Business Phone Line is a Godsend for Small Businesses

Business Phone Line is a Godsend for Small Businesses

Business Phone Line is a Godsend for Small Businesses

Business Phone Line is a Godsend for Small Businesses

A number of situations call for a business phone line to be installed in your establishment, whether you are an up-and-rising entrepreneur or own a small-scale business.

An employee of a company might eventually decide to go on their own and open up their own business.

This business might start to gain traction in the market; however, as its business starts to take off, the employee realizes that even though its business is booming, it might still need improvement.

This is because there are many potential clients who tend to be discouraged by a personal phone number rather than a business phone number when it comes to contacting a business. A statistical study showed that nearly 60% of all consumers prefer to call Google businesses after finding them there.

This piece of information alone is enough to highlight the importance of a business phone number. However, many other reasons prove the importance of a business phone line, especially for small-scale businesses or entrepreneurs.

1. No Need to Get a New Phone

Installing a business phone line before the emergence of the internet meant that one had to acquire a separate telephone. This would be a rather tedious process, with frequent visits to the phone company office and then the wait for the technician to come over and install the phone line.

It would be financially taxing as well, as a separate phone line would mean a separate phone bill as well. In addition to that, a long-distance call would incur a separate array of charges.

However, as time went by and technology advanced, these things became a thing of the past. The invention of the voice-over-internet protocol, also known as VoIP, made life much easier for everyone looking to establish a separate business line.

The main function of this protocol software is that it provides people with an option to opt for softphones, whose purpose is to mimic the telephone, eliminating the need to install a separate phone line in the first place.

As time went by, technology was developed, which made the VoIP and the soft phone system even more convenient and easy to establish.

The invention of the cloud-based phone system allowed people to move their softphone systems onto the smartphone, which was a much more portable and convenient option.

2. Automation Made the Process Much More Convenient

Later down the line, the IVR system was developed, which provided further convenience and ease of access, both to consumers and business owners.

How the IVR system, also known as the Interactive Voice Response system, works is that it integrates an automated voice system into the business phone line.

 When the consumer calls the business number, they are met with an option to press one number in order to leave a voicemail or another number to leave a voicemail.

This system has also gone through development and advancement throughout the years, now offering an option to redirect users to a completely automated complaint registration system as well.

In order to set up an IVR system in order to make it sound more professional, an employee may hire a professional voice actor so that they may use the actor’s voice for the system in order to make it sound more professional and, in turn, attract more business.

In addition to that, there are many accessibility options that may be integrated into the system, which provide more automation to the business owner.

With the emergence of cloud-based phone systems, an entrepreneur is now able to set up their softphone app so that it forwards all of their personal calls to their business line while they are on the clock and toggle that option off when they get done.

There are many other features similar to this which aim to make an entrepreneur’s life easier. Due to the convenience of automation, an entrepreneur can tend to other business tasks and not have to worry about on-call consumer engagement.

3. Work-Life Balance Improvement

Another reason why a business line is so important for entrepreneurs and business owners is that it helps further to improve the balance between their work and business life as well.

With the development of the softphone app on smartphones, a business owner can easily tend to unexpected emergencies by simply rerouting their calls to voicemail in order to step away from work for the time being, and when they come back, they can resume things as if nothing ever happened, at the tap of a button.

In addition to that, they can also set up a schedule on their digital phone app so that this option toggles according to the work schedule they have set.

This small feature could improve an entrepreneur’s work-life balance immensely. This is because a proper schedule would enable a business owner to get into a proper workflow, which would increase in increased productivity as well.

4. Ease in Scaling Up

Scaling up is something that any successful business has to do sooner or later in order to cope with their increasing demand.

This can prove to be very tedious and can easily get out of hand if a small-scale business owner needs an organized system set up.

However, due to the ease of access a digital phone app provides, it is easy for a business owner to take their business line and scale up.

Wrap-up

These were just some of the reasons why setting up a business line can prove to be so useful for small-scale business owners and entrepreneurs.

They certainly make a lot of aspects of their business life much more manageable, and due to the ease of access, it increases their productivity as well.

Where to Share Your New Business Number

Where to Share Your New Business Number?

Where to Share Your New Business Number

Where to Share Your New Business Number?

When starting a new business, there are many things you have to take care of. There is paperwork, then finding the right premises for your business, and then obtaining a dedicated business number.

