In this article we cover:

• What is contact center CRM?;
• Why do call centers need a CRM?;
• Benefits of call center CRM software;
• The list of top call center CRM;
• How we evaluated the best contact center CRM;
• Best call center CRM solutions: Comparison;
• 10 best CRMs for contact centers: Overview;
• How to choose a CRM for a call center?;
• Features to look for in a contact center CRM software;
• Getting CRM software for a call center is a key to success.

What is contact center CRM?

A Customer Relationship Management system is a well-organized platform aimed at improving customer interactions in a contact center. It simplifies communication by gathering all customer information into one place, making it easier for the service team to provide efficient and personalized assistance. This system comes with features for managing contacts, monitoring customer interactions, studying customer data, and improving the overall customer experience.

When connected with call & contact center software, CRM becomes an essential tool. It gives service agents access to needed customer information during live chats, avoiding the necessity for customers to repeat details. The combination of CRM and contact center software can greatly improve the customer’s journey, increasing their satisfaction and loyalty, and also enhancing the performance of your customer service team.

Why do call centers need a CRM?

1. Managing scattered customer information: In a busy call center, information can be scattered across different platforms. A CRM for call centers collects all customer information in one place, eliminating the hassle of hunting for details across multiple locations.
2. Reducing tedious manual tasks: Repetitive tasks like data entry and updating records can eat into an agent’s productive time. A call center software integrating with CRM automates these tasks, enabling agents to concentrate on providing exceptional customer service.
3. Addressing disjointed customer interactions: It can be challenging to maintain a comprehensive record of customer interactions without a contact center CRM application. This system tracks all engagements, helping agents provide consistent service and enhancing the overall customer experience.
4. Personalizing customer service: Without a CRM for call centers, providing personalized service can be a struggle. With access to customer history and preferences, agents can tailor their interactions, leading to improved customer satisfaction.
5. Enhancing team collaboration: Without a central data hub, team collaboration can suffer. A CRM system facilitates efficient sharing of customer information, ensuring all call center agents are on the same page.
6. Improving decision-making with actionable insights: A contact center CRM application analyzes data and uncovers patterns and trends. These insights help managers make informed decisions about staffing, training, and improving processes.

Benefits of call center CRM software

1. Enriching the customer experience with improved first call resolution (FCR)

In the customer service realm, first impressions matter. With a call center CRM, agents have access to a customer’s complete history at their fingertips, enabling them to respond to queries with heightened efficiency and precision. With all the required information at their disposal, agents can often solve issues during the first interaction itself, significantly enhancing the customer’s experience and your call center’s operational efficiency.

2. Boosting agent productivity to new heights

In the dynamic environment of a call center, every minute counts. CRM call center software empowers your team by automating routine tasks such as data entry and updating records, liberating agents to concentrate on their core task – serving customers. With less time wasted on administrative chores, you’ll witness a substantial surge in agent productivity.

3. Fostering loyalty through superior customer retention

A CRM doesn’t just help manage customer interactions, it helps create meaningful connections. By equipping agents with comprehensive customer profiles, a CRM call center facilitates personalized interactions that deepen the customer relationship. The result? Higher customer retention rates and a loyal customer base.

4. Efficiently cutting operational costs

One of the significant benefits of a CRM is its ability to streamline numerous processes within a call center. By optimizing resource utilization and improving call handling efficiency, a CRM call program cuts down on operational costs, making your call center a model of cost-effectiveness.

5. Unleashing the power of enhanced reporting and analytics

A CRM goes beyond managing customer interactions – it’s a treasure trove of insights. Whether it’s customer behavior patterns, agent performance metrics, or call center operational trends, a CRM call center aids in strategic decision-making, helping you continually refine your customer service strategy.

6. Embracing growth with scalability

As your business thrives and expands, you need a system that can keep pace. Designed for scalability, CRM call center solutions readily adapt to increased call volumes and expanding customer data, ensuring your call center operations continue to run smoothly, no matter how much your business grows.

7. Updating your training routine

A CRM system in a call center serves as an invaluable tool for training and developing staff. New agents can learn quickly by observing real-time interactions and accessing historical data, leading to more effective onboarding and continuous professional development. By analyzing past interactions, agents can identify best practices and common pain points, enhancing their problem-solving skills and overall performance.

The list of top call center CRM

Let’s delve into some of the top call center CRM players in the arena:

1. Salesforce Service Cloud: Comprehensive feature set and powerful call center CRM integrations.
2. HubSpot: Easy & free contact center CRM.
3. Freshdesk: Multichannel support and gamified approach to customer service.
4. Zoho Desk: Impressive blend of affordability and functionality.
5. Apiway.ai: Pioneering in API integrations.
6. Zendesk: Intuitive interface and robust ticketing system.
7. Dixa: Superior multi channel support.
8. TalkDesk: Efficient self-service CRM tools for call centers.
9. Bitrix24: Great for social media channels.
10. Five9: Advanced AI capabilities.

How we evaluated the best contact center CRM

We employed a systematic approach to select the best call center CRM software. Our evaluation process focused on several key criteria, providing a comprehensive review to guide businesses in choosing the ideal solution. The criteria include:

1. Cost-effectiveness: We looked at the pricing structures of each platform, considering both the base price and any additional costs for extra features or services. This ensured we were recommending products that offer great value for the money.
2. Core Features: We assessed the fundamental features of each platform, such as contact management, call handling, and ticketing capabilities. These are the essentials for any successful CRM.
3. Expert Analysis: Our team of experts conducted a thorough examination of each platform, with a keen eye for user experience, the learning curve, and overall system efficiency.
4. Customer Support: We evaluated the quality of customer support, including response times, availability of support channels, and the helpfulness of the support teams.
5. Specialized Capabilities: We took note of any unique or niche features that set the call center CRM platforms apart. These might include advanced analytics, AI capabilities, or specialized integrations.

Our goal was to ensure we presented the most balanced and comprehensive view of the best CRMs for call centers.

Best call center CRM solutions: Comparison

Please note that integration capabilities can vary depending on the specific plans and configurations of each call center CRM, so always verify these details with the CRM provider.

10 best CRMs for contact centers: Overview

1. Salesforce Service Cloud

Salesforce Service Cloud stands as a high-performance Contact Center CRM, renowned for its comprehensive suite of features and robust integrations. As an integral component of the broader Salesforce ecosystem, it has been crafted with meticulous precision to bolster customer service teams across a myriad of channels. Harnessing the power of cloud technology, it enables real-time, seamless communication, significantly enhancing responsiveness and customer satisfaction.

Its dynamic interface, designed for intuitive navigation, ensures all necessary information is readily available, simplifying complex processes and enabling agents to focus more on delivering top-notch customer service. Its commitment to service excellence and innovative technology makes it an industry leader, setting the benchmark in the CRM for contact centers space.

Best for: Businesses of all sizes that require extensive CRM functionality and strong integrations.

Price: Pricing starts at $25 per user/month.

Key Features:

• Case management: Track and manage customer inquiries and issues.
• Knowledge management: Access a centralized repository of solutions to common customer issues.
• Social customer service: Respond to customer queries on social media platforms.
• Advanced analytics: Leverage in-built analytics tools for performance monitoring and insight generation.
• Smart AI: Automate routine tasks and gain predictive insights.
• Scalability: Grow with your business, catering to an increasing volume of customer interactions.

Pros:

• Advanced AI capabilities
• Deep customization options
• Strong reporting and analytics

Cons:

• Can be expensive for smaller businesses
• Might have a steep learning curve for new users

User Reviews: 4.2 out of 5 on G2.

2. HubSpot

HubSpot has established itself as a leading name in the CRM call center software market. Renowned for its simplicity and comprehensive offerings, HubSpot’s CRM is an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes – from start-ups finding their footing, to established enterprises seeking to streamline their operations. Its seamless blend of usability and functionality makes it a powerful tool in managing customer relationships.

What sets HubSpot apart is its generous free offering. Particularly beneficial for start-ups and small businesses, the free call center CRM for business provides essential features and capabilities. This enables young companies to enhance their customer service without bearing the burden of additional costs. With HubSpot, businesses can take the first step towards efficient customer management, setting a strong foundation for future growth.

Best for: This is a call center CRM for small businesses and startups looking for a cost-effective solution

Price: Free (Paid plans, such as CRM Suite from $1,600/month for a team of 5 paid users)

Key features:

• Full view of the sales pipeline: Helps in managing the sales process effectively and efficiently.
• Email tracking: Allows businesses to monitor opened or unopened emails and gauge customer engagement.
• Prospect tracking: Enables tracking of customer interaction history, aiding in personalized service delivery.

Key Integrations:

• Gmail
• Outlook
• Slack
• Zapier

Pros:

• Free plan offers substantial functionality
• User-friendly interface
• Strong marketing tools

Cons:

• Advanced features require paid plan
• Limited customization options

User Reviews: 4.4 out of 5 on G2.

3. Freshdesk

Freshdesk is a vibrant contact center CRM software solution that brings a refreshing, gamified approach to the often-pressured realm of customer service. This innovative platform incorporates elements of play into its system, turning routine tasks into engaging activities. As such, Freshdesk not only makes the process more enjoyable for service agents but also contributes to productivity and morale.

In addition to its unique gamification, Freshdesk is celebrated for its robust multichannel support. By consolidating interactions across various channels into a single platform, it simplifies customer service management. Combined with a suite of user-friendly features, Freshdesk CRM solution for contact centers empowers businesses to streamline their operations and elevate their customer service experience

Best for: Businesses seeking to enhance customer support with gamification

Price: From $15/user/month

Key Features:

• Multichannel support: Enables customer interactions across different channels, including email, phone, chat, and social media.
• Gamification: Gamified metrics and leaderboards promote healthy competition among customer service reps, enhancing productivity.
• Smart automations: Automates repetitive tasks, letting agents focus more on customer interactions.

Key Integrations:

• Google Workspace
• Slack
• Microsoft 365
• Zapier

Pros:

• Gamification features boost agent productivity
• Easy to set up and use
• Excellent customer support

Cons:

• Reporting could be more customizable
• High-tier features can be pricey

User Reviews: 4.4 out of 5 on G2.

4. Zoho Desk

Zoho Desk represents a harmonious blend of affordability and functionality, making it an appealing CRM solution for budget-conscious businesses. Its economical pricing structure does not compromise on the quality or variety of its call center CRM features, allowing businesses to benefit from a comprehensive suite of CRM tools without straining their finances.

Noteworthy for its capabilities, Zoho Desk is particularly suitable for businesses that require robust Contact Center CRM functionality at an accessible cost. By facilitating efficient customer interaction management, data collection, and analytics, it offers excellent value for money, making CRM deployment feasible and beneficial even for smaller businesses.

Best for: Small to midsize businesses seeking affordability without sacrificing functionality

Price: From €14/user/month

Key Features:

• Ticket management: Helps manage customer tickets efficiently, providing timely responses.
• Multi-department support: Enables seamless collaboration between different departments, aiding in issue resolution.
• AI-powered assistance: Assists with customer queries, providing quick, automated solutions.

Key Integrations:

• Google Workspace
• Microsoft 365
• Zapier

Pros:

• Affordable pricing structure
• Easy to use with a clean interface
• Solid customer support

Cons:

• Limited customization options
• Certain features require a learning curve

User Reviews: 4.4 out of 5 on G2.

5. Apiway.ai

Apiway.ai holds a distinctive position in the call center CRM software market with its unique focus on free API integrations. This feature-rich tool is pioneering in the sense that it empowers businesses to automate their processes, making it possible to establish seamless communication between various software applications.

The automation capabilities offered by Apiway.ai not only bring about improved operational efficiency, but they also pave the way for significant time savings. By eliminating manual data entry and facilitating automated workflow, this CRM software allows businesses to channel their resources into more strategic areas, thereby driving productivity and growth.

Best for: Small to medium-sized businesses looking for easy CRM integration and process automation

Price: Free with ads, from $9/user/month for premium

Key Features:

• Robust API integrations: Allows businesses to integrate with various applications, improving process efficiency.
• Automation: Helps automate repetitive tasks, boosting agent productivity.
• Task management: Enables efficient task tracking and management, enhancing overall operational efficiency.
• User-friendly interface

Key Integrations:

• HubSpot
• Gmail
• Mailchimp

Pros:

• Great for automating workflows
• Easy to use
• Wide range of integrations

Cons:

• Might lack some advanced features
• Newer in the market

User Reviews: 4.6 out of 5 on G2.

6. Zendesk

Zendesk is a prominent player in the CRM space, distinguished by its intuitive user interface and robust ticketing system. The call center software is developed with a focus on improving customer service operations, offering agents an easy-to-navigate platform that significantly eases their workflow.

Apart from its user-friendly design, Zendesk also shines in its commitment to efficient problem resolution and enhanced customer engagement. Its solid ticketing system allows for effective tracking and management of customer inquiries, thereby leading to quicker resolution times. This emphasis on streamlined communication directly translates into happier customers and more productive customer service teams.

Best for: Medium to large businesses seeking robust ticketing and customer service features

Price: From €49/user/month

Key Features:

• Robust ticketing system: Helps manage customer tickets efficiently, ensuring timely responses.
• Multichannel support: Allows customer interactions through various channels, including email, phone, chat, and social media.
• Knowledge base: Provides a self-service option for customers, reducing agent workload.
• In-depth analytics and reporting

Key Integrations:

• Slack
• Microsoft 365
• Google Workspace

Pros:

• User-friendly interface
• Powerful ticket management
• Excellent customer support

Cons:

• Advanced call center CRM features may require a steep learning curve
• Higher cost for premium plans

User Reviews: 4.3 out of 5 on G2.

7. Dixa

Dixa is a b2b sales and communication customer service platform renowned for its superior multi-channel support. It is a comprehensive tool that cleverly brings together various communication channels, such as email, chat, messaging, and phone calls, into a unified interface. This enables businesses to manage and monitor their customer interactions seamlessly across different platforms.

