Every business requires a robust yet flexible communication system to run its operations. Cloud telephony provides several solutions to boost the business communication process and overcome challenges. A virtual number is one such solution. It connects you seamlessly with all your stakeholders by providing 24/7 connectivity from any remote location.
What is a virtual number?
A virtual number is also known as direct inward dialing (DID) or access number. It is a telephone number that is not tied to any traditional public switched telephone network (PSTN) or a landline. It uses the internet to connect to phone networks. The audio signal from the call breaks down into data. The data is transmitted to the device that is connected to cloud like a mobile phone, standard desk phone, softphone etc.
A call automation software then converts this data back into audio signals. The calls can be answered on any device that is connected to cloud. A virtual number can work as a gateway between traditional landline calls (PSTN) and VoIP.
Benefits of using a virtual number over a mobile number
1. Easy to set up and cost-effective
A virtual phone number system does not require any extensive hardware setup. All it needs is a stable broadband connection and a virtual phone system, to begin with. Therefore, you incur no or very little expenditure such as regular maintenance, hiring personnel, etc. Businesses can pay an inexpensive subscription fee to a service provider and get a virtual number for themselves. Moreover, the call charges for a virtual phone system are much less than traditional landline-calling. Making long-distance calls through a virtual number is less expensive. Hence, it helps you save up on a lot of miscellaneous and overhead charges.
2. Provides flexibility and Increases Productivity
You do not tie an employee to a desk phone hence provides flexibility to the team to make calls from anywhere and at any time. It increases the productivity of the team and allows them to work remotely.
3. Maintains professionalism
A business virtual phone number is an integral part of its identity. It adds a professional touch to the business. A business can assign multiple virtual numbers to different departments like customer service, sales, Human resources etc. It also helps you keep your personal and professional life separate. You can initiate the calls through a virtual number without disclosing the personal mobile number of the team member. Hence, no client is lost even if a team member decides to leave the company as all the calls were routed using the company’s virtual number.
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4. Establishes local presence
A local number enhances the local presence by building ties with the community. It helps people associate with the brand and builds their trust in the business. Moreover, the customers are more likely to answer a call from a local number than an unfamiliar code. Companies can use different virtual numbers for other cities and gather region-specific call data. The data can be analyzed and used for tracking the calling process.
5. Provides 24×7 Connectivity
A 24/7 customer support service has become the utmost necessity for any business to grow. Missing out on any call and losing a potential client can be devastating for a business. A virtual number automates the calling process and routes the call to the right destination. Since the number is not tied to a desk phone, the phone calls can be made and answered remotely. Hence, providing operational flexibility to carry out the communication process. This technology ensures that no call goes without being answered. It also provides a feature to forward calls to any other mobile device if a team member is busy.
6. IVR Integration
The virtual number can be integrated with IVR technology to automate the communication process. IVR is a cloud telephony feature. It uses a prerecorded message to greet incoming calls and route them through a predetermined flow. It reduces the wait time for both the callers and the company and improves overall efficiency.
Editor's Choice: Know More On FreJun Integrations7. Offers Additional Features
The virtual phone number system includes a few additional features like voicemail transcription, call forwarding, SMS and email notifications, advanced customized settings, conferencing capabilities etc. It also provides simple extensions for team members and many more customized changes. You won’t get such features if you use your mobile phone number or landlines to initiate business calls.
Conclusion
A virtual phone number provides several features to amplify the quality of customer experience and business growth. Businesses can use these features by using virtual numbers to initiate business calls and increase the efficiency of the communication process.
If you are looking for an automation platform that provides you with multiple virtual numbers to streamline your calling process, then FreJun is the right one for you. You can try FreJun for 7 days for free and see if it’s the right fit for your business.
Some of the important benefits offered by a virtual number include improved flexibility, better productivity, elevated professionalism, and 24X7 connectivity.
There are so many cloud telephony and VoIP service providers out there who can offer you free virtual numbers when you select any of their plans.
Businesses use virtual phones numbers to establish local presence, improve connectivity with customers and to enjoy other benefits like IVR integration and call forwarding.
Hosted virtual phones numbers are those phone numbers that are not tied to any EPABX systems, SIM cards, or wired networks. It is instead hosted on cloud network.
You can choose a virtual phone number provider by closely analyzing the features they offer and other important factors like their pricing and availability of free trial. FreJun is the #1 virtual phone number provider in India.