Acquiring a number used only for conducting business is very important for your establishment due to many reasons. A recent study conducted showed that 59% of customers prefer calling so that they get a quick answer.

This goes to show you how important a business number is for client engagement and retention. For this reason, you must get a business number as soon as possible and make sure to spread it to the right places for as many relevant responses as possible.

You can share your new number anywhere, but it is important to know where you are sharing your number as well, for maximum profit and return on investment. Here are 10 places you can share your business number for more business and increase your brand visibility in the process.

1. Your Website

The first and most obvious place should be your website because it is essential for anyone viewing your website to know where to contact you. Putting your contact information on your website would encourage people viewing your website to give you a call, increasing your client engagement.

In addition, this creates a friendly impression toward your potential customers, and a recent study showed that 92% of customer interactions happen over the phone.

The presence of your business number on the website contributes to your revenue as well. How? The more customer engagement you have, the more your conversion ratio, which will be beneficial for your overall revenue.

2. Your Email Signatures

Considering the nature of your business, you will be sending out emails pretty often. Be it promotional emails or newsletters, they are a great channel of interaction with working adults. A recent study on email marketing showed that 92% of adults online prefer to use email.

Your email functions as your online business card, with all the essential information written on it which encourages communication.

3. Your Facebook Business Page

Facebook is a platform that has gained a lot of traction recently in terms of conducting business and increasing your brand visibility and image. A recent study conducted in 2019 showed that 15% of Facebook users went on the social media platform to look and shop for products.

Considering the fact that billions of people frequent Facebook every day, even a small chunk of that means that millions of people are looking for business there.

This goes to show the sheer amount of business that the platform can bring to your establishment and the importance of including your business number there as well.

4. Business Directories for Your Industry

Although any kind of customer interaction is beneficial to your business, relevance is also an important factor. What this means is that no matter how much business you get, it will not matter if the nature of customer interactions is not pertaining to your business.

This is why marketing your organization and adding a business number to directories that you know will attract customers interested in your product and not miscellaneous inquiries is very important.

Advertising your business number in phone directories is a great way to increase your sales. This is due to the fact that advertising your number in a directory does not require any complex advertising budget. It is as simple as adding one number to the directory.

5. Review Websites

Review websites are oftentimes very credible sources of information because they provide an in-depth study of a business or a product. This is why adding your business number on a review website tends to bring customers especially motivated and willing to engage with your business.

In addition to that, people who visit review websites are usually looking for hidden gems. They would be more likely to invest in less known, small-scale businesses due to the fact that they are looking to try something different, which brought them to the review website in the first place.

6. Digital Assets

This world is heading towards an era dominated by technology, and during this time, everything is going digital. This time has brought about the emergence of digital marketing and assets like brochures, blog posts, etc.

A study done on digital marketing trends showed that 49% of consumers said that they preferred to receive promotional emails on a weekly basis, which shows the potential business digital marketing assets can bring.

7. Employee Resources

Another important place to mention your phone number can be on your employee material. Supplies like your business card, which is exchanged by all your employees on a daily basis, are a good way to spread the word and your number around as well.

8. Advertisements

Publishing your number on advertising platforms such as magazines and newspapers is also an effective way to increase customer engagement.

This includes billboards as well. A recent research study showed that 71% of consumers said they noticed advertisements on billboards that attracted them. This shows that billboards and other advertisement mediums are also lucrative business opportunities.

9. Promotional Material

Promotional materials like brochures and handouts are also worth publishing your business number in. This is mainly due to the fact that handouts are distributed on a monumental basis on a daily basis, which can contribute to customer interaction positively.

10. Current Customers

Notifying your current customers of the addition of a business number is also an effective way to increase brand engagement and customer loyalty as well. Word of mouth is a great source of advertising, and notifying the addition of a business number would bring in more referrals as well.

Wrap-up

A business number is an essential addition for any up-and-coming business to establish an image of professionalism and reliability. In addition to that, this is also essential to develop a positive brand image for your organization.

Getting a business number might be as easy as registering it; however, where you want to put it is a little tricky. However, this guide may help and provide some direction as to where to begin.

Toll-Free vs Vanity Numbers Which One is Right for You

Toll-Free vs Vanity Numbers: Which One is Right for You?

