When you're setting up a communication system for your business, your mind will likely jump to a business line, an email address, and, of course, a website. It is, however, more likely that you will benefit from a UK VoIP service.
We understand that a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) system can feel like a strange new world, which can make it unappealing to business owners. So, our team at Dial 9 has broken down the pros and cons of having VoIP to help you decide if it's right for your business.
What is a VoIP System?
Starting with a quick summary, a VoIP phone system allows you to make phone calls over the internet without the need for traditional phone lines. It converts your voice into digital data and then sends that data via the internet, where it's converted back into audio on the other side. VoIP services provide high quality audio messaging so that nothing will get lost in the process.
Potential Disadvantages of VoIP Systems
Let's start by looking at the potential drawbacks of using VoIP services in the UK for small to medium-sized businesses.
Internet Dependency
Much like the internet itself, an issue that can arise with a VoIP phone service is that it makes your business internet-dependent. If the internet goes out, or your sip trunks (virtual phone line in VoIP) are unstable, you will have calls that may cut out or lag.
Security Risks
As a UK VoIP service is internet-based, it is more prone to being compromised than a traditional phone line. Our team recommends that before you have a VoIP service set up, you make sure that your internet provider offers top-notch security.
Emergencies
VoIP offers businesses internet phone call connections as standard but depending on which VoIP service in the UK you go with, you may not be able to connect to 999 or 111 reliably. Always check this before you sign any agreement with a VoIP provider.
Advantages of VoIP Systems
Now, on to the positives and the benefits of having a virtual phone number in the UK.
Cost-Efficiency
One of the main benefits that VoIP services offer to small business owners is cost efficiency. Long-distance calls and international calls will be charged at a fraction of the cost that they would be with a traditional phone line.
There is no additional cost for on-site hardware or equipment, as none is required, and many of the features offered without VoIP come as standard.
Scalable
Another benefit of opting for VoIP in the UK is that it is scalable with your business. You can easily add new members of staff to the system without any additional hassle, and there is no need to worry about the system needing rewiring. As there are no large changes needed, there is no need to worry about dropped calls or lack of access to international clients and customers.
User Friendly
Another pro of having VoIP in the UK is that it is very user-friendly. You won't have to spend a long period of time training staff to use it, and the systems we offer at Dial 9 are intuitive. The cloud-based VoIP service we offer (which we host for you) require minimal on-site hardware, so there is no need to worry about getting wires crossed. You can manage all the aspects of your VoIP through an online portal, which, much like the VoIP itself, has been designed by our team to be easy to use. If you have any questions or concerns while using your VoIP, please don't hesitate to call us.
Constant Contact
You may be wondering what will happen if you get an international call when there is no one in the office. If there is no one to pick up, what happens? Thanks to call forwarding, your team can maintain constant contact with customers from around the world using VoIP in the UK. You can set up the system to forward the calls from the office to a mobile device, a different extension, an external landline, or even a voicemail. You will never miss an important call, which will help to keep your business ticking and keep you in the loop.
FAQs
What are the advantages of VoIP for businesses?
VoIP offers cost-effective solutions for business over traditional phone systems, especially when long-distance calls are involved. They can also help with remote work, as they allow voicemail to email features, video conferencing, as well as CRM integration and improving customer service and experience.
You may have concerns about a VoIP service having advanced features, which can make them hard to set up. VoIP services are, however, fast to set up and easy to integrate into most businesses due to their ease of use. VoIP systems also offer additional features to businesses with no extra cost, so you can benefit from having international calls to your office being diverted straight to your mobile phone, meaning you won't ever miss a call.
Do VoIP services differ from each other?
Yes, you can get different VoIP systems, with the most popular ones for businesses being a Hosted VoIP system, which is managed by a third-party provider. We recommend these for small to medium businesses. There are options for larger businesses, too, such as an On-Premises VoIP system, which our team can also provide to help improve business communication across the company.
Are VoIP systems more expensive than regular phone lines for businesses?
Typically, no. The VoIP systems we offer tend to be more cost-effective for businesses to run than traditional phone systems, as they offer low call costs, eliminate the need for additional phone line installation, and have minimal hardware requirements.
So, if you want to learn more about our VoIP systems at Dial 9, feel free to call a friendly member of our team today for more information.