Dixa’s greatest strength lies in its ability to facilitate personalized customer experiences. By centralizing communication channels, it provides agents with a holistic view of the customer, thereby enabling more tailored and responsive interactions. This capability makes Dixa an ideal solution for companies aiming to enhance their customer engagement.

Best for: Businesses looking to consolidate customer communication channels

Price: From $39/user/month

Key Features:

• Multichannel support: Offers unified customer interactions across different platforms.
• Customer insight: Provides comprehensive customer profiles, aiding personalized service delivery.
• Routing: Ensures customer queries are routed to the most suitable agent, improving resolution time.
• Customer recognition across channels

Key Integrations:

• Zapier
• Shopify
• Magento

Pros:

• Consolidates all customer communications in one place
• Excellent multi-channel support
• User-friendly interface

Cons:

• Pricing information isn’t readily available
• Limited third-party integrations

User Reviews: 4.2 out of 5 on G2.

8. TalkDesk

TalkDesk is a unique CRM platform that sets itself apart with its efficient self-service tools. These tools empower customers to find solutions to their problems quickly and independently. By providing customers with this autonomy, TalkDesk reduces the reliance on live agents for problem-solving.

Beyond customer empowerment, TalkDesk significantly enhances customer experience. It achieves this by promoting faster issue resolution and contributing to higher customer satisfaction levels. Additionally, by helping to reduce the load on customer service agents, TalkDesk also enables agents to focus their attention on more complex inquiries, thus optimizing overall operational efficiency.

Best for: Businesses aiming to improve customer self-service

Price: From $75/user/month

Key Features:

• Self-service tools: Reduces agent workload by enabling customers to find solutions to their queries.
• Omnichannel support: Offers seamless customer interactions across various channels.
• Agent performance reporting: Helps monitor agent performance, ensuring efficient customer service delivery.
• Call recording and quality management

Key Integrations:

• Slack
• Salesforce
• Zendesk

Pros:

• Powerful self-service tools
• Easy to set up and use
• Great customer support

Cons:

• Reporting functionality could be improved
• On the pricey side for small businesses

User Reviews: 4.4 out of 5 on G2.

9. Bitrix24

Bitrix24 stands out in the best call center CRM software space for its extensive integration capabilities, especially with social media channels. This unique attribute enables businesses to effortlessly manage customer interactions across multiple social platforms, thereby providing a unified customer experience.

For businesses that prioritize active engagement on social platforms, Bitrix24 is an invaluable tool. It provides the means to maintain consistent and effective communication, fostering better relationships with customers. The platform also supports businesses in capturing valuable customer feedback, thus paving the way for continuous improvement in service delivery.

Best for: Businesses looking to manage customer interactions through social media

Price: Has a free plan, paid plans start from $49/month (temporary offer, usually $61)

Key Features:

• Social media integration: Enables efficient management of customer interactions across various social platforms.
• Task management: Helps track and manage tasks efficiently, improving productivity.
• Contact management: Allows organization and tracking of all customer contacts in one place.
• Telephony and live chat

Key Integrations:

• Google Workspace
• Microsoft 365
• Mailchimp

Pros:

• Extensive social media channel support
• Wide array of features
• Free version available with basic features

Cons:

• Can be complex to use initially
• Advanced features require paid plans

User Reviews: 4.1 out of 5 on G2.

10. Five9

Five9 has established itself as a leading provider in the call center CRM solution realm. Renowned for its robust and versatile functionality, it caters to diverse business needs, making it a reliable choice for companies with hotlines of all sizes.

The platform’s scalability is another distinguishing feature. As your business grows and customer interactions increase, Five9 can adapt and expand to meet the evolving demands. This aspect makes it a dependable partner for businesses aiming for growth, ensuring that their customer service needs will continue to be met even as they expand.

Best for: Businesses of all sizes looking for scalable cloud-based contact center software

Price: From $149/team/month

Key Features:

• Scalability: Adapts to increased call volumes and customer data, ensuring efficient operations during business growth.
• Omnichannel routing: Enables seamless customer interactions through various channels.
• AI-powered assistance: Provides automated solutions for customer queries, improving resolution time.
• IVR with speech recognition

Key Integrations:

• Salesforce
• Zendesk
• Microsoft Teams

Pros:

• Highly scalable solution
• Strong omnichannel capabilities
• Reliable cloud-based infrastructure

Cons:

• Pricing is not transparent
• Learning curve for some features

User Reviews: 4.0 out of 5 on G2.

How to choose a CRM for a call center?

When it comes to getting a CRM software for a call center, there are several critical factors you need to consider. Here are our top six recommendations:

1. Understand your business needs: Prior to browsing through the multitude of CRM options, you need to grasp your business needs. Determine what problems you are seeking to resolve with the call center CRM system, and match these with the capabilities of potential CRM solutions.

2. Consider the user interface: Opt for a CRM that offers a user-friendly interface. Keep in mind, your team will use this software daily, so a convoluted, non-intuitive interface can hinder productivity.

3. Check out CRM integration capabilities: The CRM you choose should blend seamlessly with the other systems you currently use, such as email, telephony, or ERP systems. The correct will enhance your existing infrastructure, not complicate it.

4. Look for customization options: Every business has its unique needs. A quality contact center CRM should provide customization options that allow you to tailor it according to your specific business needs.

5. Double-check the vendor’s customer support: Make sure to examine the vendor’s customer support services. You want to ensure that in case of any issues or queries with your call CRM, there is a knowledgeable and responsive support team available.

6. Evaluate the pricing: While it’s crucial to find a call center CRM software that meets your needs, pricing is an equally important aspect. Seek a CRM that offers a balance between cost and features, ensuring it fits within your budget. Remember, the most expensive CRM may not necessarily be the best for your business.

Features to look for in a contact center CRM software

In an increasingly competitive business landscape, selecting the right CRM system for your contact center can make all the difference. With a myriad of offerings in the market, it is crucial to identify and prioritize key features that align with your business needs. Here are eight indispensable features you should consider when choosing your CRM:

1. Customer interaction tracking

A fundamental aspect of call center CRM solutions is their ability to track all customer interactions. This extends beyond just phone calls, encapsulating emails, social media engagements, live chats, and any other form of communication. This comprehensive overview empowers your agents with crucial context and understanding about customer issues and requirements, enabling them to provide better service.

2. Integration capabilities

Your chosen call center CRM software should be able to seamlessly integrate with existing systems and software in your business. These include telephony systems, email platforms, social media channels, and more. Effective integration promotes smooth workflows and enhances productivity, removing redundant tasks and fostering a unified system.

3. Real-time analytics and reporting

Insights derived from customer interactions are a valuable project management tool for shaping your business strategy. Hence, your call center software should offer real-time analytics and comprehensive reporting capabilities. With access to current and accurate data, you can make informed decisions that can elevate your service delivery and customer satisfaction.

4. Contact management

The ability to organize, track, and manage all customer contacts effectively is a cornerstone feature for any call center CRM system. This centralization of customer data facilitates efficient information retrieval, promoting more personalized and effective customer interactions.

5. Multichannel support

Today’s customers engage with businesses through a variety of channels, from social media to emails and phone calls. A versatile call center CRM software should provide multichannel support, enabling your agents to manage customer interactions across different platforms from a unified interface. This ensures a consistent and seamless customer experience, regardless of the communication channel.

6. Automation

CRM software should assist in automating routine tasks such as data entry, follow-ups, and sending notifications. Automation not only increases efficiency but also reduces the likelihood of human error. By automating mundane tasks, your agents can devote more time to delivering quality customer service.

7. Customization

Every business is unique, with distinct operational requirements. Thus, your call center CRM application should be flexible and allow customization of features, workflows, and interfaces to cater to your specific needs. A CRM that can adapt to your business is more likely to offer long-term value.

8. Сall recording

As your business grows, so does the complexity and volume of customer interactions and helpline call loads. Your CRM system should be capable of storing the conversations with your clients, accommodating increasing customer data and providing continued efficient service. Call recording ensures your investment is future-proof, improving call management and maintaining all the information on your fingertips as your business expands.

By focusing on these crucial features, you can select the best CRM for your call center that will align with your business objectives and propel your customer service to new heights.

Getting CRM software for a call center is a key to success

CRM software for call centers is more than just a tool; it’s a strategic investment that has the potential to transform the way your business operates. By significantly boosting your efficiency, it allows your team to manage customer interactions more effectively. Moreover, with enhanced process automation and data organization, your team can focus more on meaningful, value-added tasks, creating a more productive work environment.

Furthermore, the right contact center CRM system offers a comprehensive, 360-degree view of your customers. This holistic perspective fosters personalized service, which is key in today’s customer-centric business environment. Enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty are direct outcomes of such personalized attention, setting your business on a path towards greater heights.

The post 10 Best Contact Center CRM Software first appeared on MightyCall.

Top IVR systems enhance customer satisfaction by swiftly addressing their basic inquiries, freeing up your agents to tackle more complex issues effectively.

• What is IVR software?;
• How does IVR software work?;
• The list of 10 best IVR systems;
• Top IVR software: Comparison;
• 10 best IVR service providers: An Overview;
• How we ranked these 10 IVR solutions;
• Benefits of interactive voice response software;
• How IVR software improves customer experience?;
• How to choose the best IVR service provider;
• Key features to look for in IVR solution;
• Best practices for IVR software setup;
• The right IVR provider will improve customer experience.

What is IVR software?

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) is a piece of technology which provides callers with a selection of options which are pickable by voice or by selecting a number on the phone’s number pad. These systems can have one layer of menu options, or many.

How does IVR software work?

When used correctly, IVR software can be a real boon to businesses which may be facing surges of calls (or may simply have lots of calls to work with day to day). But how specifically can it help businesses?

• Save agent time: By potentially answering questions early, agents have their time saved. Plus, the system can help guarantee that customers are sent to the right agents
• Route calls correctly: As we hinted above, by asking clients what exactly they need, you can be fairly sure that they will actually get to the human assistants they need to speak with, instead of playing a game of call transfer.
• Provide new information: Did you change your hours recently, or did you start a new sale? Perhaps you have opened a new location. Either way, you can use interactive voice response to ensure that callers find that out.
• Receive payment for bills: Is a customer just trying to pay their bill? They can use the IVR menu to input payment information instead of speaking with a person.

The list of 10 best IVR systems

Based on our criteria, these are the best service providers we found for your perusal and consideration:

1. MightyCall – best solution all around
2. Twilio – best for price flexibility
3. NICE – best for AI coaching
4. CallHippo – best for powerful features
5. Genesys – best for optional AI
6. Talkdesk – best for sleek appearance
7. CloudTalk – best for international companies
8. Dialpad – best for AI integration
9. GoTo – best for experience in the business
10. Aircall – best for feature flexibility

Top IVR software: Comparison

10 best IVR service providers: An Overview

MightyCall

MightyCall is a well-rounded, premium IVR service provider. Cutting out all the extra fluff, they provide users with the cloud-based tools they need to succeed in reaching customers efficiently and organizing incoming calls.

Why we picked it

MightyCall has recently expanded its operations to include a focus on call centers, of which having a strong IVR platform is a large part. This has meant the introduction of some really exciting new features, along with a reinforcement of older, trusted ones. The result is an incredibly useful and trustworthy package for businesses small and large, making it one of the most popular IVR solutions on our list.

Best for

MightyCall is generally best for SMBs to call centers.

Pricing

All prices shown are per/user month, paid yearly, unless otherwise stated:

• Core: $15
• Pro: $20
• Enterprise: Contact for details

Features

• Call routing
• Automatic call distribution
• Multi-level IVR
• Call queues
• Call forwarding

Pros & Cons

User reviews

TrustPilot: 4.3/5

Commenters pointed to the easy to use multi-level IVR.

Twilio

Coming in second on our list is Twilio, which is unique in that they have a pay for what you use method. As a result, it is built around offering a lot of separate pieces that you yourself are the one putting the pieces together.

Why we picked it

Twilio is, frankly, unique, and it deserves to be considered one of the best IVR systems on this list because it attempts to do something different. It may not be the best for those who want to have a simple package and move on, but it’s certainly worth investigating.

Best for

Twilio is generally best for solopreneurs and small businesses.

Pricing

All prices shown are per/user month, paid yearly, unless otherwise stated. Twilio’s pricing is based on what you use, so all separate pieces are priced separately, depending upon how much you use them. For more, check out their website or contact their sales department. However, they have looped some packages together:

Features

• SMS texting
• Archive conversations
• Verification (anti-bot software)
• Automated software

Pros & Cons

User reviews

G2: 4.3/5

Commenters liked the customization but had concerns over customer support.

NICE

Nice is one of the few IVR vendors who has jumped aboard the AI train, as much of their sales pitch is around the fact that they offer it. With the AI, agents can receive coaching in real time and help to address customer complaints.

Why we picked it

Nice’s AI is something others do not offer, and while it may perhaps be a bit too early to completely rely on AI, it is still an interesting proposition that they offer, and one worth looking into, especially if you have just hired a lot of new hands who may need extra support.

Best for

Nice is best for burgeoning call centers.

Pricing

All prices shown are per/user month, paid yearly, unless otherwise stated.

Like Twilio, Nice adopts a pay as you go pricing plan – unfortunately, this means that prices are effectively impossible to discern unless you speak with an agent.

Features

• CX data
• AI help
• UCaaS integrations

Pros & Cons

User reviews

G2: 4.3/5

Commenters liked the AI support.

CallHippo

CallHippo has plans for call centers and for smaller offices, and like MightyCall are relatively speaking a solid well rounded company. Although some key features (as we will discuss) are only available on higher tiers, they are still worth a look as they offer some powerful features.

Why we picked it

CallHippo has lots of experience in this sector, and they of course are an IVR system provider. The duality of it – offering both office level technology as well as tech for call centers – is helpful for businesses which want to provide customer support in a way which is shaped around customer needs.

Best for

It depends what you are looking for, but generally CallHippo is better for larger offices or smaller call centers.

