There are loads of reasons why working as a freelancer makes sense. The chance to choose your own hours and projects with nobody to answer to can certainly be appealing! But with the landline switch-off kicking in from next year, have you thought about how you’ll handle incoming and outgoing calls?
Many freelancers just use their mobile phone, but this can get expensive and leaves very little room for work/life balance - not to mention the signal dropping out. And what happens if your freelancing business grows and you want to employ someone else?
The fact is, more and more freelancers are switching to a VoIP digital phone system, saving them time and money. It not only helps their business run smoothly, but can give a more professional look too.
So what do you need to consider before taking the plunge? Here’s our quick guide to help.
Assess Your Needs
First off, you need to understand what your communication requirements actually are. Consider things like the number of users, call volume, international calling needs, integration with existing software/tools, mobility and scalability.
Choose a Provider That Specialises in Freelancers
At bOnline we only work with small business heroes like you. Freelancers, micro-businesses and start-ups - it’s what we do.
All our contracts are only 12 months long, rather than 18 or even 24 months, offering better flexibility. We don’t do jargon, sneaky small print or hidden charges either.
Our prices start at just £7 a month (some of the lowest around) and we keep everything simple. Simply sign up online in 2 minutes and choose a phone number, or keep your existing one.
Features
Look for essential VoIP features such as call forwarding, voicemail, call recording, conference calling, hold music, mobile apps, and CRM integration. Make sure the VoIP system offers the features you need to run your freelancing business efficiently.
Reliability and Call Quality
Check the reliability and call quality of the VoIP service. Look for providers with a proven track record of uptime and high-quality voice transmission. Read reviews and look out for recommendations from other freelancers or businesses.
At bOnline we’re proud to be rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot with over 11,000 reviews. Take a look.
Cost and Pricing Structure
Compare pricing plans and understand the cost structure, choosing a provider (like us!) that offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Consider your budget and choose a plan that provides the best value for money based on your usage patterns.
Integration and Compatibility
Make sure that the VoIP system integrates seamlessly with any existing software and tools you already use, such as CRM software, email clients and project management tools. It’s also important to check compatibility with devices such as desk phones, computers and mobile devices.
Scalability
Hopefully your business will grow over time. Perhaps you’ll take on more staff or premises. It’s therefore worth choosing a VoIP system that can scale with your business, so look for flexible plans that allow you to easily add or remove users as needed.
The beauty of our VoIP systems is that they can be accessed on the go from any internet-connected device, including your tablet or smartphone. Anyone with the log on details can therefore use it as needed. No messing around with extra lines or hardware!
Customer Support
Think about the quality of customer support provided by the VoIP provider. Make sure they offer responsive support channels such as phone, email, and live chat. Look for providers (again, like us!) who put excellent customer service high on the agenda.
At bOnline we set everything up for you remotely, so no engineer visits and no downtime. You also don’t need any technical knowledge yourself, plus we’re on hand at any point if you have any questions or concerns.
Fancy a Free Trial?
There’s quite a bit to think about if you’re a freelancer looking for a VoIP digital phone system. To make it easier, we offer a totally free 7-day trial so you can test out everything on offer with no obligation.
Signing up online takes just 2 minutes and we won’t even ask for your credit card details. There’s nothing to lose and the cost savings could be massive.
