Cloud business phone systems provide a unified platform for calls, texts, videos, CRM statistics, etc. This allows employees to access all communication channels from a single dashboard and carry out business functions with urgency and consistency.
Additionally, cloud business phone systems can offer automatic backups of data. This reduces reliance on any server and helps mitigate the risk of mass data loss or service interruptions.
Know Your Needs
With traditional PBX systems, expanding your business phone system was expensive and time-consuming. Thankfully, cloud phone services are built with expansion in mind. It’s important to find a reputable provider that has excellent customer service. Look for one that offers live assistance around the clock so you can get help when needed.
You’ll also want to ensure your provider offers valuable integration features for your organization. These can include automated call logs via CRM, compliance suites, and specialized apps for easier system access.
If you have a remote team, look for a cloud-based phone that allows employees to register multiple devices and receive calls on any of them. This will ensure they never miss a call and can boost employee productivity. Moreover, it will save your company money as they won’t need to reimburse employees for cell phone and home phone expenses.
Create a Strategy
The right business phone system provides many benefits, increasing productivity and customer satisfaction. For example, a top-performing cloud provider offers a unified platform for calls, text messages, live chat and video conferences accessed from a web portal. This allows customers to reach support in their preferred channel and helps reduce support agent overhead.
Another feature to look for is the ability to integrate with CRM tools. This can make it easier to identify customer information and create a customized experience for each customer.
A cloud-based VoIP phone system also reduces operational costs by eliminating the need for a physical PBX server. This cuts installation time, and IT resources needed for deployment and decreases ongoing maintenance expenses. A top-performing service provider will also offer a pay-per-user model so companies can scale capacity without additional hardware investments. This can benefit seasonal call volume or a growing company that needs to cut costs.
Select the Right Provider
Savvy businesses are making the move to cloud systems for a variety of reasons. They’re often more affordable than on-premises solutions with hefty hardware, implementation, and network costs.
Most leading cloud providers include all voice features for a flat fee with no add-ons or hidden costs. This provides greater value and flexibility for your business.
Look for a host that offers integrations with CRM and customer support tools to maximize value across a comprehensive platform. This makes it easier for remote staff to respond to customers and keep projects on track.
A reputable host will offer several customization options, such as choosing between local or toll-free numbers and creating custom greetings and ring groups. They’ll also provide a user-friendly administrator portal that allows you to make changes from anywhere at any time without needing an in-office visit. They’ll take the time to walk you through the process and help with any questions or concerns.
Plan for Growth
Cloud phone services are flexible and easy to scale, unlike on-premise systems requiring lengthy hardware installation and expensive upgrades to accommodate growing business needs. In addition, most leading providers provide all features for a single, transparent price without nickel-and-diming for per-feature add-ons or licensing costs.
A good cloud voice system will also offer a unified platform for calls, video conferences, instant messaging and more. Unifying these communications platforms unlocks efficiencies that empower employees to increase the quality of customer interactions.
However, a cloud phone service will only function as well as the reliability of your company’s internet connection. A good cloud provider should test your internet before deploying and help you select the best Internet package for your business. A reliable Internet connection ensures high call quality, guaranteed access, and consistent performance. In addition, a solid cloud phone system will support BYOD (bring your device) policies so employees can use their mobile devices for work.
