The landline switch off is happening: in just two years’ time landlines will cease to exist. It’s pushing self-employed people, including micro business owners and freelancers, to make the leap to VoIP digital phone services instead.
VoIP digital phone systems allow you to make and receive phone calls just like you always have done with a landline. The difference is, because the sound is transferred as data ‘packets’ over the internet instead of via copper wires, it’s much clearer and more reliable.
VoIP systems also come with lots more business-friendly features, like call divert, voicemail, video calling, hold music, analytics data and much more - all in one place. Plus, you can access and use your VoIP digital phone system using not just a VoIP handset, but your smartphone, tablet or PC too. This is great for working on the go as you never have to miss a call again.
Anthony Karibian, founder and CEO of bOnline, said:
“For small business owners, there’s a silver lining to the ‘Big Bad BT Switch-off’ despite all the fear mongering. Whilst it’s tempting to stay with a traditional landline as long as possible, the good news is that there are some providers like bOnline that have spent the last three years preparing for the BT switch off to make it easier.”
“bOnline’s VoIP product is made for the small business owner rather than for IT gurus. It's easy, reliable and setup in minutes with a personal onboarding session to ensure every business is fully setup and able to manage on their own via a simple dashboard.”
“At bOnline, we now onboard over 120 businesses daily with a fine-tuned process that makes this experience seamless for the small business owner.”
So what are the other big benefits of VoIP digital phones for small businesses? Let’s take a look.
You can work from anywhere
When you’re self-employed you tend to wear many hats, get pulled in many directions, and there are never enough hours in the day. A 9-5 it isn’t!
However, as we’ve already mentioned, you can access your VoIP phone system and make calls from your smartphone or tablet, as well as your VoIP handset or PC, so it’s much easier to work on the go. You also don’t need to worry about missing any important (potential customer) calls, or hanging by the telephone.
Easy set up
VoIP phones use cloud technology which means you don’t need to pay expensive set-up fees. There’s also no real prep work involved - it’s simply a case of signing up online and away you go.
Additionally, VoIP phone providers like bOnline will do all the setting up remotely for you with no downtime, so there’s no need for engineers to turn up at your home or workplace.
No long contracts
Each VoIP provider is different. Some will tie you into longer contracts of 18 or 24 months which isn’t great if you need maximum flexibility.
The last thing you want to be is stuck in a long contract when your own work fluctuates. This is why at bOnline all our contracts are only 12 months long.
Gives an air of professionalism
When you’re starting out, just using your mobile to make and receive calls may cut it for a while. But as your business grows, you get busier and perhaps take on more staff, this will soon not be enough. Also, you’ll probably find your work/life balance starts to suffer as your mobile rings at all hours and it’s hard to decipher which calls are personal and which are business.
A VoIP phone system gives a more professional look as you can better deal with calls out of hours with just one business contact number. Features like call divert and voicemail can be incredibly useful, plus if you take on more staff all you need to do is give them your VoIP long on. Quick, easy and money-saving.
You can have pretty much any number you like
As long as it’s not already in use, obviously.
But a VoIP digital phone system allows you to take your existing phone number and convert it into just about any number you like - including a new area code. In other words, if you’ve always wanted to have an 020 number, but you’re not based anywhere near London, you can actually get a virtual number (perfectly legally!) with a VoIP phone system.
This can be great if you want to attract new customers from a particular geographical area, or to give your business that ‘local’ feel. Even when you’re not.
Cheaper international calls
Calling abroad, especially to places like America, has traditionally been a bit of a minefield in terms of cost. This is particularly the case if you use a mobile or landline phone (in fact BT charge around £1.55 a minute to call the USA which soon adds up).
Many VoIP phone system providers offer packages that include calls to other countries. As package prices are fixed, you don’t then need to worry about call costs running away with you. And because you’re making your calls via the internet, it typically works out a lot cheaper too (bOnline’s international calls add-on is only £6 per month).
Why not sign up for a free 7-day trial?
Choosing a VoIP provider for your small business isn’t always an easy decision. There’s lots to think about, particularly when it comes to balancing price with quality.
That’s why bOnline offers a free 7-day trial, allowing you to test out all the business-friendly VoIP features on offer without the commitment. You’ve really got nothing to lose.
Don’t forget, you’re also welcome to call our friendly expert team if you need us, on 0203 617 9950.
