As a small business, you need efficient systems to help you manage your day-to-day operations. Customers and clients expect businesses of all sizes to have clear communication channels in place to handle their requests and issues. Even before the coronavirus pandemic, many industries were moving away from the traditional office setup. Now, the idea of using a landline phone to communicate with customers seems inefficient. With the internet ecosystem continuing to take market share away from traditional business models, it makes sense to use VoIP phone systems at small businesses in order to handle your communication needs.

What is VoIP?

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is how phone calls are delivered over the internet. Systems like WhatsApp, Skype, and Facetime audio are all examples of VoIP systems that are used every day. These software-based VoIP solutions allow for international calling at much lower rates than a traditional phone provider. While these are all good examples of consumer VoIP solutions, it's helpful to use a dedicated VoIP provider for business, so that you and your team can effectively manage both internal and external communications.

Why use VoIP and unified communications for small business?

Simple, streamlined, and cost-effective communication tools are needed for successful customer relationship management (CRM). VoIP systems can be accessed from anywhere with a stable connection, as long as the required software is installed. Often, small businesses will also be able to take advantage of free international calling, which can help to reduce long-distance charges.

VoIP also allows your business to have a mobile office. Because a VoIP service is often connected to a portable device, such as a phone, tablet, or laptop, you can dial and receive calls from anywhere there's internet access. This flexibility also extends to your employees, who no longer need to be located at a call center to communicate with customers and other team members.

Benefits of VoIP phone systems

The best VoIP phone systems provide small businesses with valuable tools to improve communication. In addition to helping you better serve customers and clients, VoIP phone systems also improve team collaboration. They provide secure, unified communications for small business operations, allowing your team to have a centralized system in place to handle communication. With additional features, such as automated assistance, pre-recorded responses can also be programmed to easily address common customer issues. When compared to traditional phone lines, many of these systems have superior audio quality. VoIP phone systems for small businesses often include video conferencing, allowing you to visually communicate with your team or with clients when necessary.

How to choose the right VoIP service for your small business

While using a VoIP system can be helpful, be sure to choose a provider that's built for omnichannel communication. High-quality VoIP providers for business offer the following services:

  • Unlimited calling in the United States and Canada
  • Video conferencing
  • Chat and SMS
  • Personalized greetings and menu prompts
  • Team messaging

8x8's VoIP phone systems provide small businesses with safe, secure, and reliable solutions to manage their communication efforts. They can also help to save your business money while simultaneously improving productivity and efficiency. If you're looking for a way to manage customer and team relationships in the digital age, contact 8x8 today.