Pricing

All prices shown are per/user month, paid yearly, unless otherwise stated, for their Call Center Solutions:

• Basic: $0 (pay only for numbers)
• Bronze: $16
• Silver: $24
• Platinum: $40

Features

• DID group
• Embedded Dialer integration
• Live Call

Pros & Cons

User reviews

G2: 4.4/5

Commenters approved of audio quality.

Genesys

Genesys, like Nice, offers AI. However, where Nice effectively integrated it into all of their plans, Genesys offers it on the side. While this makes it more expensive, it also makes it easier for folks who want a more simple plan.

Why we picked it

Genesys offers the best of both worlds: simple IVR solutions for those who want straightforward help, and complex AI opportunities for those who really want to get the cutting edge. This makes them rather unique and worth a look, in our eyes.

Best for

Genesys is better for larger call centers.

Pricing

All prices shown are per/user month, paid yearly, unless otherwise stated. AI as an add-on starts at an additional $40 per month.

• Cloud CX 1 (Voice): $75
• Cloud CX 2 (Digital): $95
• Cloud CX 2 (Digital + Voice): $115
• Cloud CX 3 (Digital + WEM): $135
• Cloud CX 3 (Digital + WEM + Voice): $155

Features

• Inbound Voice Routing
• Callback (Software and Web)
• Inbound/Outbound Blending

Pros & Cons

User reviews

G2: 4.3/5

Reviewers were very pleased with the quality of the software, though others lamented the higher costs.

TalkDesk

TalkDesk has also joined the side of AI, by offering what they call an AI-powered cloud contact center platform. This allows for cutting edge technology; however, like Genesys, the software is extremely expensive. Is it one of the best IVR solutions? Let’s see how it stacks up.

Why we picked it

TalkDesk offers modern technology in a sleek, well organized package. There is not really any reason why you should not at least consider it for your business, provided you have the funding for it.

Best for

Like Genesys, TalkDesk is better for larger call centers.

Pricing

All prices shown are per/user month, paid yearly, unless otherwise stated:

• CX Cloud Essentials: $75
• CX Cloud Elevate: $95
• CX Cloud Elite: $125
• Experience Clouds: View Packages

Features

• Voice Engagement
• Studio and Routing
• AI Trainer

Pros & Cons

User reviews

G2: 4.4/5

Reviewers loved that it was simple to use once it is set up, but did not like the difficulty in setting it up.

CloudTalk

CloudTalk is another solution which will be utilizing AI soon. Beyond that, however, they offer a variety of classic and unique VoIP features.

Why we picked it

CloudTalk offers a large amount of features, but they are unique in having among the largest amount of international numbers available in the market – great for companies which want to stretch overseas or across borders.

Best for

CloudTalk is best for large international call centers.

Pricing

All prices shown are per/user month, paid yearly, unless otherwise stated:

• Starter: $25
• Essential: $30
• Expert: $50
• Custom: Contact them

Features

• Wallboards
• Smart queueing
• Skill-based routing

Pros & Cons

User reviews

G2: 4.3/5

Reviewers like the amount of features but IVR reviews were so-so.

Dialpad

Dialpad is a VoIP company renowned for its ease of use and its long experience in connecting businesses and their customers.

Why we picked it

Like many of the others on our list, Dialpad too has adopted AI, and has managed to integrate it rather well into their systems. Using their tools, you can have powerful options for reaching your clientele.

Best for

Dialpad is best for SMBs to call centers.

Pricing

All prices shown are per/user month, paid yearly, unless otherwise stated:

• Standard: $20
• Pro: $25
• Enterprise: Contact them

Features

• AI Recap
• Action item capture
• Global SMS capabilities

Pros & Cons

User reviews

G2: 4.3/5

Commenters liked how smooth the service works (few hangups) but some reported glitches, such as automatic switching to DND during a call.

GoTo

GoTo has an absolute ton of experience with VoIP and meeting technology (you may recall their commercials from the 2000s). As they were once just known as GoToMeeting, you may have guessed they put a premium on audio and visual meetings.

Why we picked it

Their experience with meetings alone makes them worth taking place in our best IVR providers list, but the fact that they are an older company which has also managed to modernize successfully also makes them stand out.

Best for

GoTo is best for smaller businesses.

Pricing

All prices shown are per/user month, paid yearly, unless otherwise stated:

• Business: $12 (when paid monthly)
• Professional: $16 (when paid monthly)
• Enterprise: Get a quote

Features

• Desk phone compatibility
• Dial Plan Editor
• Call-routing scheduling

Pros & Cons

User reviews

G2: 4.2/5

Poor support caused a kerfuffle for some users, but the easy to use interface received strong commendations.

Aircall

Last on our list is Aircall – though that by no means should lead you to skip them when looking for the best IVR software out there!

Why we picked it

Among all of the options on our list, Aircall particularly focuses on flexibility, which they use to great effect when it comes to features like simultaneous outbound calls. Aircall is notable for its user-friendly interface and smooth integration features, making it a preferred option for businesses in search of practical IVR solutions. This system not only simplifies the handling of calls but also offers useful analytics, aiding businesses in constantly improving their interactions with customers and the overall quality of service.

Best for

Aircall is best for call centers.

Pricing

All prices shown are per/user month, paid yearly, unless otherwise stated:

• Essentials: $30
• Professional: $50
• Custom: Call for details

Features

• Power dialer
• Mandatory call tagging
• Que callback

Pros & Cons

Pros & Cons

User reviews

G2: 4.3/5

Customers loved customer support, but had some issues with occasional bugs.

How we ranked these 10 IVR solutions

We ranked the best IVR service providers using a variety of metrics, ranging from usability to price to the amount of features they used. For the entire list, including:

• Features: How many features do they offer? Are the features actually useful, or just fluff?
• Price: Is the service affordable, or hilariously overpriced?
• Total cost (including add-ons): Some services like to get away with hidden fees. But they didn”t get by us!
• Quality of service: How is the customer support help? If something gets wonky with the software, can you get the support you need to see it through? Or will you just be sending emails with no response?
• Ease of use: Not everyone is good with technology, but all business owners need to use it. Is the program something that someone without a degree in IT could use?
• Reliability: Is the service providing an actually good product that you can count on in high call volume moments? Are calls dropped, is audio clear?

Benefits of interactive voice response software

Still not totally sold that a focus on an IVR phone system is something you should have? Here are a few more reasons why it’s a good idea:

More skillful agents

When live agents have people who directly need their help, as opposed to those who have been wrongly sent to them, they will ultimately learn how to do their jobs better. With IVR software, they will waste less time doing work that they are not supposed to be doing.

Happier customers

If someone is calling with a simple question, like if you have something in stock or if you are closing on Saturdays, they may be rather frustrated if they have to wait in line for ten minutes just to get an answer which could take all of ten seconds.

Greater productivity

With more correctly directed customers, and customers who have easier issues having been weeded out, agents will have more time to focus on the people who really need help.

More services rendered

With organization comes the ability to make more connections and make more sales. You’re effectively saving yourself money and making it by switching to more convenient systems.

Professionality

Nothing is less professional than having a long line of people on hold hearing nothing but a beep or the same 30 seconds of music repeated over and over again. With cloud-based IVR software, you can seem more professional before the caller even speaks to a representative.

Improved customer self-service

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) software empowers customers to resolve simple queries themselves, enhancing their experience. This self-service option speeds up the process, allowing customers to quickly find answers without waiting for an agent, leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty.

How IVR software improves customer experience?

A study by Velaro revealed that about 2/3 of people will either wait on hold for a minute – or not at all. Which means if you make people wait without giving them a chance to address their questions, you could be missing out on way over half of all of the people who call you on a given day! You might as well be burning money.

At the same time, when you get them to hold on, they still might not be all that happy. Only 50% of callers in the survey found their menu trees to be “somewhat intelligent.” When you have a system which allows true flexibility, it is going to seem smarter for customers – thereby improving their experience.

With interactive voice response software, you are offering people the chance to feel heard and get their questions answered immediately (and the chance to have shorter hold times).

How to choose the best IVR service provider

Choosing the right IVR service provider can be tough. When doing so, it can help to come up with a rubric of some of the key aspects you should be considering. Here are a few:

• Figure out what you need to accomplish: Why are you even considering IVR software? Is it something that you just heard about, or have you been thinking about it for a long while?
• Determine if you will be experiencing a greater call volume: Will you have a need for it in the future? Are you planning on keeping your business, and your income, the size that it is, or are you hoping to expand it in the coming years?
• Examine where your team is working: Will you be staying in the office that you are currently working in? With so many teams moving to a work from home basis, is there a chance that you will instead shift that way as well?
• Determine what kind of software is best for you: Do you want software which can only work over traditional landlines? Or do you want something more modern, like VoIP software?
• Request more information: Once you have decided on your top IVR phone system, ask them for more information. Find out every piece of info you could need to make an educated decision.

Key features to look for in IVR solution

Call flow customization

Being able to mix and match your own call flow is critical to being able to truly make your business as flexible as you need it to be. Here you can direct callers where they need to go based on lots of things, including time of day.

Callback

Can’t get to every caller? Don’t worry. With this feature, your callers can simply ask for you to call them back, and agents can either automatically be directed to them when they have time, or they can call back at their leisure.

Call queue

Do you have lots of people calling you? With a call queue, you can have them “line up” and take their calls in the order you received them – ensuring that everyone manages to be heard.

CRM integration

Being able to integrate with key apps, like Zendesk or Zapier, can help make your business thrive with productivity, professionality, and modernity. If your chosen IVR service provider does not offer key integrations, you might want to look elsewhere.

Call forwarding

Keeping personal and business separate is important to work life balance. By being able to forward one number to another, you can have a wider presence and keep your personal life personal.

VIP and Block Lists

The best IVR can still be fooled. Without the ability to permanently block certain numbers, you’ll simply waste your agents’ time.

Ring groups

Sometimes when there are tons of calls, ringing groups can help your team most efficiently handle the incoming volume.

Automatic call distribution

But to make sure things don’t get too hectic, ACD feature lets you set things up and then watch as the calls roll in, without having to make constant changes.

Best practices for IVR software setup

So once you have completed your IVR vendor comparison and have picked a multi-level option, next you will have to set up the system itself. Fortunately this is not too hard; we however have picked a few things to keep in mind:

1. Keep it simple: People will be annoyed if they have to listen to a lot of extemporaneous stuff
2. Be easy to understand: Make sure that when you record, you speak clearly into the phone or microphone. Do not record when there is loud music around or other distracting noises.
3. Make the options sensical: You should order it for something like “Press 1 for X, Press 2 for Y.” Don’t place things out of order “Press 2 for X, Press 6 for Y,” unless you always have one option for the same number (Like “Press 9 for Agent”).
4. Give callers the chance to talk to real people: The point of setting up voice response software is to be able to get answers to callers before they talk to a person or to correctly direct them. However, some people REALLY want to talk to a person, and they should have the option.
5. Think about routing: Sometimes an agent might be temporarily away from their phone. Are there other routes you can set up to get your callers the answers they need?
6. Provide agents the ability to easily make themselves unavailable: If someone is directed to an agent but they aren’t there, and as a result the caller has to wait longer or worse, the call is dropped, then that just will not end well. Instead, take advantage of the options to provide alternatives for callers.
7. Allow for callbacks: Some folks really, really do not want to wait. So let them ask for a callback, lessening pressure on your agents and allowing the caller to not wait too long.
8. Take note of how the system is working: After a few months, ask your agents: how are they liking the current settings? Would they prefer it another way? Is there some way to make it better? Many IVR solutions offer serious flexibility – you should use it!

The right IVR provider will improve customer experience

Going with the right IVR provider can be one of the most important decisions you make as a businessperson. With the right technology, you can save time for your agents, for your callers, and for yourself – all while providing the best possible service for callers. There’s no shame in realizing it’s time for a change.

And when you’re changing, why not change to MightyCall? With a plethora of key features, incredible uptime, and a commitment to providing IVR solutions, it could be the change you need.

The post Best IVR Software: Full Comparison of Service Providers for Your Business Needs first appeared on MightyCall.

Part of the mega-giant corporation’s platform of online service, it instills trust because of the almighty Google brand. But is Google Voice for Business really an entrepreneur-centered product? Is it really free, and is it a competitive and secure option for small businesses?

Below, we’ll explore the features, pricing, and value for users that the system brings, as well as its limitations and alternatives.

Navigate:

• What is Google Voice?
• How does Google Voice work?
• Google Voice pricing and plans for business
• Google Voice for business features
• Pros and cons of Google Voice for business needs
• Google phone system limitations
• Switch from Google Voice to MightyCall
• Google Voice for business use cases
• How to set up Google phone service for business
• Similar calling solutions for SMBs
• Google Voice – good starter VoIP for solopreneurs

What is Google Voice?

In 2009, Google entered the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) market with a VoIP phone solution that uses an internet connection or Wi-Fi to send and receive calls right from the cellphone. As a handy means that allowed anyone to get a second phone line, Google Voice initially turned many heads in the small business world. Eventually, the company developed a subscription-based phone system for business. Voice is now part of Google Workspace, the corporation’s metaverse of cloud tools.

How does Google Voice work?

The Google business phone service is available on any mobile device with internet or a Wi-Fi connection. Just like with any VoIP provider, you get a separate phone number that’s attached to your main mobile number. But instead of using a landline or buying another SIM card, the technology uses the internet to make and receive calls. Additionally, you have the option to manage calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data.

The benefits of Google phone service for business are primarily the flexibility to make and receive calls on any mobile device, low costs as compared to landlines or a separate SIM card, and the small business call features it provides. Teaming these up with Workspace provides more options for managing professional communications, such as sync with Calendar and Meet.

However, note that Voice isn’t included in a standard Workspace subscription. It comes as an add-on at a separate price.

Google Voice plans & pricing for business users

Google Voice for Business pricing varies based on the provided features. Regardless of the chosen plan, keep in mind that the service comes as a Google Voice for Google Workspace add-on. In other words, you can’t just buy a subscription to Voice without a Workspace subscription.

