A tight budget can dictate the course of action. However, startups shouldn’t have to choose between staying lean and sounding professional. One solution to this dilemma is modern VoIP. UK VoIP services deliver big company features – from virtual numbers to call apps – at prices which suit a modest expenses bill.
With no hardware to buy and the flexibility to work from anywhere, you can set up a credible phone presence in minutes. There’s just one decision you need to make first: pick the right VoIP service. UK providers, in a battle for your business, focus on providing great solutions at affordable prices. That’s great for you, but it also makes the decision a trickier one.
This guide details how to choose an affordable VoIP plan that gives you the tools you need without overspending.
Why VoIP Is a Startup’s Best Friend
Wave goodbye to expensive, desk-bound phone systems. VoIP, which runs on the internet you already pay for, replaces those with affordable cloud calling. It instantly cuts costs. There’s no PBX hardware. Fewer line rentals. You also unlock a host of features that can make a tiny team appear established, such as:
- Local or national virtual numbers
- Professional greetings
- Voicemail to email
- Mobile/desktop apps
- Call forwarding to mobile
All these features mean you never miss a lead. Plus, because everything is software-based, you can add users or numbers in minutes. Working hybrid or fully remote? Calls route to wherever you are, which keeps your personal number private while presenting a consistent business identity.
Dial 9: Flexible, No-Contract VoIP Built for Startups
Dial 9 is built around what is known as startup reality: needs change fast, and cash flow matters. Plans start from £4.99 per phone/month, with 60 UK landline and mobile minutes included per phone. Need more? You can upgrade any phone to unlimited UK calls for £9.99/month. There are no setup fees and no fixed contracts. You can cancel at any time.
What sets Dial 9 apart is daily billing. You only pay for what you actually use. For example, say you add an extra number which is priced at £1.50 a month. You keep it for a one-week campaign and decide to delete the number. For that week, you’ll pay roughly £0.40 instead of the full month price. That makes experimentation inexpensive. Add extra numbers for ads, events, and new markets, then scale back without penalties.
Even with the low price, essential features are included for a professional presence from day one. This includes a free UK landline number per phone, voicemail boxes, call forwarding to your mobile, detailed call logs and stats, and the Dial 9 Anywhere mobile app to take business calls on the go. Additional extras, like menus/auto attendants and optional call recording, are also obtainable as you grow.
With contract-free flexibility and true pay-as-you-use billing, Dial 9 allows startups to stay agile while keeping the phone experience polished.
Key VoIP Features for Startups
When choosing a VoIP provider, it’s important to focus on features that’ll make the biggest difference to your operations. Here are key features to look for:
- Unlimited UK calling: Avoid unexpected costs and keep bills predictable.
- Call forwarding: stay connected wherever you work.
- Custom greetings: present a polished, professional image to callers.
- Mobile apps: make and receive calls on the go.
- Virtual phone number: UK virtual numbers for added flexibility and professionalism.
- Scalability: Easily add users or features as your business grows.
When you get the right mix from the start, it saves you time and money – as well as the hassle of switching to a different provider later.
How to Get the Best VoIP Deal
To secure the best value, first list the features you need now and those you might require in the next year or so. Compare providers on both price and included features. Ultimately, a low monthly cost is only a win if it includes the tools you’ll actually use. It’s also important to check for hidden fees such as call recording charges and setup costs.
As highlighted in this guide, Dial 9 offers competitive pay-monthly options with unlimited calls. Get the features you need to combine low costs with high flexibility.
