Digital transformation is changing the way we communicate both professionally and personally. Telephony is going digital, and it’s time for businesses to future-proof their phone systems ahead of the 2025 legacy landline switch off.
When switching to a digital phone system, you’ll be issued a virtual phone number, which is a set of digits that is not tied to a physical location. Virtual numbers can be used on multiple devices from anywhere with an internet connection.
Here are some of the key benefits virtual phone numbers provide for small businesses, startups and freelancers.
What is a virtual phone number and how does it work?
Virtual phone numbers aren't linked to a particularly device and are completely internet-based. They're also not tied to a landline, allowing you to make and receive calls from your smartphone or tablet too. Great for working on the go.
1. Cost efficiency
Virtual phone numbers are much more cost-effective than those linked to legacy landline phones. Firstly, there are fewer costs involved in the maintenance of a virtual phone system as the service provider will typically take care of updates. They can also be used to make and receive calls from anywhere in the world at flat rate-cutting costs associated with international calling or roaming charges.
2. You can establish a local presence
You can set up a virtual phone number in a city or country where you don’t have a physical location. This allows you to establish a local presence at a fraction of the cost, which is great if you have a strong customer base in a particular geographic area.
What’s more, customers tend to be more trusting of brands that use local numbers as they know they aren’t being charged extortionate fees to place a call.
3. It provides you with increased flexibility and mobility
One of the major benefits of a virtual phone number is that it allows you to make and receive calls from anywhere and on any internet or data-connected device. This means your employees are no longer tied to their desks.
Virtual phone numbers go where you go. So whether you’re working from home or from a co-working space in the city, you’ll have complete access to your business phone system. Moreover, calls to your virtual phone number can be routed to a mobile device so you never miss a call.
As companies worldwide adapt to hybrid and remote working models, virtual phone numbers are a vital technology to facilitate flexibility in the workplace.
4. Improve productivity with advanced calling features
VoIP phones offer a range of advanced calling features to streamline business communications and empower you to provide an enhanced customer experience. Additional features like call forwarding, voicemail to email, call logs and hold music can improve productivity and the overall calling experience.
5. Improve your business image
For small businesses or freelancers, it might make sense to use your personal mobile number for business, especially if you’re working from non-traditional office spaces or you move around a lot. But this can look unprofessional and make you seem untrustworthy to potential callers.
Virtual phone numbers can enhance your business’s professionalism by allowing you to establish phone numbers that are accessible no matter where you are.
Leverage the benefits of a virtual phone number
For small businesses, startups and entrepreneurs, a virtual phone number is an invaluable asset that can improve your communications efficiency and productivity while enhancing your business image.
Switching to an affordable virtual phone system like bOnline that utilises the latest VoIP technology to provide high-quality, reliable and secure connectivity is essential to future-proof your business.
Get in touch with bOnline today to find out more about how a VoIP phone system can take your business communications to the next level.