The service has 3 plans:

• Starter ($10/mo),
• Standard ($20/mo)
• Premier ($30/mo).

Workspace has 4 plans:

• Starter ($6/user/mo),
• Business Standard ($12/user/mo)
• Business Plus ($18/user/mo)
• Enterprise (custom).

This means that a minimal subscription package to Google Voice for Business for just one user starts at $16/month.

Feature	Starter plan	Standard plan	Premier plan
Number of users	Up to 10	Up to 50 + additional licenses	Up to 50+additional licenses
Domestic locations	Up to 10	Unlimited	Unlimited
International locations			Unlimited
Call forwarding	︎	︎	︎
Auto-attendant		︎	︎
Ring groups		︎	︎
Deskphone compatibility		︎	︎
Export voice activity to BigQuery (analytics)			︎

Note: all prices and conditions are valid at the time of publication of the article

Google Voice for Business: features

Features of the Google Business phone system include standard VoIP phone system functionality:

• Auto-attendant – When the caller dials the number, they access a voice menu that prompts them to press certain digits to access information, or reach a specific employee or department.
• Ring groups – This feature connects employees to a single number for better call management.  The call rings to a succession of employees until someone picks up.  This option is available only in the beta program.
• Call transfer – Users can connect multiple devices to their number. This way, if you miss a call on one device, you can always take it on another. You’ll also know that it’s your professional number calling since all connected devices ring at the same time.
• Integrations – Google Voice Business only connects with native apps like Calendar and Meet. For example, if you’re out of the office or on vacation, you can sync your calendar and phone so all calls go to voicemail for these dates.
• Voicemail transcription – Google Voice transcribes your voicemails to text and sends them to email. This standard telephony feature comes in handy when you have a lot of voicemails coming in and prefer to quickly read through them instead of listening to each message.
• Texting – Users can send SMS from their company number through the native Google app. This is useful for short professional communications like appointment notifications,  and promotions.
• Conferencing calls – Invites several people into an audio or video call. Useful when you need to hold team meetings, client interviews, or meetings with stakeholders.
• Spam identification – Screens caller ID and redirects suspicious calls to the spam folder.

MightyCall solution

MightyCall is a business phone system that builds on the standard set of features provided by services like Google Voice and provides many more opportunities for distributing calling tasks for teams of any size. In addition to regular VoIP provider features, you also receive unique professional features with MightyCall:

• Several business phone numbers – For one subscription price, you can get more than one number. This is useful when your company needs both a toll-free and local number for a single price.

MightyCall’s toll-free numbers selection

• Team communication platform – Connect your whole team to the company number(s). Our comprehensive dashboard includes call history, call recordings, voicemail to text, analytics, and more.
• Free number porting – If you already have a number that you want to take with you, Google charges you $20 to port a number. MightyCall does this for free.
• Call analytics – Monitor customer behavior patterns, improve call agent service, and grow your company.
• Customer support – Live support staff that is ready to solve any problem doesn’t compare to a self-help forum.

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Google Voice pros and cons for business needs

Google Voice for Business has a standard set of features that make it an accessible small business phone system. However, the service also lacks calling functionality for growing companies To understand whether the service is right for your hustle,  let’s sum up the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Simplicity – Easy to connect an extra phone line if you already have a Workplace account	Limited functionality – Key features of business telephone services such as toll-free numbers, vanity numbers, extensions, and visual call flows are lacking.
Good for a starter hustle – SMBs with 2 or fewer employees can start out with the basic functions provided by the service	Few upgrades – Compared to constantly developing business phone services, the product isn’t upgraded as often to adapt to the growing market
Multi-device use – The web version and mobile app are available on all internet-powered devices.	Integrates only with Workplace apps – The lack of other integrations is a con for companies that need to integrate their contact base with customer relationship management platforms and other sales/team tools.
Good fit for remote workers and freelancers – Calls can be placed from any location with internet or Wi-Fi through the app	No analytics – Doesn’t provide advanced analytics, except the option for its premier users to export voice data to BigQuery
Fitting for teams with little tech knowledge – Using the system is as simple as using WhatsApp or Skype, so anyone who knows how to use a smartphone can use it.	Limited support – The mobile app is simple to use, but so are the mobile apps of most competitors. Administrators will still need to set up the system online, including tasks like routing, answering rules, call flows, etc. And in case you need help with that, the online Help Forum will be your only point of reference.
Part of the Workspace ecosystem – Convenient for users already subscribed to Workspace	Hidden fees – Since the service is an add-on, you’ll need a Workspace subscription on top of the VoIP call subscription.

Google Phone system: limitations

In addition to the capabilities mentioned above, the service also comes with certain limitations. Evaluate the following if your small business is actively growing, if you provide national online services such as e-com,  or use external management tools like CRM platforms.

• Available in select countries – Google’s phone service is available in the following countries: United States, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
• Number porting limits – If you’ll ever want to switch providers but keep your number, the address in the port request must match the primary location you entered in the Admin console.
• No toll-free and vanity numbers – No toll-free calling that allows callers to reach a company without extra fees, or vanity numbers that make a company number memorable.
• No external integrations – The Google phone system for business only integrates with other Workspace apps like Meet and Calendar, but doesn’t provide the integrations of a professional telephone system.
• No extensions and call flows – Lacks call flows and extensions which are useful if your company involves more than two people.
• Minimum user support – If you have trouble with the product, the company’s online help forum is the only help resource you’ll have access to. Aside from googling, of course.
• Insecure Caller ID – Calls and texts sent from your phone touchpad will use your personal ID. Only calls from the Voice app will show up as your Google Voice number.
• Lack of analytics – Call analytics provide insights into caller behavior, user patterns, and agent service. This tool essential for growing companies isn’t provided.
• Privacy flaws – Stores all your confidential communication information on the corporation’s servers, side by side with the rest of the info gathered about you by the corporate giant.
• Automation restrictions – The only automation provided is the standard auto attendant. Over that, there is no multi-level IVR and no automation tools like web calling widgets, click-to-call buttons, etc.

MightyCall solution

MightyCall is an SMB-focused phone system that ensures a professional company image with constantly upgraded features. Here are just a few GVoice limitations you can solve with MightyCall:

• International numbers – Expand your entrepreneurial vision with global local numbers in a growing list of countries.
• Extensions and call flows – Allows teams to stay together under the umbrella of a single number with multiple extensions.

MightyCall Call Routing

• Inbound and Outbound Caller ID – With a service called CNAM, you have the option to display your company name as the outbound caller ID.
• CRM integrations – A constantly growing number of integrations, such as MightyCall for HubSpot, and many more integration options via Zapier.
• Privacy and security – Infrastructure is distributed in different data centers. All connections are secured using SSL Certificates with 256-bit encryption.

MightyCall features are designed for organizations of all sizes. Check our 3 versatile pricing plans to get started with a new professional number or port your existing number for free. Our live support team will answer any questions you have.

​Switch from Google Voice to MightyCall

The great thing about a professional VoIP platform like MightyCall is that however much your company expands, you’ll never grow out of its features. If you already own a number with any other VoIP service and want to switch over, MightyCall offers free number porting. This allows you to keep your existing number that clients know, but gain all the advantages of a more competitive business phone.

How to port your number to MightyCall:

1. Submit your porting request – Provide the authorized person’s name as stated in the account with the carrier you’re switching from, your email under the MightyCall account, and the LOA – Letter of Authorization.
2. Wait for the port to go through – We contact your current provider as soon as we receive your filled-out porting form. MightyCall receives a date from your current provider for when they will allow for your number to be ported. This usually takes around a week, but depends on your provider and may take up to 15 days.
3. Start using MightyCall –mVoila! Everything’s ready for you to use your existing number with all the extra features of MightyCall.

MightyCall Call Center Call Log

Google Voice for Business: Use cases

Just like with any tech solution, the perks of choosing one service or another depend on your use case. Let’s explore what type of companies will benefit from Google Voice and for whom it’s better to find another alternative. And when you’re done, be sure to check out this real customer use case.

When the Google Business phone service is a good choice

If you match at least two of these points, using Google Voice for Business looks like a good fit:

• Freelancers and solopreneurs –If you’re riding solo or have a few private clients and are in need of a second phone line to avoid mingling these calls with personal ones.
• Remote workers and frequent travelers – Just like other
• Local businesses – the service provides only numbers with local area codes, which makes it unacceptable for national companies.
• Active Workspace subscribers – If you’re already using the platform and have an active subscription, integrating your phone system into it will demand only a small extra fee compared to new Workspace users.
• “Lite” phone users – If your SMB doesn’t plan to manage a lot of calls through the service, the company can provide a useful extra phone line
• Very small businesses with no CRM management – since Google phone service for business doesn’t integrate with CRM platforms, it will be best for entrepreneurs that keep it small and don’t use external contact management tools.

When it is better to consider other solutions than Google phone service for your business

• Teams of 2+ people or 2+ departments – Teams need a comprehensive dashboard, extensions, analytics, call flows, and other telephone features that the company doesn’t provide
• National businesses – Since no toll-free numbers are provided, a national company with only a local phone number will miss out on many clients
• Entrepreneurs exploring growth potential – The Google phone system doesn’t offer call insights and professional features with integrations. This doesn’t make it a good fit for growing companies in need of communications analytics.
• Companies using several different platforms – If you’re using different tools outside of Workspace, you’ll be happier with an alternative that integrates with CRM platforms and other apps
• “Trial” users – If you just plan to “try out” in your company Google Voice and switch to another provider if you don’t like it later, you may need to leave your existing number since the service often has trouble with number porting.

How to set up Google Phone service for your business

If a Google Voice number sounds like the optimal solution to your communication needs, here’s how to use a new business number with the service or port your existing number over.

1. Buy a Workspace subscription. If you already have a subscription, skip this step. Otherwise, buy a Workspace account. Voice is only available as an add-on for Workspace subscribers (from $6-$18 per user/mo).
2. Go to Google Voice and click “Get started”. You’ll need to log in to Workspace at this point, and then you’ll be prompted to “Add or upgrade a subscription”.
3. Choose a Google Voice plan (from $10-$30).
4. Set up your locations.
5. Assign licenses to team members.
6. At this point, you can choose local numbers for yourself and your team (national numbers and extensions aren’t available).
7. If you prefer to port the current number you’re using for professional purposes, the company charges a $20 port fee.
8. Set up features such as voicemail, auto-attendant, and ring groups (if available on your plan).

You’re ready to go!

Other solutions like Google Voice for business

If you’re still hesitant about whether Google Voice is a good fit for your team or you prefer to keep your data away from the internet giant, there are a lot of small business VoIP services that provide the same calling functionality and simplicity, but are more customer-centric and protect your privacy better. As smart people say, “different strokes for different folks” – so scroll down for business phone number solutions that can make more sense for your particular needs.

MightyCall

MightyCall is leading the way in VoIP technology by combining high-quality calls, security, rapid customer service, and a litany of features. They are a solid choice for lots of different companies. A solopreneur flower shop or a small-sized pizza chain restaurant would both find homes with MightyCall.

Pros & cons:

Pros	Cons
Dozens of useful and critical features	Lowest price plan has 1000 minutes and 1000 texts
Multiple price tiers available
All plans have a 7-day-trial

Price per month:

• Core: $15 per user
• Pro: $20 per user
• Enterprise: custom

Best for: Small- and mid-sized businesses

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RingCentral

RingCentral

As a cloud-based VoIP provider, RingCentral has 20 years of experience. They have as of late focused particularly on video communications and video conferencing. This would be a solid choice for a company which helps universities to organize travel abroad groups. Video in a case like this is key, but you’re also probably spread out – which is where the internet phone number comes in.

Pros & cons:

Pros	Cons
Texting can be used on the lowest price point	Linux is not supported
Video calling available from highest price points	Users have reported assigned tasks getting lost
Built around having a team- the lowest tier offers up to 20 users

Price (all per month annually):

• Core: $20
• Advanced: $25
• Ultra: $35

Best for: Team-based work from home offices

Ooma

Ooma

Ooma is available for both SMBs and residential settings, and has ample plans and settings for both. They’d fit the profile both for a family of four living in a normal suburban house and a business which is spread out throughout a small town.

Pros & cons:

Pros	Cons
They offer a lot of different options for folks in different financial positions	By offering a lot, they specialize in a little
Offer internet service	Fees complicate pricing

Price (All Ooma Office and month/per user):

• Ooma Office Essentials: $19.95
• Ooma Office Pro: $24.95
• Ooma Office Pro Plus: $29.95

Best for: People who work from home

Google Voice – Good Starter VoIP for Solopreneurs

Coming as part of the internet giant’s wider ecosystem, Google Voice has both its pros and cons. All things said, Google Voice for small business is convenient lite software that’s a good fit for freelancers and solopreneurs. As to teams and growing businesses, since porting a number to/from the Google phone system for business is a costly and not always available option, these types of small businesses may want to go with a more scalable solution without the tie to extra subscription costs.

If your hustle is on the growing side of small, be sure to explore and compare the leading VoIP solutions before sticking with a subscription. You can also get a 7-day trial of MightyCall’s cost-effective business phone solution with powerful CRM integrations and dozens of features  developed for growing companies. All starting at lower than the Google Workspace bundle – at just $12 per user/mo.

The post Google Voice for Business Overview: Pricing, Features, Pros & Cons first appeared on MightyCall.

• What Is VoIP?
• How Does a VoIP Service Work?
• The List of Best VoIP Phone Service Providers
• VoIP Services: Comparison
• Top 15 VoIP Providers: Overview
• How We Ranked These 15 Best VoIP Providers
• Key Features of VoIP Providers
• How Much Does VoIP Phone Service Cost?
• What Equipment Do I Need for VoIP Service?
• VoIP Phone Service Providers Pros and Cons
• How to Choose a VoIP Provider
• What is the Best VoIP Phone Service?

What Is VoIP?

You need to know what cloud-based communication is when comparing VoIP providers. VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, meaning that the audio signal is transmitted over the internet connection rather than the traditional wire method. This makes it a great option for anyone who wants to cut location ties and have the ability to call from anywhere and from any device by simply logging into the account.

