and business publications. He is often asked for his commentary on trade issues of the day, and his expertise is second-to-none. He has won numerous awards for his professional insight into business matters.