It may seem like a good starting point, but using a mobile number does not give off the best image of your small business. This is common in the small business community. A study revealed that 86% of small business owners use their personal phone number for business. As your business grows over the years you'll soon start to feel the pain and limitations.

Here is why it's time to stop using a mobile line and how a switch to a digital line or VoIP phone system is a better alternative.

Trust

For businesses, potential prospects expect to see a landline number to call when visiting a business website. Using a mobile number, customers might hesitate as this usually translates to ‘fly-by-night’ business operations. Consequently allowing your business to lose revenue and missed leads.

With VoIP: Make it easier for customers to get in contact with a landline number. VoIP allows businesses to choose their own number, and opting for a local 020 number can build credibility for your small business.

No control over working hours

When using a mobile number as a main point of contact you may be sending a message to clients/customers that your business is always available. There is nothing to stop customers calling at inconvenient times and no notification that operations might have closed for the day. This could largely affect work-life balance and not allow you to switch off from your business.

With VoIP: Using a VoIP phone system your business can set boundaries. Easily set working and holiday hours with clear custom greetings. Your clients would prefer knowing that your business is closed for the day and that you’ll get back to them in the morning rather than waiting for someone to pick up the phone.

No responsibility or shared phone line

A mobile phone number is a sole responsibility which can’t be shared with employees or teams. Heavy call periods or times where you’re unavailable could put a strain on the number of customers you can respond to. Your business may already have a team email inbox but your phone should support collaboration too.

With VoIP: Forward calls to team members when you’re unavailable using VoIP and instead have one shared number across teams. Features such as Call Queues and Hunt Groups can create customer journey designed to make sure every call is answered.

Lack of professionalism

When the first point of contact with a customer is by phone, the first impression largely comes down to a greeting and voicemail. Mobile phones can’t handle the influx of voicemails and that come with running a business. In the event of your voicemail inbox is full, customer messages won’t be able to reach your business. This also applies to heavy call periods where customers will be met with longer hold times.

With VoIP:  Using a VoIP phone system your business can easily store voicemails and call recordings for easy access. Going further, voicemails received can also be sent via email for reference and listening at your own leisure.

Struggle with business continuity

Mobile numbers are stagnant and can only be stored on one device. Changing your mobile phone number will mean that customers will find it harder to contact your business. What's more, is that mobile numbers are also used for two-factor authentications on a range of services like banking. Making it more difficult to have a standard business line.

With VoIP: Opting for a virtual business number will save your business a lot of trouble if forced to switch mobile carries/numbers. Once you have a virtual phone number, it stays with you and no interruption to services.

Can’t distinguish between personal and business calls

A mobile phone has no clear caller ID differentiating between personal and business calls. Opening up your business to all sorts of spam calls and time-wasting robot calls. Furthermore, a mobile number can also be easily accessible by anyone with no clear purpose.

With VoIP: VoIP phones come with a range of features one of them being call screening which can block these unwanted calls. Having a separate professional line also offers a clear directory for customer queries and only that.

Final thoughts

Mobile numbers just aren't meant for business; they're inefficient and can be dangerous. A switch to VoIP is the perfect solution for moving away from a mobile line. Cloud systems are built to protect personal data, promote work-life balance and improve caller customer journeys.

Build a professional front and customer rapport with a cloud phone that's accessible anywhere with 50+ features to enhance customer journeys. To see how a VoIP phone solution can benefit your business speak to an expert on 0203 697 4166.