How Does a VoIP Service Work?

As mentioned before, these phones work by transmitting your calls over the internet. That’s why they are also referred to as “cloud VoIP services,” meaning that they let you store and share your audio, video, and other files via their servers. This makes the communication almost instant, given that you have good WiFi quality.
The special thing about VoIP phone services is that there is no requirement for both callers to be using it. A virtual phone number works like any other phone number, meaning that you can simply use the dial or choose from your phone contacts like you would with a traditional phone or sim card.

The List of Best VoIP Phone Service Providers

Here is the list of the best business VoIP service providers we rated for this article:

1. MightyCall: best price-value voice over IP service provider;
2. Grasshopper: known for its reliability;
3. Line2: works with slower internet connection;
4. RingCentral: a well-earned reputation;
5. Nextiva: an impressive tool set;
6. 8×8: enterprise VoIP telephony system;
7. Google Voice: a minimalistic solution;
8. Dialpad: great for company virtual meetings;
9. Vonage: superior audio quality;
10. OpenPhone: one of the cheapest base plans;
11. magicJack: a voice over IP phone service and device provider;
12. Ooma: a simple voicemail tree;
13. GoTo Connect: all-in-one phone software;
14. Phone.com: IP phones and analog adapters;
15. Microsoft Teams Phone: a standardized business VoIP service for Microsoft users.

VoIP Services: Comparison

* all prices relevant at the time of publication

Top 15 VoIP Providers: Overview

1. MightyCall

With over 30 calling choices and integrations, local, toll-free, and vanity numbers, MightyCall is a smart choice for companies of all sizes.

Why we picked it

MightyCall is known to have one of the best customer support services on the list of hosted VoIP providers, alongside a very generous feature set that comes at a rather low price. The other unique feature is that MightyCall offers plans based on your team size rather than feature sets, meaning that it allows every company to have access to all the necessary tools without having to pay for add-ons.

Best for

SMBs: Medium-sized and small businesses

Pricing per month

• Core: from $15 per user
• Pro: from $20 per user

Features

Including, but not limited to:

• Local, toll-free, vanity business numbers
• Audio calls
• SMS/MMS
• Conference calls
• Standard and Multi-Level IVR
• Call waiting
• Call recording
• Call screening
• Call log

Integrations

• Hubspot
• Salesforce and other CRM platforms.
• Over 1500 business applications on Zapier

User Experience

MightyCall has a simple design that was developed to be used intuitively without any instructions or help, and it consistently introduces new updates.

Customer Service

MightyCall has tons of demos and a helpful customer care team, accessible by live chat, phone, and email. Furthermore, all new clients receive free assistance with phone system setup, integrations, and other issues they may have.

Pros & Cons

User reviews

4.1 on G2

2. Grasshopper

Grasshopper is one of the best VoIP phone systems that includes conventional virtual telephony functionality as a long-standing service.

Why we picked it

Grasshopper’s UI is straightforward to use, and the service provides all of the basic business phone functions. However, if you already use a virtual service and are seeking a standalone dialer, you will be unable to utilize their softphone for business until you convert to the service.

Best for

Grasshopper is one of the best internet phone services for mid-size teams with a need for standard calling functionality.

Pricing (user/month)

• Solo: $29 up to 3 user extensions
• Partner: $49 up to 6 user extensions
• Small business: $89 for unlimited users

Features

Included, but not limited to:

• Business phone numbers
• Audio calls
• Messaging
• Conference calling
• Call forwarding

Integrations

• No native integrations with CRM systems.
• Zapier
• API

User Experience

Grasshopper’s layout is known to be simple and easy to use thanks to its experience on the market.

Customer Service

Their website suggests using the FAQs and Documentation to solve problems. If this doesn’t fit your criteria, there’s an option to “Call Support” at the end of relevant FAQ articles.

Pros & Cons

User reviews

4.1 on G2

3. Line2

A simple service that can provide you with a second phone line, but it will not replace a full-fledged IP phone service for Mac due to a lack of extra capabilities.

Why we picked it

Line2 is straightforward, clean, and minimalistic. There is only one plan, with monthly and annual payments available. You receive unlimited calling in the US and Canada, unlimited SMS/MMS, and basic PBX services for a relatively low fee. Good for solopreneurs, yet restrictive for developing businesses.

Best for

Individual use, solopreneurs, small teams

Pricing (user/month)

$15.99 or $13.75/month annually

Features

Included, but not limited to:

• Business phone numbers
• Call screening
• Voicemail transcriptions
• Audio calls
• Messaging

Integrations

Not available

User Experience

Users like the ease of use and the design, but complain about frequent downtimes.

Customer Service

Customer support can be reached via phone and email during work hours.

Pros & Cons

User reviews

2.8 on G2

4. RingCentral

RingСentral is a seasoned provider of virtual phone numbers. The functionality and pricing strategy of this phone system are intended for large enterprises.

Why we picked it

RingCentral is one of the best VoIP providers on the market. It has a long-lived reputation and a high-quality connection. The platform also has several advanced features, but its plans are known to be the most expensive and basic in the industry.

Best for

Large teams/companies and enterprises

Pricing (user/month)

• Essentials plan – $29.99
• Standard – $37.99
• Premium – 44.99
• Ultimate – $59.99

Features

Included, but not limited to:

• Business phone numbers
• Voice calls
• Video calls (only on Standard plan and above)
• SMS
• Voicemail to text

Integrations

• Standard Plan:
  Microsoft 365
  Google
  Slack
• Premium Plan:
  CRM integrations (Salesforce, Zendesk, etc.)
  Industry-specific integrations (Canvas, Smarsh etc.)

User Experience

The customers like the call quality and the simplicity of the app and the functions of the system. There is a slight concern regarding the high prices and long-term contracts.

Customer Service

The company offers 24/7 support on Standard plans and above

Pros & Cons

User reviews

3.9 on G2

5. Nextiva

Named the “Best Business Phone Service” by U.S. news, Nextiva definitely one of the most well-known VoIP platforms on the market.

Why we picked it

Nextiva is a well-recognized VoIP provider and has received some awards and good media coverage, making it a note-worthy service. It also has a great volunteer group called Nextiva Cares that focuses on giving back to the community.

Best for

One of the best VoIP phone services for your business, small to mid-sized, if you are not looking for a great variety of features

Pricing (user/month)

• Essential Plan: $21.95 USD
• Professional Plan: $26.95 USD
• Enterprise Plan: $36.95 USD

Features

Included, but not limited to:

• Unlimited voice & video calling
• Voicemail
• Toll-free numbers
• Outlook/Google Contacts Integrations
• Unlimited internet fax

Integrations

Google and Microsoft integrations

User Experience

Nextiva customers praise it for the help in the call organization, but there are a few complaints (and praises) about the support services and the app complexity. Based on the rating and reviews, Nextiva is a platform your team will either love with their whole heart or will not accept and move on to a different provider.

Customer Service

There is a video hub and a FAQ service, as well as a chat and an option to submit a ticket

Pros & Cons

User reviews

4.4 on G2

6. 8×8

8×8 is an established VoIP provider, known to have high recording quality and convenient message alerts.

Why we picked it

As one of the biggest players on the market, 8×8 is a popular VoIP service option that has to make it into any VoIP brands ranking. It has a solid feature set and a global plan with 40 international locations.

Best for

Businesses with a large volume of international calls looking for a long-term contract

Pricing (user/month)

• Express: $15
• X2: $28
• X4: $57

Features

Including, but not limited to:

• Business phone numbers
• Audio calls
• Document sharing (on X plan and above)
• Streaming of meetings on YT(on X plan and above)
• Analytics(on X plan and above)

Integrations

• Microsoft Teams
• CRM, productivity and service apps on X2 plans and up.

User Experience

Customers of 8×8 laud the company for its assistance with call organizing, although there are a few concerns (and compliments) regarding the company’s support services and the integration ease.

Customer Service

Manuals, FAQ, and live chat.

Pros & Cons

User reviews

4.1 on G2

7. Google Voice

Google has a telephone VoIP service for businesses that easily integrates into other Google products.

Why we picked it

Google Voice is a part of one of the most well-known VoIP telephone services, so it was an intuitive decision to include it when we review VoIP services. If you are using other Google products, Google Voice will automatically come up as an option.

Best for

Small businesses with a small call volume

Pricing (user/month)

• Starter Plan: $10 USD
• Standard Plan: $20 USD
• Premier Plan: $30 USD

Features

Included, but not limited to:

• International calls to Europe from the USA
• Texts and phone calls
• Phone apps
• Web application
• SIP Link for plans above Starter

Integrations

• Google Suite

User Experience

Google users will feel very comfortable with the interface, it is considered a lighter option for users who are not very interested in diving head-first into professional VoIP solutions. Users do complain about the lack of features included with the plans, but you have to keep in mind that Google Voice is just a part of the ecosystem rather than a standalone product specifically crafted for voice over IP.

Customer Service

24/7 via the Google Voice Help page with its FAQs and the help community forum

Pros & Cons

User reviews

4.1 on G2

8. Dialpad

Dialpad has traditionally positioned itself as a viable VoIP solution for mid-sized organizations.

Why we picked it

Dialpad is one of the best known systems on the market, since it was created by a talented team of ex Google Voice employees and was developed to be feature-rich. It has been around for a long time, and it should be considered when choosing a VoIP provider for your team.

Best for

Mid-sized businesses and enterprises

Pricing (user/month)

• Standard Plan: $23 per user
• Pro Plan: $35 per user
• Enterprise Plan: custom

Features

Included, but not limited to:

• Phone app
• Call forwarding
• IVR/Multi-level IVR
• Call recording
• Voicemail/voicemail to text

Integrations

Standard option: Google and Office 365 integrations

User Experience

Founded and maintained by a small group of former Google Voice employees, it offers more capabilities than Google Voice ever did. This means that it is a feature-rich system with a great design.

Customer Service

• 24/5 through chat and web for regular clients
• 24/7 support for Pro and Enterprise customers

Pros & Cons

User reviews

4.4 on G2

9. Vonage

Vonage is a VoIP phone provider for business communications, offering over 40 powerful features with its plans.

Why we picked it

Vonage has a lot to offer: its service has exceptionally good quality with a great uptime for unlimited calling and texting. On top of everything, Vonage has one of the most stylish designs available on the market.

Best for

Small to mid-sized businesses

Pricing/line/month

• Basic Plan: $19.99 USD
• Premium Plan: $29.99 USD
• Basic Plan: $39.99 USD

Features

Included, but not limited to:

• Phone and desktop apps
• Vonage App Center
• Unlimited Team Messaging
• Unlimited Calls and SMS
• Multi-level auto attendant on Premium Plan

Integrations

CRM Integration for Premium and up

User Experience

Users tend to love Vonage’s clean interface, features, and call quality. There is a complaint about Vonage numbers getting marked as spam and customer support team inefficiency.

Customer Service

The customer support is available via calls (7 days a week, varying work hours), a community forum, and via opening a case on the website.

Pros & Cons

User reviews

4.3 on G2

10. OpenPhone

A VoIP service with a good reputation, OpenPhone is primarily targeted at small and medium-sized organizations. It has a good range of pricing options and a strong feature set.

Why we picked it

OpenPhone is well-known on the market for its great UX, integrations, and high-quality calling services. It allows international calling, has auto-attendants, and other useful features.

Best for

Call centers and large teams

Pricing (user/month)

• Standard Team Plan – $13 USD
• Premium Team Plan – $25 USD
• Enterprise Team Plan – Individual

Features

Included, but not limited to:

• SMS/MMS
• Webphone
• Phone app
• Call forwarding
• A simple IVR

Integrations

• Email, Slack, Google Contacts, Hubspot CRM
• Zapier for extra cost

User Experience

The customers like the app, the feature variety, the Slack integration, and the toll-free numbers. There is at times a lack of customer support availability for the basic plans.

Customer Service

• FAQ section, chat box with a form;
• Priority support available for the Enterprise Plan.

Pros & Cons

User reviews

4.8 on G2

11. magicJack

MagicJack’s VoIP plans include free unlimited calls from the U.S. & Canada and great feature sets.

Why we picked it

This list of VoIP providers needs some quality variety added to it. The plans are based on the number of years in the contract: from one to three. This is a nice option that can protect your budget long-term, although it does require commitment.

Best for

Larger teams within the US

Pricing/contract

• 1 year plan: $43 USD
• 2 year plan: $79 USD
• 3 year plan: $109 USD

Features

Included, but not limited to:

• Voicemail
• Call forwarding
• Call blocking
• Number porting
• Free unlimited incoming calls from US and Canada

Integrations

None listed

User Experience

Users report the service to be most reliable and easy to use, while others complain that it is difficult to switch telephony providers.

Customer Service

A FAQ page, issue reports on the website, or an email

Pros & Cons

User reviews

3.3 on G2

12. Ooma

Ooma stands out from the other providers on our list in that its product may be used without a computer. Ooma also sells separate hardware in the form of IP desk phones.

Why we picked it

Ooma deserves to be represented on the list for its unique services since most other VoIP phone companies will not be selling you hardware. Ooma is a very successful marriage of traditional, old-school tools with modern technology.

Best for

Small business office use

Pricing (user/month)

• Essentials: $19.95
• Pro: $24.95
• Pro Plus: $29.99

Features

Included, but not limited to:

• Business phone numbers
• Audio calls
• Virtual receptionist
• Virtual fax
• Call forwarding

Integrations

Salesforce integration is available only on the highest-tier plan, Ooma Office Pro Plus.

User Experience

The service is highly valued by its customers, and although there are some complaints about processes like number porting being slightly confusing, most VoIP phone reviews praise the service and its numerous products.

Customer Service

Support is available via documentation manuals and phone 24/7.

Pros & Cons

User reviews

4.7 on G2

13. GoTo Connect

A simple and secure top VoIP provider with a great design for the not-so-tech-savvy users.