Toll-Free vs Vanity Numbers Which One is Right for You

Toll-Free vs Vanity Numbers: Which One is Right for You?

Whether you’re watching TV or just going about your day, you must have come across an ad or infomercial with a number you couldn’t forget even if you wanted to. Or maybe you saw an ad featuring a “toll-free number.”

As your company begins to expand and you start investing in bigger offices, you should invest in a toll-free number as well.

Now, what kind of a number should you go for, toll-free or vanity? Various factors could influence this decision, and today we will be going over which one is right for you.

Vanity and Toll-Free Numbers: What are they?

A toll-free number is self-explanatory. In essence, it’s a number that doesn’t charge the person calling anything. However, there is a little more to it.

These toll-free numbers cannot be just any numbers, but they contain unique three-digit codes. Businesses normally issue these numbers so that callers out of the area can reach them without being charged a long-distance fee.

Now, a vanity number can also be a toll-free number. However, in addition to the conventional three-digit code, they contain a memorable word or phrase as well. It is normally a recognizable pattern of numbers or letters, which makes memorizing these numbers a lot easier.

What is the Difference Between Them?

As we discussed earlier, one very important difference between vanity numbers and toll-free numbers is their structure.

A toll-free number consists of a different three-digit code, followed by the actual number. However, a vanity number contains a sequence of numbers or letters that are easy to recognize and remember.

 The pattern by which companies set up their vanity numbers is usually according to whatever service or product they offer.

A difference between these categories of numbers is that vanity numbers have proven to significantly boost a company’s sales. They hold incredible advertising potential since they’re a lot easier to remember.  

A recent study showed that 72% of people were able to correctly remember vanity numbers after hearing a short advertisement.

Why Your Business Needs a Toll-Free Number?

A toll-free number is very important for any business, mostly because it conveys a message of credibility. When people see a toll-free number for your organisation, it instils within them that this company might be big enough to afford their calls. This, in turn, encourages customer loyalty and strengthens the business’s relationships.

Another very important reason that your company needs a toll-free number is because it allows callers to call you without having to pay for their calls.

However, when selecting a toll-free number for your business, make sure to select a provider after doing extensive research. Some of them provide you with other benefits as well, including call tracking.

Additionally, not only are the toll-free numbers a financially viable choice for the callers, but they are beneficial to the company as well. With subscription rates lower than that of normal phone numbers, toll-free numbers allow companies to back out of their contracts easily while saving money.

There is a lot of competition in every industry and having a toll-free number does offer a slight advantage. If you have a normal phone number and not a toll-free one, a customer is likely to move on to the next company that has it.

Why Should Your Business Invest in a Vanity Number?

The primary reason why you should get a vanity number is that it much easier to remember than your average toll-free number. Since they spell out a memorable phrase in their number, they’re easier to remember as compared to normal phone numbers.

In addition to that, there are some other reasons as well why companies highly recommend vanity numbers as a fruitful long-term investment. One of these reasons is that vanity numbers are a very useful tool for marketing. Normally, the phrase associated with the number relates to the product or service that the business offers. Therefore, vanity numbers generate brand awareness and are great for marketing initiatives.

Another reason why some companies further emphasize a vanity number’s importance is that it opens up opportunities for international expansion. Companies with vanity numbers have an easier time expanding their business globally compared to firms that still use regular numbers.

Your vanity number becomes your brand’s secondary identity, which makes international customers familiar with it as well. Therefore, that business could aim for a much wider target audience compared if it owned a local, easy-to-forget phone number.

Toll-free Vs Vanity Numbers

Toll-Free and Vanity: Pros and Cons

The primary reason why you should get a vanity number is that it much easier to remember than your average toll-free number. Since they spell out a memorable phrase in their number, they’re easier to remember as compared to normal phone numbers.

In addition to that, there are some other reasons as well why companies highly recommend vanity numbers as a fruitful long-term investment. One of these reasons is that vanity numbers are a very useful tool for marketing. Normally, the phrase associated with the number relates to the product or service that the business offers. Therefore, vanity numbers generate brand awareness and are great for marketing initiatives.

Another reason why some companies further emphasize a vanity number’s importance is that it opens up opportunities for international expansion. Companies with vanity numbers have an easier time expanding their business globally compared to firms that still use regular numbers.

