Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP for short) transports sound digitally via fibre optic cables, rather than through traditional copper telephone lines.
More than three million businesses have already signed up with a VoIP phone system. That number is now climbing fast too, not least because of the landline switch-off due to complete in 2025.
What is VoIP and how does it work?
As mentioned, VoIP phone calls are made and received digitally using the internet rather than through traditional phone wires. The beauty here is that you’re not tied to a single desk phone, at home or in your office for example. This means you can make and receive calls using any internet-connected device, including your mobile phone, laptop or tablet.
Why is VoIP good for business?
International calls - as well as domestic calls - have traditionally been expensive to make. But VoIP calls are made over the internet which makes them far, far cheaper as you generally just pay a set monthly price. In fact, at bOnline our packages start from just £6+VAT per month for unlimited calls.
However, it’s not just the cost savings that make VoIP phone systems such an attractive option for businesses. They also come with a range of handy features including call routing, video calling, call divert, call analytics, voicemail, hold music and much more.
How VoIP can benefit marketing
The benefits of VoIP are fairly obvious. But did you also know it can really help your marketing efforts too? Bring on VoIP marketing!
Here’s how:
1. Increased customer satisfaction
VoIP phone systems mean you never have to miss a customer call again, thanks to improved call handling and management. This includes calls that are received out of hours. You can also make sure calls are directed to the right member of your team first time, avoiding customer frustration.
VoIP phone systems are super easy to set up and use, acting almost like another admin person - but at a fraction of the cost.
2. Overseas expansion
With a VoIP phone system, you can get yourself assigned a local number, regardless of where in the world you’re located. This is great for times when you want to target a specific type of customer in a particular geographical market.
A local number can give your business that familiar touch, without the massive costs involved in relocating overseas. Of course, if changing your number doesn’t sound too appealing after all, when you switch to a bOnline VoIP phone system you can keep your existing number if you want to.
3. Connecting your customers with your mobile team members
Since the pandemic, more and more of us are working remotely from all over the world. Even for those coming into an office, hotdesking is increasingly common, making technology that facilitates collaboration all the more important. VoIP not only makes international calls so much cheaper, but video calling is an excellent feature too.
Being more available for your customers whilst still minimising costs is the ideal way forward for your business. Wherever you are in the world, both customers and co-workers can stay connected easily with VoIP - all that’s needed is an internet connection (preferably fibre).
4. Multiple ways of communicating
VoIP systems offer so much more than simple telephone calls. With video calling, emailing, instant messaging and more, you can communicate with your customers and colleagues more flexibly. This in turn means your business can reach out across a number of different platforms effortlessly, bringing along many new opportunities.
5. Measuring the success of your marketing campaigns
Looking for another way to measure the success of your marketing campaign? A VoIP phone system can be a really handy tool.
Essentially you can give different campaigns different numbers, allowing you to track your most successful adverts by examining the calls to each number. You can then see how many of these calls brought about a sale. Not only that, but with a bOnline VoIP phone system you can use the data analytics function to look at your call patterns more closely. Things like the time of day your calls are coming in, how and why calls are being missed, which member of your team is picking the calls up and more can all give clues as to campaign success.
6. Better interaction and increased conversions
Whilst sending out emails en masse certainly has its place, many people still prefer some level of human interaction. Yes it’s a cost-effective option, but it’s not always easy to know how many recipients actually read the email and whether it’s brought about any sales. Plus we all get so much in our inbox every day, much of which go into spam, which limits emailing marketing effectiveness.
A VoIP phone system provides a low-cost yet more personal way to get in touch with clients both locally and across the world. It also requires no special equipment, other than an internet connection, making it the perfect way to build good working relationships. By marketing your products and services with a more personal touch, you can better see which campaigns are successful whilst (hopefully) increasing sales.
Sign up for a 7-day free trial
Choosing the right VoIP phone system for your small business can be a tricky decision. That’s why it’s well worth signing up for a FREE no obligation 7 day trial to see what it’s all about. You can test out all the VoIP features on offer and if you like what you see you can upgrade online - and even keep your number. There’s no downtime or loss of service while we switch you over either.
Sign up free here or get in touch with our team on 0208 125 3246.
