The Importance of Checking The Reviews of VoIP Providers

By Emma Lewis, bOnline

UK landlines are soon being switched off permanently, so more and more small businesses are turning to the main alternative: VoIP.

Instead of using traditional copper landlines, VoIP calls are made over the internet. You can access your system from anywhere, including your smartphone or tablet – all you need is a reliable internet connection (so Wifi, 4G or 5G). Plus, VoIP digital phone systems come with a whole host of business-friendly features, including call management menus, voicemail, hold music, access to call analytics and much more.

In essence, by switching to a VoIP digital phone system you’re not only protecting your small business from the landline switch-off, you’ll also benefit from flexibility, cost savings, and a range of features that traditional phone lines simply can’t match. However, with so many VoIP providers out there, how do you know which one is right for your business? A good place to start is in checking reviews.

 

Why Do Reviews Matter?

 

When it comes to choosing a VoIP provider, the large range of options can be daunting. Every one is a bit different, with different prices, contract lengths and features. This is where reviews can come in handy.

Reviews can help you see what real users who have already tested the waters really think. They can reveal the true performance of a VoIP provider, which is something you won’t necessarily get from marketing materials, shiny websites or sales pitches. From how easy it is to get set up to what the customer service is like, reviews offer an inside look at what it’s really like to use a particular service.

 

 

What Should I Look For In Reviews Of VoIP Providers?

 

While browsing through reviews, it’s important to understand what it is you’re actually looking for. Not all reviews are created equal, and some may not even be relevant to your business at all. Here are some things to think about:

Cost and Value: Budget is always a factor, but it’s important to consider value over cost. Some VoIP providers might offer some attractive low-priced packages, but seem to be skimping on customer support or the range of features on offer.

Look for reviews from users that feel they’re getting good value for their money. Is the service worth the price, what is the contact length and are there any hidden fees?

Call Quality and Reliability: The main function of a VoIP system is to provide reliable, clear communication. Look for reviews that talk about reliability and the quality of calls. Is the sound crystal clear, and do calls ever seem to drop out? A VoIP system that fails to deliver on these basics isn’t going to do your small business any favours.

Ease of Use and Setup: When you run a small business time is money, and you don’t want a VoIP system that’s long and complicated to set up, or that involves any downtime. It’s therefore worth looking for reviews that mention ease of set-up, or no technical knowledge needed. If set up can be done entirely by yourself online then all the better.

Features and Integrations: Different businesses have different needs, so it’s important to make sure that the VoIP provider offers the features you require. Whether it’s call management menus, hold music, the ability to set holiday hours or CRM integration, take a look to see what other users are saying about these features. Are there any hidden costs involved here?

Customer Support: Even the best systems have hiccups, and when they do, you want to know that help is at hand. Look for reviews that mention customer support experiences. Can you talk to a real human if you need to? Are there a variety of ways you can get in contact and are problems dealt with swiftly? 

Scalability: As your business grows, you’ll want a VoIP system that can grow with you. Look for reviews from users who have scaled their VoIP services over time. How did the VoIP provider handle the increase in lines or usage? Was the process smooth, or were there unexpected challenges?

Where Can I Find Reliable Reviews?

 

Now you’re hopefully clearer on what you’re looking for, the next step is finding reliable reviews. Here are some places to start:

Review Websites: There are quite a few out there but some of the most popular ones are Trustpilot and Google Reviews.

Social Media: Don’t underestimate the power of social media. Platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook are packed with fellow business owners who are happy to share their experiences. See if you can spot any posts, discussions, and even comments where users talk about their VoIP providers.

Case Studies and Testimonials: Take a look at the provider’s website to see if there are any case studies or testimonials from current or recent small businesses. They can offer valuable insights, especially when they include the names and details of the businesses involved. You might want to specifically check for case studies from businesses that are similar to yours in terms of industry or size. 

Industry Forums and Communities: There are loads of online communities and forums where professionals gather to discuss tools and services. Sites like Reddit as well as VoIP-specific forums can be treasure troves of unbiased opinions.

 

Make Sure You Get A Balanced View

 

While reviews can be really helpful, it’s important to take a balanced perspective with them. Not every amazing review will mean the whole experience was flawless, and not every bad review points to a red flag. Context is important, for example, a review from a user in a very big established company may not be as relevant to your small business or start-up.

Also, keep an eye out for patterns. If there are many reviews that mention the same problem or challenge repeatedly, this could be something to take more seriously. Conversely, if a provider has consistently good reviews across different platforms, their reliability may be more promising.

 

Choosing Your VoIP Provider Is An Important Decision

 

Reviews offer real-world insights that can help you make a more informed decision by cutting through the marketing jargon and hype. So before you jump into a new VoIP contract, take the time to look through as many reviews as you can. Your business communications are too important to leave to chance!