{"id":31522,"date":"2022-11-22T17:22:39","date_gmt":"2022-11-22T17:22:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/grapevinemsp.com\/?p=31522"},"modified":"2022-11-22T17:31:47","modified_gmt":"2022-11-22T17:31:47","slug":"how-can-voip-benefit-small-businesses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/grapevinemsp.com\/how-can-voip-benefit-small-businesses\/","title":{"rendered":"How Can VoIP Benefit Small Businesses?"},"content":{"rendered":"

It wasn’t long ago that VoIP systems were considered a “different” type of business telephone system. However, the pandemic changed that. Now, internet-based phone systems aren’t just the norm. Business continuity requires them.<\/p>\n

In the wake of the pandemic, VoIP and video conferencing have skyrocketed by over 210%.<\/a> The reason for this is largely due to the move to remote work and hybrid offices. In a survey of surveyed companies, 67 percent said switching to VoIP improves their ability to handle calls.<\/p>\n

As a result, the business phone system is no longer tied to a physical location. With a staff spread across multiple locations, this allows fluid management of the business.<\/p>\n

Additionally, VoIP reduces business costs significantly. This technology is much cheaper to use than a traditional landline. It is also often cheaper to subscribe to a calling plan, and the cost of adding new numbers is relatively low.<\/p>\n

Small businesses can benefit from VoIP’s many features. However, owners are busy and may not have time to enable all of them.<\/p>\n

How can we increase efficiency, productivity, and positive caller experiences?<\/h2>\n

You can leverage these cloud-based business phone features to your advantage.<\/p>\n

Automated Attendant<\/h3>\n

Small companies often have more than one person answering the phone. With an automated attendant, you can free up that person’s time and give the caller a better experience.<\/p>\n

An auto-attendant serves as a directory for a company. Calls are forwarded to the appropriate department or staff member for you. Ask the caller a few questions and record a pleasant greeting. You might say, “Press 1 for sales, 2 for technical support,” etc.<\/p>\n

Without explaining why they are calling twice, the caller gets what they need.<\/p>\n

Find Me\/Follow Me<\/h3>\n

What is the most popular VoIP feature among users? 77% of employees surveyed<\/a> chose Find Me\/Follow Me. This includes the ability to use a virtual phone number that is accessible from all devices. It is also easy for staff to transfer calls between devices.<\/p>\n

You can receive your calls whether you are on a PC, in a conference room, or on your smartphone. This feature reduces friction and allows people to give out one phone number. Using that number, callers can reach the person via mobile, home office, or onsite office.<\/p>\n

Hold Music<\/h3>\n

It might seem insignificant to play pleasant music while your callers are on hold. It can, however, have a significant impact on customer satisfaction and lead generation.<\/p>\n

In a study comparing hold music to silence<\/a>, we discovered some eye-opening statistics. In the study, researchers kept participants on hold for 1 minute. The results were as follows:<\/p>\n