Why we picked it

GoTo Connect is one of the most popular services on the market, It has a nice, though not the most vast, set of features that would be a nice addition to most businesses.

Best for

Solopreneurs with a small call volume

Pricing (user/month)

• Basic Plan: $27 USD
• Standard Plan: $32 USD
• Premium Plan: $43 USD

Features

Included, but not limited to:

• Voice calls
• Call flows
• Analytics
• Video meetings
• Admin controls

Integrations

• HubSpot
• Salesforce
• Google Calendar
• Microsoft Teams

User Experience

Users report it as easy to manage and having a great UX, but they complain about the poor app call quality.

Customer Service

Via community forum, and form submission

Pros & Cons

User reviews

4.4 on G2

14. Phone.com

Phone.com is a VoIP phone system that offers call forwarding options, phone numbers, and the capacity to place calls using internet-connected devices.

Why we picked it

Phone.com has a loyal customer base. This top business VoIP provider has a solid basic plan, and the customer service is apparently on par. This provider covers most of the essential needs of the smaller teams. It is affordable, and it is worth looking at.

Best for

Growing teams, small business, solopreneurs

Pricing (user/month)

• Basic: $14.99
• Plus: $19.99
• Pro: $29.00

Features

Including, but not limited to:

• Business phone numbers
• Auto attendant
• Voicemail and transcription (the latter on Pro plan only)
• Call routing
• Audio calls

Integrations

Only available with the Pro Plan:

• Zapier
• Zoho office suite
• AllProWebTools CRM, and Chrometa time tracking
• Native integrations with CRMs: Hubspot and Salesforce, PipeDrive

User Experience

The users have some complaints about the call quality, but they tend to like the user interface and the ease of use of this provider.

Customer Service

24/7 service via live chat, email, and phone.

Pros & Cons

User reviews

3.3 on G2

15. Microsoft Teams Phone

A cloud-based calling solution from Microsoft comes in handy to make your team comfortable while making phone calls and holding conferences.

Why we picked it

Many Microsoft users would feel like adding another product from the same provider would make it more comfortable for the team to make calls and adapt.

Best for

Large cross-functional teams

Pricing (user/month)

Starts at $8.00/mo/user

Features

Included, but not limited to:

• Basic call control
• Make and answer calls
• Merge calls
• Transfer and ring back
• Transfer calls between devices

Integrations

Integrates with the Microsoft Office Suite

User Experience

This service is intuitive for Microsoft users, and is praised for being highly reliable. However, sometimes, it is reported to be difficult to integrate if you are not used to it.

Customer Service

Via phone numbers depending on your location

Pros & Cons

User reviews

4.8 on G2

How We Ranked These 15 Best VoIP Providers

We were looking to make a varying list of different providers, most of which are well-known VoIP companies on the market. It is important to note that every provider is unique and may end up being just perfect for your business regardless of the ranking. However, we focused on the following when selecting VoIP packages for our list:

• Features — what features does each business phone system offer? Will you get your money’s worth or will you barely be able to make calls? Are there any special add-ons?
• Price (affordability) — will you be able to afford it? What will you get for your money’s worth when choosing between the systems? What plans are available for your company? Are there hidden costs and a price comparison?
• Integration simplicity — how easy will it be to integrate the product into your company? What integrations are available? Will you have the freedom of choice?
• Amount of calls — is there a limit? Will you have to pay extra to purchase more? Will the calls be limited to local only? How about international calls? How about texts?
• Customer support — how long will you have to wait to have your concerns resolved? What are the methods of communication? Does the provider have an FAQ service or a live chat?
• UI — will you need to watch hour-long instruction videos or is the user interface intuitive? Is the design clean and simple? Will you know how to make a call, is the dial pad comfortable?
• Stability — will your company be losing customers due to VoIP system failures? Will the audio calls drop out of nowhere, and what is the uptime? Are the apps lagging?

Key Features of VoIP Providers

Here are the features you want to be looking for in the best VoIP companies:

• SMS/MMS: Calls are not always accessible and are sometimes considered intrusive in the modern world. SMS and MMS features expand your client communication field and let you share information without format limitations.
• Mobile app/webphone: Can you use the app on your phone, and can your team use the service to make calls from a desktop? This defines the flexibility of your business communication.
• Call forwarding: Will you have to take the call regardless of your availability, or will you be able to conveniently forward the calls to a colleague? Passing the calls along in the team can be a crucial factor when it comes to leaving a positive impression on your clients.
• IVR/Multi-Level IVR: When your client calls you, will they be greeted by a beeping sound or will there be a friendly voice welcoming them to the pre-recorded information points or to the right department?
• Call recording: Will you have your own personal archive with the communication history? Will there be an easy way to supervise your operators and ensure exceptional service quality?
• Voicemail/voicemail to text: When your clients call after hours, it is important to give them a chance to be heard. And it is equally important for your operators to have a quick way to check your voicemail by converting it to text.
• Conference calling: Will you be able to have multiple people on the call?
• Mini-CRM functionality: Will the customer data be managed properly, and does it deliver insights?

How Much Does VoIP Phone Service Cost?

You could find a service for free, and you could also be looking at a few hundred dollars per month. The free options will, of course, have fewer features and potentially lower call quality, but most importantly, you cannot expect much from a free service. This is why the providers with less costly plans will be a better option for you if you are trying to save money. You should be able to find the best VoIP phone service for your team for between $10 and $25 USD per person per month.

What Equipment Do I Need for VoIP Service?

One of the reasons why this type of communication is popular is due to its ease of setup. There are only a few things required:

• The best available internet connection. For a steady, interruption-free call, we advise choosing 100 kbps and above.
• A web client or your mobile service. Without using a VoIP service, you cannot have a number that is accessible via the internet.
• A contemporary gadget that can support a reliable internet connection. It can be done via a computer, a cell phone, or a tablet.

Some items are optional:

• Headphones or a headset. If your device doesn’t have a speaker or microphone and can’t record or play audio, a headset will fix the problem and let you benefit from better audio quality.
• An adaptor. You will need a virtual phone adapter to convert analog audio signals into digital IP packets if you wish to use your standard phone system with a virtual phone line. It is necessary for the operation of all virtual lines.

VoIP Phone Service Providers Pros and Cons

VoIP phone service providers have pros and cons that need to be considered prior to switching from a traditional landline.

Pros of VoIP Phone Service

• VoIP phones are not tied to a specific geographic location. This will let you expand your office internationally or be more flexible with the location of your employees. You can become a digital nomad and simplify the job for people who are not able to make it into the office.
• Virtual phones are accessible on multiple devices. This means that you will be able to connect to your account from anything that has an internet connection. Switching from your phone to your laptop will open a wide door of possibilities.
• VoIP phone services usually come with dozens of useful features. With the right provider, you will be able to have extras, such as a multi-level IVR or business contacts, for free.
• The costs tend to be lower than the average traditional phone line costs. No need to pay for the equipment or rental, and a useful package of features makes VoIP options a very attractive alternative.
• Virtual phone services are easier to scale and can be easily ported. You can get more phone numbers and make them toll-free or vanity within a few seconds.

Cons of VoIP Service

• Phone services with VoIP communication require a stable internet connection. This means that making calls during a snow or rain storm may not be possible, and your dream about going off to live in a lonely cabin in the middle of the forest will have to wait.

• The connection can be laggy based on the app or the provider you select. You will need to ensure that there is perfect compatibility between your phone, your app, and your internet provider to have good call quality.

• VoIP communication also needs a continuous power supply. Starting with the router that needs to be plugged in and ending with the phone charging, going wireless does not mean you are completely wire-free.

• Sometimes VoIP communication does not support emergency calls. You would usually have a regular phone around as well, but it is still necessary to check whether your cloud VoIP provider offers emergency calling to have proper protocol in place.
• You could get into a binding contract or run into hidden costs, although this could also happen with a traditional landline service. It would be wise to talk to your provider and check that you will be paying exactly what you were intending to.

How to Choose a VoIP Provider

Choosing the correct VoIP hosting provider will define your business communication and your relationship with your team and your customers. It takes a few steps and a few things to consider:

• Security: You will be looking for how secure the connection is and whether the service will protect you from robocallers or someone eavesdropping on your conversations. Is the server where you store information secure, or have there been rumors of its security getting hacked?
• Price-to-value relationship: How much will you be getting for your money’s worth? How expansive is the feature set? What is included in the service? Is there a free trial that helps you see for yourself that the audio quality is stable? Are the competitors offering better VoIP costs?
• Feature set: What are the features included in the plans? There is quite a variety of features that a VoIP line can offer: Toll-Free and Local Numbers, International Numbers, Caller ID, CNAM, Custom Greeting, Music on Hold, Business Hours Call Routing, Vanity Numbers, Multi-Level IVR, and more.
• Integrations: Will you be able to integrate the system into your pre-existing work processes, or will you have one more app to take care of that is completely separate from the other apps? Imagine having a few calendars to keep track of? Tough, right? This is why you may want to check whether the provider integrates into your systems.
• Technology requirements: Some providers do not work on Macintosh computers or do not have apps that work on iPhones. This is why you will need to check the compatibility and whether you have the right system update prior to making any payments or commitments.
• Customer support: Is there 24/7 support, a chat, or a ticket submission? Regardless of what the provider says on their website, it is smart to check how highly it is rated and what the reviews on one of the professional platforms say to see what people think of the service. Usually, customers go there to express complaints or gratitude.

What is the Best VoIP Phone Service?

The best VoIP service provider is the one that works best for your team and your business. Each team has its unique needs and style of operation, meaning that there is no universal approach. Each of our reviewed VoIP carriers is the best in its niche in its own way. Here is a brief review:

1. MightyCall: the most cost-effective VoIP for small businesses, providing the most features for each plan;
2. magicJack: with this VoIP operator, you will get both a device and the service;
3. Google Voice: one of the most well-known operators, you may have used its free version at some point;
4. 8×8: one of the best enterprise VoIP systems for large company owners;
5. Ooma: if you want the most simple voicemail tree, this is your operator.

The post Best VoIP Providers: Full Phone Services Review first appeared on MightyCall.

• What is a VoIP system?
• What is CRM software?
• What is VoIP CRM integration?
• How does a CRM VoIP integration work?
• How to choose a VoIP for CRM integration
• Best CRM software you can integrate with VoIP
• Top VoIP systems for CRM integration
• How can businesses benefit from integrating VoIP and CRM?
• Things to avoid when thinking about CRM for VoIP integration
• VoIP CRM integration can make your business better

What is a VoIP system?

VoIP phone systems are communication solutions that allow voice calls to be transmitted over the Iternet instead of traditional phone lines. VoIP converts analog voice signals into digital data packets, which are then transmitted over IP networks. This enables businesses to make and receive calls using internet-connected devices such as computers, smartphones, or VoIP-enabled desk phones.

VoIP systems offer cost savings, scalability, flexibility, and a wide range of advanced features compared to traditional phone systems.

What is CRM software?

CRM software refers to Customer Relationship Management tools designed to help businesses manage and nurture their relationships with customers. This software provides a centralized database for storing customer information, tracking interactions, and managing sales, marketing, and customer service activities.

By choosing the right CRM for key tasks, organizations can gain valuable insights into their customer base, improve customer satisfaction, and optimize their sales processes.

What is VoIP CRM integration?

Integrating VoIP and CRM is the process of combining Voice Over IP technology with CRM software to create a seamless communication and data management solution.

A VoIP integration with CRM enables businesses to synchronize their call data, client information, and communication history between the platforms. In other words, this type of integration allows you to use information recorded in your CRM for outbound marketing and high-quality communications with customers and teammates.

How does a CRM VoIP integration work?

CRM VoIP integration involves the coordination of various components to enable smooth communication and data exchange between the services. Here is an overview of how this works:

1. API integration: For starters, both VoIP and CRM must have compatible Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that allow for data exchange. These APIs establish a connection between the two systems, enabling seamless integration.
2. Data synchronization: Once the API integration is in place, the services synchronize their databases to ensure that customer information, call logs, and communication history are up to date in both systems. By syncing your VoIP phone system with CRM you will be able to get accurate reporting and analysis.
3. Automatic call logging: During incoming and outgoing calls, the CRM system captures call details, including caller ID, call duration, and call outcomes. This information is automatically logged into the CRM platform, eliminating the need for manual data entry.
4. Click-to-call functionality: With integration, users can initiate calls directly from the CRM by clicking on a phone number. This feature streamlines the calling process and reduces the need to switch between applications.
5. Caller information pop-up: When an incoming call is received, the CRM system retrieves customer data associated with the caller ID and displays it in a pop-up window. This allows employees to access relevant customer information and provide personalized service without delay.
6. Call recording and transcription: CRM and VoIP system integration often includes the ability to record calls and transcribe them for future reference. These recordings and transcriptions can be attached to customer records in the Customer Relation Management system, providing a comprehensive view of customer interactions and facilitating quality assurance and training processes.
7. Task automation: Integration enables automation of certain tasks based on call events. For example, after a sales call, the system can automatically create follow-up tasks or schedule appointments in the CRM software, ensuring that important actions are not overlooked.
8. Enhanced reporting and analytics: VoIP & CRM integration enables powerful reporting and analytics capabilities by combining call data with CRM data. Businesses can generate detailed reports on call volume, call duration, conversion rates, and customer satisfaction metrics. These insights help identify trends, evaluate performance, and make data-driven decisions to improve business strategies.

It is important to keep in mind that your CRM capabilities will ultimately depend on the type of CRM that you use and the type of VoIP that you go with as well.

