By Emma Lewis, bOnline
Did you know that landlines are being switched off permanently in the UK from the end of next year? It’s affecting everyone, but many small business owners in particular are unaware that the ‘Big Switch Off’ is coming.
Switching to a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) digital phone system is the ideal solution. It’s similar to a landline but comes with so many more features, like call divert, built-in video calling, access to call analytics data, voicemail, hold music and more. Not only that, but because phone calls are made using the internet, rather than through traditional copper landlines, you can access your system from anywhere that has 4G, 5G or WiFi connection. Perfect for on the go.
There’s no doubt that switching to VoIP can save you serious money too, because you sign up for a monthly low cost (fixed price) package. These packages tend to include calls, including international ones as an add on. You can also make and receive VoIP calls not just from a VoIP desk phone, but also from your smartphone or tablet. It’s ideal for any growing business that wants a professional look, without having to worry about the landline switch-off that’s fast approaching.
The problem is that choosing a VoIP service provider can feel less than appealing. This is especially the case if you’re running a brand new start-up, a micro-business or freelancer. There simply aren’t enough hours in the day to shop around, and it’s tempting to just go for one of the big name brands like BT. But we say that may not be the best way forward.
To help, we’ve put together this article to look at why choosing a smaller VoIP provider that specialises in small businesses and start-ups could be the answer.
Easy Setup and Use
VoIP service providers that specifically work with very small businesses tend to make ease of setup and use a priority. They’re more likely to recognise that small business owners may not have the technical expertise or resources of larger companies, and their customer support will reflect this. bOnline for example promises set-up entirely online in 2 minutes, with intuitive user interfaces and their support team is on hand if any troubleshooting is needed.
Cost Effectiveness
Small business-focused VoIP providers may offer more affordable pricing plans tailored to the budgets of small businesses. They also tend to have fewer hidden fees and provide much shorter contracts for improved flexibility. All of bOnline’s contracts are only 12 months long for example, rather than some of the bigger players that are more likely to offer 18 to 24 month ones.
Tailored Solutions – Small business-focused VoIP providers often offer solutions that are specifically designed to meet the needs of small businesses. bOnline for example offers VoIP systems that include features such as virtual phone numbers, call routing, and voicemail-to-email transcription, which are particularly useful for smaller operations.
Unnecessary Complexity – Big-name providers are more likely to offer packages that come with unnecessary complexity and add-ons that small businesses simply don’t need. Small business-focused VoIP providers however tend to be more focussed on scalable solutions that can grow with the business, without overwhelming users with unnecessary features.
Focus on Innovation – Smaller VoIP providers may be more agile and innovative in introducing new features and technologies that cater specifically to the needs of small businesses. They can adapt quickly to market demands and customer feedback, providing cutting-edge solutions that enhance productivity and efficiency.
The Chance for a Free VoIP Trial
Many small VoIP providers understand the worries of small business owners because it wasn’t long ago they were in the same boat!
Making the jump to VoIP can feel like a big commitment, especially if you haven’t had much dealing with it before and don’t feel confident in what makes a good VoIP provider. This is why bOnline for instance offers a totally free 7-day trial of its VoIP system as a way to ‘try before you buy’. It’s a great opportunity to test out all of the business-friendly features on offer, with no obligation to continue afterwards and no credit card details needed either.
The fact is, no-one likes being treated like a number. VoIP providers that focus entirely on micro businesses, growers and startups offer something unique that puts small business heroes like you front and centre.
The landline switch-off is coming – is your business ready?