Your vanity number becomes your brand’s secondary identity, which makes international customers familiar with it as well. Therefore, that business could aim for a much wider target audience compared if it owned a local, easy-to-forget phone number.

Toll-Free: Pros

  • Toll-free numbers offer better customer support
  • Owning a toll-free number strengthens your brand and positively affects your brand image.
  • Compatibility with cloud-based communication results in a stronger technical backbone and a better customer experience

Toll-Free: Cons

  • Limitations on improving the accumulated caller experience
  • Marketing campaigns unable to double down on digital advertising
  • Restrictions on dynamic number insertion and utilizing analytical data

Vanity: Pros

  • They make customers aware of the products or services a company offers
  • They have an additional benefit of acting as marketing tools for your company
  • They offer a more than sufficient return on investment

Vanity: Cons​

  • Not beneficial for companies to rely on cellular communication
  • Vanity numbers might be expensive, depending on the number
  • Availability of your desired number is an issue

Wrap-up

As discussed earlier, vanity numbers and toll numbers are very similar to each other in how they work. The single biggest distinction between the two is the additions of a number or letter pattern after the three digits for the vanity number.

Although both may have their pros and cons, they make an essential part of every expanding company. Along with increasing the company’s brand identity, it also helps grow an association with the services or products that they provide.

Cost Saving Strategies for Small Businesses

Cost Saving Strategies for Small Businesses

THE BIG DECISION for Small Business

Starting a business like a small business is no easy task. Managing a small business demands a significant amount of time, effort, devotion, and money. Most people do not decide to put an idea into action, no matter how great it may be. Regardless of the type of business, when asked what their primary goal is, everyone will say the same thing: the lowest possible expenses.

We all started small. We all know how difficult it is to succeed in today’s ruthless economy. Therefore, we decided to put up a Small Business Cost-Saving Strategies list. We believe it will assist you in making considerable savings and provide a boost to your company’s growth.

LET’S TALK COST SAVINGS

As a telecommunications provider, we understand the importance of communication in every organization. However, it may be rather costly. Many small businesses waste a lot of money on communications solutions because they do not conduct adequate research.

Do not be like one of those companies. Do your research, and you will see results in no time.

Step 1) Replace The Standard Fax Line.

One of the first steps you could take to save big money is to replace the standard fax line.

BBCOM may have the right solution for your small business. BulletFax saves you money by eliminating the costs of a local phone line, a fax machine, and all of the faxing consumables. BulletFax lets you send and receive faxes directly from your computer or mobile device. 

We can give you a new fax number, or you can keep your current one. You are no longer bound to a physical fax machine and can send and receive faxes anywhere. 

With BulletFax, you can reduce your monthly bill from $50 to $9.95

Step 2) Get A Toll Free Number.

A toll-free solution for small businesses with all the bells and whistles you need at a price you can afford. Watch how your new toll-free number boosts sales and expands your consumer base. The service accepts calls from throughout the United States and connects them to your mobile or workplace phone. You have the option of getting a new toll-free number or porting your old one.

You will be charged $19.95 a month for each Toll Free Number, covering 1,000 minutes of continental US calls every calendar month. If you use more than this 500 minutes each month, you will be charged $9.95 per month.

Step 3) Get a Local Number Anywhere In the US

Consolidate call center – all calls are received at one location, and you may utilize a single or many toll-free numbers and point existing local numbers to a single number and eliminate several phone lines. Local Number Anywhere costs only $9.95 per month and offers many savings.

Local Number Anywhere In the United States is the ideal option for small businesses looking to build a local presence in a new place. For example, you may have a local number in New York and another in San Francisco and have them both redirected to your mobile number.

Step 4) Go Green

Our products reflect current trends and new methods of life and business. They are designed to make ordinary conversation easier by utilizing innovative information technologies. They not only get the job done but also help you go green

You may save money on equipment, space, and office supplies by using virtual fax, getting a Local US Number Anywhere, and/or a Toll-Free Number. You’ll save money on power, paper, and cartridges, which appear minor but add up to a significant amount each year.

Therefore, you will help not only your pocket but also our planet.

LET’S TALK COST SAVINGS

CONCLUSION

These are just a few ways you may save money with your small business . As you can see, our solutions are specifically developed for organizations looking for the best bang for their buck. 

Contact us now, so we can help you elevate your business to new heights.

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