How to choose a VoIP for CRM integration

When selecting a VoIP for CRM integration, you should keep the following factors in mind:

1. Make sure the integration is compatible: Ensure that the service provider you choose offers you to integrate the VoIP system with the CRM you prefer. Check for official integrations or APIs that allow data synchronization and call management within the CRM system.
2. Look for a rich feature set: Evaluate the features offered by the VoIP system, such as call routing, call recording, call analytics, and real-time access to customer information during calls. Choose a system that aligns with your business requirements and enhances your CRM processes.
3. You should be able to scale: Consider the scalability of the VoIP phone system to accommodate your business growth. It should have the capacity to handle increased call volumes and support additional CRM integrations as your business expands.
4. Choose a service with an intuitive interface: Look for a user-friendly VoIP system that simplifies the process of making and receiving calls, accessing CRM data, and managing call activities. Intuitive interfaces and seamless workflows contribute to better user adoption and productivity.
5. Consider a customer support quality: Choose a VoIP provider that offers reliable customer support. Prompt assistance and technical guidance are crucial for resolving any integration issues and ensuring smooth communication operations among your support team.
6. Do not neglect security and compliance: Prioritize a VoIP that provides robust security measures to protect sensitive customer data. Compliance with industry standards, such as GDPR or HIPAA, may be necessary depending on your business requirements.

Best CRM software you can integrate with VoIP

When it comes to integration, several leading CRM solutions offer seamless compatibility and integration options. Here are some of the top platforms offering CRM integration with VoIP:

1. Salesforce

Salesforce is a widely used CRM platform that offers comprehensive features for sales, marketing, and customer service. Its integration capabilities with VoIP systems allow for call tracking, call logging, and real-time data synchronization. Integration with Salesforce is supported by MightyCall.

2. HubSpot

HubSpot is a popular CRM software known for its robust marketing and sales automation capabilities. Integrating HubSpot with VoIP systems enables call tracking, call recording, and automatic call logging, providing valuable insights for sales and marketing teams. MightyCall also supports integration with Hubspot.

3. Zoho CRM

Zoho CRM is a feature-rich CRM platform. With Zoho CRM integration, businesses can automate call logging, track call history, and access customer information during calls, empowering their sales and customer service teams. MightyCall supports integration with Zoho.

 4. Microsoft Dynamics 365

Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a comprehensive CRM solution. It enables businesses to enhance their customer interactions by providing real-time access to customer information, call logs, and call recordings within the CRM platform.

5. SugarCRM

SugarCRM offers flexible CRM solutions that can be easily integrated with phone systems. By integrating SugarCRM with VoIP, businesses can streamline call management, automate call logging, and access customer data during calls, improving their overall customer engagement.

 6. Zendesk

Zendesk is a customer service and support platform. With Zendesk integration, businesses can automatically log customer calls, access call recordings, and leverage customer data to provide personalized support.

7. Freshworks CRM

Freshworks CRM, formerly known as Freshsales, supports service collaboration of VoIP and its CRM software to level up business communication and customer management. It allows businesses to track and log calls, access call recordings, and sync call data with customer records, enabling more efficient sales and customer service processes.

Top VoIP systems for CRM integration

Here are brief reviews of some top virtual phone systems that provide VoIP-CRM integration capabilities:

1. MightyCall

MightyCall is a cloud-based VoIP service that provides comprehensive communication solutions for businesses. It offers integration options with popular CRM platforms like:

• Salesforce
• HubSpot
• Zoho CRM
• Zapier

Best for

Small and medium-sized businesses

Pricing

All prices are per user/month:

• Core: $15
• Pro: $20
• Enterprise: Contact them

Pros & cons

2. Dialpad

Dialpad is a modern cloud communication platform that offers VoIP and CRM integration. It seamlessly integrates with CRM solutions such as:

• Salesforce
• HubSpot
• Zendesk

Best for

Small businesses

Pricing

All prices are per user/month:

• Standard: $15
• Pro: $25
• Enterprise: Contact them

Pros & cons

3. Nextiva

Nextiva is a VoIP service provider that offers integration options to streamline communication and customer relationship management. It integrates with CRM platforms like:

• Salesforce
• Zendesk
• Hubspot

Best for

Small businesses

Pricing

Nextiva’s pricing works differently from the others, since prices are all different depending on the size of your business. If your business is on the smaller side (5-19 employees), the prices are (all per user/month):

• Essential: $21.95
• Professional: $25.95
• Enterprise: $35.95

Pros & cons

4. RingCentral

RingCentral is a cloud communications and collaboration platform that provides VoIP CRM integration. It integrates with popular CRM solutions such as:

• Salesforce
• Microsoft Dynamics 365
• Sales Nexus

Best for

Medium-sized businesses

Pricing

All prices are per user/month:

• Core: $20
• Advanced: $25
• Ultra: $35

Pros & cons

5. JustCall

JustCall is a cloud-based phone system that offers CRM and VoIP integration. It integrates with popular CRM platforms like:

• Salesforce
• HubSpot
• Zapier

Best for

Medium and larger-sized businesses like contact centers

Pricing

All prices are per user/month:

• Standard: $24
• Premium: $48
• Custom: Talk to them to get a quote

Pros & cons

How can businesses benefit from integrating VoIP and CRM?

Businesses can optimize their communication strategies, strengthen customer relationships, and drive growth when they figure out how to integrate VoIP into CRM.

Using VoIP with CRM software brings numerous other benefits that can significantly impact your business operations and customer interactions. Here are some key advantages:

• Enhanced customer experience: You can access comprehensive customer information during calls, enabling personalized interactions and efficient issue resolution. This leads to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Improved sales efficiency: Integration allows for automatic call logging, eliminating manual data entry and saving valuable time for sales representatives. The ability to initiate calls from the CRM platform and access call records also enhances sales efficiency.
• Streamlined workflows: CRM VoIP integration facilitates seamless data synchronization between the services, eliminating the need for duplicate data entry and ensuring that customer information is consistent across platforms.
• Better sales and marketing insights: By combining call data with CRM analytics, businesses can gain valuable insights into customer behavior, preferences, and buying patterns. This information helps optimize sales and marketing strategies for better results.
• Improved collaboration: VoIP integration fosters collaboration between teams by providing a centralized platform for communication and customer data. This promotes better coordination and enables teams to work together seamlessly.
• Cost savings: VoIP systems are inherently cost-effective, and integration with CRM adds further value by reducing administrative overhead, eliminating manual processes, and optimizing resource utilization.

Things to avoid when thinking about CRM for VoIP integration

With the plethora of VoIP-CRM integrations available, there are not only things to look for – there are also things to look out for. Here are some to keep in mind:

1. Not understanding why you need it: A lot of time, with new technology, people decide they need it just because, instead of figuring out why. And with something like CRMs, which are tailor-made to different needs, just wantonly choosing can be a big mistake.
2. Expecting that one CRM will solve your issues: When picking a CRM, it’s important to remember that while it will help you, you’ll need a lot more than that to succeed. That’s why MightyCall offers so many great features that can give you the tools you need.
3. Changing your strategy: A CRM should be a tool for you to be able to carry out your vision; you should not have to shape your vision to fit a service. There are so many CRMs out there – one will surely be a match for what you want to achieve.
4. Not asking your team what they need: CRMs are supposed to fill a gap in terms of what you can accomplish. But the folks accomplishing that thing–be it sales or customer service–probably know what they need. So ask them! Make sure to bring everyone into the process if it can help you make a better selection.
5. Not taking full advantage of offerings: A CRM may be designed for a given task, but there may be lots of ways that you can use that. Be sure to look up different ways to use your CRM successfully so that you leave nothing crucial on the cutting room floor.

VoIP CRM integration can make your business better

Integrate your VoIP service with your CRM and unlock limitless possibilities. When you run a business, it’s important to leave absolutely nothing on the table. If you have the chance to improve customer communication or teamwork, you should leap at it.

So, what is VoIP CRM integration? It’s something that lets you embrace the power of integration to optimize your communication strategies, strengthen customer relationships, and unlock the full potential of your business.

The post VoIP CRM Integration: How it Works and the Benefits it Brings first appeared on MightyCall.

• What is Call Center Software for Small Business?
• Top Features Call Center Software for Small Business Must Have
• Best Call Center Software for Small Business
• Key Benefits of Small Business Call Center Solutions
• How to Choose Call Center Services for Small Businesses?
• Streamline your communication with powerful business call center solutions

What is Call Center Software for Small Business?

Call center software for small businesses refers to specialized tools and technologies designed to manage inbound and outbound customer interactions efficiently. It enables businesses to handle a high volume of calls, track customer interactions, streamline workflows, and improve overall customer experience.

Top Features Call Center Software for Small Business Must Have

• Interactive Voice Response (IVR): Allows callers to navigate through menu options using voice or keypad input, enhancing self-service options.
• CRM Integrations: Seamless integration with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems to access customer information, history, and personalize interactions.
• Reporting and Analytics: Robust reporting capabilities to track call volumes, agent performance, and customer satisfaction, and identify areas for improvement.
• Call Routing and Queuing: Efficiently distribute incoming calls to the most appropriate agents or departments, minimizing wait times and improving response rates.
• Call Recording and Monitoring: Capture and review call recordings for quality assurance, training, and compliance purposes.
• Real-Time Metrics and Dashboards: Live monitoring of call center performance metrics through intuitive dashboards for instant insights and informed decision-making.

Best Call Center Software for Small Business

1. OpenPhone

OpenPhone is a cloud-based call center solution with powerful features such as call routing, call recording, and team collaboration tools.

Pros:

• Easy to set up and use
• Affordable pricing plans
• Mobile app availability

Cons:

• Limited integrations with third-party applications

Pricing: They have three tiers (all per user/month).

• Standard: $13
• Premium: $20
• Enterprise: Unlisted (must speak to a sales rep)

Best for: Small businesses looking for a cost-effective and user-friendly call center solution.

2. Aircall

Aircall offers a cloud-based call center platform with advanced features like call queuing, analytics, and CRM integrations.

Pros:

• Intuitive interface
• Easy setup
• Seamless integrations with popular CRM platforms

Cons:

• Additional costs for some advanced features

Pricing: They have three tiers (all per user/month):

• Essentials: $30
• Professional: $50
• Custom: Unlisted (must speak to a sales rep)

Best for: Small businesses seeking a scalable and feature-rich call center software.

3. Nextiva

Nextiva provides a comprehensive call center solution with features like call routing, IVR, and call analytics.

Pros:

• Robust feature set
• Scalable for growing businesses
• Excellent customer support

Cons:

• Pricing plans can be relatively higher compared to other solutions.

Pricing: Nextiva’s pricing system is different as prices vary depending on the size of your business. But for a mid-sized small business (5-19 employees), the prices are as follows (all per user/month):

• Essential: $21.95
• Professional: $25.95
• Enterprise: $35.95

Best for: Small businesses aiming for a reliable and all-inclusive call center platform.

4. RingCentral

RingCentral MVP offers a cloud-based call center system with features such as call monitoring, analytics, and omnichannel capabilities.

Pros:

• Extensive feature set
• Strong integration options
• Flexibility to handle different communication channels

Cons:

• Higher pricing plans for advanced functionalities.

Pricing: RingCentral has three different tier plans (all prices per user/month):

• Core: $25
• Advanced: $25
• Ultra: $35

Best for: Small businesses requiring a versatile call center solution with multi-channel support.

5. Dialpad

Dialpad offers a cloud-based communication platform with call center capabilities, including call routing, analytics, and team messaging.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface
• Seamless integration with popular business tools
• AI-powered features

Cons:

• Advanced features may require higher-tier plans.

Pricing: Dialpad has three different price tiers (all priced per user/month):

• Standard: $15
• Pro: $25
• Enterprise: Unlisted (must contact a sales rep)

Best for: Small businesses seeking a modern and AI-driven call center solution.

Key Benefits of Small Business Call Center Solutions

Here are the main advantages of using call center solutions for small businesses:

1. Enhanced Customer Experience: Efficient call routing, personalized interactions, and quick issue resolution contribute to improved customer satisfaction.
2. Increased Productivity: Automation of repetitive tasks, streamlined workflows, and access to real-time analytics boost agent productivity.
3. Scalability: Call center solutions allow businesses to scale their operations easily to accommodate growing customer demands.
4. Cost Savings: Cloud-based solutions eliminate the need for expensive hardware and maintenance, offering cost-effective alternatives.
5. Business Insights: Advanced reporting and analytics enable data-driven decision-making, identifying areas for improvement and maximizing performance.

How to Choose Call Center Services for Small Businesses?

Choosing the correct call center solution for your small business team will define communication quality and relationships with your team members and customers. It takes a few things to consider:

1. Assess your needs: Determine your specific requirements, such as call volume, desired features, and integration capabilities.
2. Remember scalability: Consider solutions that can accommodate your business growth and future needs.
3. Focus on user-friendliness: Look for intuitive interfaces and easy setup to minimize training time and maximize productivity.
4. Integration options: Ensure the solution integrates smoothly with your existing tools, such as CRM systems or helpdesk software.
5. Pricing: Compare pricing plans and evaluate the value offered in relation to your business requirements.
6. Customer support: Research the provider’s customer support quality and responsiveness to address any issues promptly.

Streamline your communication with powerful business call center solutions

Investing in the right call center software can significantly impact the success of small businesses by improving customer service, boosting productivity, and enabling growth. By understanding the key features, benefits, and considering the specific needs of your business, you can confidently choose the best call center solution that aligns with your goals and empowers your business to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

The post Best Call Center Solutions for Your Small Business to Grow Fast first appeared on MightyCall.

• What Is a Virtual Call Center?
• Comparison Table: How Virtual Call Center and Traditional One Differs?
• Why a Business Should Use a Virtual Call Center
• How to Start a Virtual Call Center
• How to Set Up Virtual Call Center Software
• How to Onboard Your Virtual Call Center Agents
• Benefits of a Virtual Contact Center Solution
• Drawbacks of a Virtual Call Center Solution
• Best Practices for Managing a Virtual Contact Center
• Best Virtual Call Center Providers
• Virtual Call Center Software: A Great Way to Provide Service

What Is a Virtual Call Center?

A virtual call center is a customer service center that operates remotely. It uses cloud-based software to connect agents to customers from anywhere in the world. A virtual call center is different from a traditional call center because it doesn’t require a physical location for agents to work from.

Comparison Table: How Virtual Call Center and Traditional One Differs?

There are some pretty crucial differences between a virtual call center and a traditional call center other than their names. What are they? Read on to find out!

Why a Business Should Use a Virtual Call Center

1. Reduced costs: Virtual call centers are more cost-effective than traditional call centers because they don’t require a physical location, hardware setup, or maintenance costs.
2. Global workforce: Virtual call center solutions allow businesses to hire agents from anywhere in the world, which provides access to a wider pool of talent.
3. Scalability: Virtual call centers can easily scale up or down to meet business needs without having to worry about physical space limitations.
4. 24/7 availability: A virtual call center can operate 24/7, which means customers can receive support around the clock.
5. Improved customer experience: Virtual call centers can offer better customer experiences because agents can work from anywhere, reducing wait times and providing faster solutions.

How to Start a Virtual Call Center

Starting a virtual call center can seem daunting, but it can be done in just a few steps:

Step 1: Choose a virtual call center provider that offers the features you need.

Step 2: Determine how many agents you will need and what their roles will be.

Step 3: Set up a virtual call center software that includes call routing, call recording, and call monitoring features.

Step 4: Train agents on the software and on customer service best practices.

Step 5: Launch your virtual call center and start providing excellent customer support.

How to Set Up Virtual Call Center Software

Setting up virtual call center software can be done in just a few steps:

Step 1: Choose a service provider that offers the virtual call center software features you need.

Step 2: Create an account with the provider and select a plan that suits your needs.

Step 3: Choose a virtual phone number for your business.

Step 4: Configure your virtual call center settings, including call routing, call recording, and call monitoring features.

Step 5: Test the software to ensure it is working correctly.

MightyCall is a virtual call center provider that offers easy-to-use virtual call center software. With MightyCall, you can set up your virtual call center in just a few clicks, and you’ll have access to features like call routing, call recording, and virtual voicemail.

How to Onboard Your Virtual Call Center Agents

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to onboard your virtual call center agents:

1. Provide your agents with access to all necessary software and tools.
2. Train your agents on your products and services, as well as customer service best practices.
3. Provide ongoing training and support.
4. Set up a system for monitoring and providing feedback on agent performance.

Benefits of a Virtual Contact Center Solution

Here are some benefits of using a virtual contact center:

• Access to a global talent pool: Going virtual means you are no longer reliant upon having to hire people in your general geographic area.
• Lower operational costs: Being able to have people work from home means not having to pay rent for large spaces where everyone has to come in to work at the same time.
• Enhanced disaster recovery capabilities: If everything is in the cloud, if things go bad it’ll all be saved. If everything is on physical drives and they get destroyed – well, you’re out of luck.
• Ease of connectivity: Getting connected via the internet means people can connect from anywhere- whether they’re home, in a cafe, or at their parents’ place. Traditional call centers only allow connectivity from one place: work.

Drawbacks of a Virtual Call Center Solution

While a virtual call center has many pros, there are still cons to consider when deciding if your business needs such a solution:

• Dependence on technology: Virtual call centers rely heavily on technology, which means that any technological issues can disrupt the entire operation. This can lead to frustrated customers and lost business.
• Lack of in-person interaction: Virtual call center agents may not have the same level of face-to-face interaction with customers as they would in a traditional call center. This can make it more difficult to build rapport with customers and may lead to lower customer satisfaction.
• Potential security risks: Virtual contact center solutions require the transfer of sensitive customer information over the internet. This can create potential security risks if the proper security measures are not in place.

Best Practices for Managing a Virtual Contact Center

Managing a virtual call center can be tough. Here are some things to keep in mind so that you can maximize your experience:

1. Clear communication: It is important to establish clear lines of communication between managers and agents in a virtual call center. This includes regular check-ins and updates, as well as the use of collaborative tools to facilitate communication and collaboration.
2. Consistent training: Virtual call center agents should receive consistent training to ensure they have the skills and knowledge necessary to handle customer inquiries effectively. This can include training on the specific tools and technologies used in the virtual call center.
3. Performance metrics: Clear performance metrics should be established and regularly monitored to ensure that agents are meeting their goals and providing high-quality customer service.
4. Flexibility: Virtual call centers offer a high degree of flexibility, which can be leveraged to create a more agile and responsive operation. This includes the ability to quickly scale up or down depending on demand, as well as offering agents the ability to work from home or other remote locations.
5. Culture building: Virtual call centers should place an emphasis on building a strong culture and sense of community among agents. This can include virtual team-building activities, regular feedback sessions, and recognition programs to incentivize high performance.

Best Virtual Call Center Providers

MightyCall

MightyCall is a virtual phone system that enables businesses to make and receive calls from anywhere in the world. It offers features such as call forwarding, call recording, and call analytics.

Pricing: MightyCall offers two pricing plans: Business and Enterprise. The Business plan costs $15/month/user, and the Enterprise plan costs $150/month per team.

Best for: Small & medium-sized businesses.

Aircall

Aircall is a cloud-based phone system that allows businesses to make and receive calls from anywhere in the world. It offers features such as call routing, call recording, and call analytics.

Pricing: Aircall offers three pricing plans: Essentials, Professional, and Custom. The Essentials plan costs $30/user/month, the Professional plan costs $50/user/month, and the Custom plan has customized pricing.

Best for: Mid-sized businesses and enterprises.

OpenPhone

OpenPhone is a virtual phone system that allows businesses to make and receive calls from anywhere in the world. It offers features such as call routing, call recording, and call analytics.

Pricing: OpenPhone offers three pricing plans: Standard, Premium, and Enterprise. The former costs $13 per user/month, Premium costs $20 per user/month, and Enterprise has custom pricing.

Best for: Small businesses and startups.

JustCall

JustCall is a virtual phone system that enables businesses to make and receive calls from anywhere in the world. It offers features such as call routing, call recording, and call analytics.

Pricing: JustCall offers three pricing plans: Standard, Premium, and Custom, and Enterprise. The Basic plan costs $24/user/month, the Plus plan costs $48/user/month, and the Custom plan is of course customized.

Best for: Small businesses and startups.

CloudTalk

CloudTalk is a virtual phone system that allows businesses to make and receive calls from anywhere in the world. It offers features such as call routing, call recording, and call analytics.

Pricing: CloudTalk offers four pricing plans: Starter, Essential, Advanced, and Expert. The Starter plan costs $25/user/month, the Essential plan costs $30/user/month, the Expert plan costs $50/user/month, and the Custom plan is tailored.

Best for: Small to mid-sized businesses.

Virtual Call Center Software: A Great Way to Provide Service

Starting a virtual call center can be a great way to provide excellent customer service while keeping costs low. By following the steps outlined in this article and choosing the right virtual call center software provider, you can set up a successful virtual call center that meets the needs of your business and your customers.

With world-class security, incredibly high uptime, a dedicated support staff, and dozens of key call center features, MightyCall could be the right provider for you. Get calling today!

The post How to Start a Virtual Call Center: Everything You Need to Know first appeared on MightyCall.

How Business Tools Can Help Your Organization?

• Streamline operations: Tools for business, such as project management software and customer relationship management (CRM) systems, help organize and automate various processes, reducing manual effort and improving overall efficiency.
• Enhance collaboration: Small business tools like team messaging apps and document sharing platforms facilitate better communication and collaboration among team members, enabling seamless sharing of information and ideas.
• Improve decision-making: The best business tools in the realm of data analytics and reporting software enable businesses to collect, analyze, and visualize data, which aids in making more informed decisions and uncovering valuable insights.
• Boost customer satisfaction: Online business tools, including customer service software and feedback management systems, help organizations address customer concerns, gather feedback, and enhance the overall customer experience, fostering loyalty and repeat business.
• Support scalability: As a business grows, adopting the right tools can simplify tasks, automate processes, and enable seamless integration with other systems, ensuring your organization is well-equipped to handle increased demands.

In the SMB market, the best advisors are those who know small business challenges inside and out.

That’s why we asked solopreneurs, small business owners, and marketing managers from around the world to share and review their favorite cloud tools, so you can hand-pick the ones perfect for your team.

Asana: “Communicating with my team, wherever they are”

Overview: Asana is a project management and collaboration business tool best suited for remote or mid-sized teams. This tool allows business owners and managers to assign tasks to team members and effortlessly check on the status/progress without the need to email back and forth for information. Asana ought to be on the PC and mobile device of every smart entrepreneur managing distributed teams and freelancers/contractors.

Recommended by: David Miles, Co-Founder & CMO, WiseMee

Pricing: Free basic account for teams up to 15 people
Mobile app: Yes
Difficulty: Simple-Medium depending on specific needs

BigCommerce: “[A platform] ready to step up when we are”

Overview: One of the top e-commerce platforms, BigCommerce is a great way to launch an online store or sell a product/service. With targeted solutions for wholesale, B2B, multi-channel and international commerce, it’s a flexible, modern platform. Features include storefront design, conversion, and multi-marketplace support (sell on Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, eBay).

Recommended by: Max Dirnfeld, owner and CEO, Toner Buzz

Pricing: from $29.95/month
Mobile app: Yes
Difficulty: Medium

ClickFunnels: “The seamless sales funnel tool”

Overview: Any business website is designed to sell a product, a service, ar an idea. A service like ClickFunnels allows you to market via an optimized sales funnel. What is a sales funnel? On a basic scale, it is an organized series of automated marketing messages and landing pages that cater to individual client needs and contain a targeted call to action. A simple sales funnel can optimize conversion by 300%.

Recommended by: James Canzanella, Owner, Isolated Marketing Nights

Pricing: from $97/month
Mobile app: Yes
Difficulty: Simple

Dubsado: “This tool tackled my imposter syndrome”

Overview: Dubsado is a real find for a small business owner. In the CRM arena populated by enterprise giants such as SalesForce, Dubsado was created to answer small business needs.  This Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform is well-known among entrepreneurs for its 24/7 support and all-in-one CRM functionality. It features client portals, invoicing, contracts, proposals, automated emails, and handy templates for all your marketing needs.

Recommended by: Sarah Ashlock, Content Writer, Solopreneur

Pricing: from $35/month for 1-3 users
Mobile app: No
Difficulty: Simple-Medium depending on specific needs

Freshbooks: “I can’t imagine my life without it”

Overview: Freshbooks is invoicing and accounting software for business. Among its great features are integrations with many platforms any business owner/manager is already using. If you’re new to business but have to manage the accounting yourself, Freshbooks has good customer support and videos to get you started. The mobile app will be handy for checking sent and received payments on the go.

Recommended by: Colin Ma, Founder, OC Tech Alliance 

Pricing: from $15/month
Mobile app: Yes
Difficulty: Simple-Medium depending on specific needs

G Suite Business: “One cannot beat the Google Apps Platform”

Overview: G Suite, also known as Google Apps for Business, is a budget-friendly Cloud alternative to solutions like Microsoft Office. It features all the tools needed to manage projects with the team, instantly share and edit documents, slides, presentations, and complete to-do lists in real-time. G Suite also features corporate G Mail, team chat, and even a web builder of its own. Best of all, all G Suite apps are mobile, allowing your team to collaborate on projects on the go.

Learn more about G Suite Pros, Cons, and Alternatives.

Recommended by: Jonathan Faccone, Founder, Halo Homebuyers LLC, Halo Redevelopment

Pricing: from $6/month per user
Mobile app? Yes
Difficulty: Piece of cake

Invision: “The best way to collaborate on design projects together”

Overview: Invision is a tool built specifically for designers and design-oriented businesses. It is created for prototyping, design management, and collaboration. Team collaboration is a standout feature of Invision that lets designers keep the conversation going through sharing and comments. Invision also has great design education resources including design chats, podcasts, webinars, and design community support & inspiration.

Recommended by: Malte Scholz, CEO and Co-Founder of Airfocus

Pricing: Free to try out with 1 prototype. Business plans start from $15/month
Mobile app? Yes
Difficulty: Medium

MightyCall: “Keep business and personal calls separate”

Overview: A cloud-based VoIP phone system for small business, MightyCall takes care of small business communication like no other — from choosing/porting in a toll-free, local, or vanity number to setting up professional calling features. These include call forwarding to multiple devices, privacy settings, team collaboration, customer experience tools, and mini CRM included. MightyCall will also help your business get rid of annoying spam and robocalls. Learn more about the fantastic benefits of Cloud telephony for small business.

Recommended by: Sandra Balzola, Red Sand Studios, LLC

Pricing: from $19.99/month for unlimited users
Mobile app: Yes
Difficulty: Simple

Mailshake: “Quite easy to learn and use”

Overview: Mailshake is a tool for automating cold email marketing. If the term “cold email” sounds uninviting, that’s because emails sent to users who had no prior contact with your product/service (so-called “cold” emails) are often taken for Spam. For this reason, attracting clients with cold marketing is a headache (but a necessity) for any startup. A designated cold marketing tool like Mailshake automates outreach, sets tasks to complete, and provides you with necessary analytics, giving “cold emails” the warm, human touch.

Recommended by: Kevin Rodrigues, Founder, Gardening Mentor

Pricing: starting at $39/month per user
Mobile app? No
Difficulty: Simple

MASV: “No worries and no commitments”

Overview: MASV solves the IT problem most businesses run into at one time or another: sharing and collaborating on massive files (up to 5 TB). While this challenge can be more or less frequent depending on your industry, MASV is the cloud tool that will have your back in case of need. Since massive file sharing is a vital but not everyday kind of problem for most businesses, it’s good to know that MASV works without a subscription.

Recommended by: Amanda Murray, Digital Marketing Manager, seoplus+

Pricing: Pay as you go, $0.25/GB
Mobile app? No
Difficulty: Piece of cake

Mio: “Keep chatting on your tool of choice”

Overview: Mio helps distributed teams bring corporate chats into a single place. Instead of optimizing time by heaping all your business chats onto a single dashboard, Mio offers a different kind of experience. Running in the background, it lets Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Webex users find and message each other from their preferred app. Even if you’re on Slack and your colleague is on Teams, you’ll see their message and reply without leaving Slack. It is especially handy for business owners managing distributed/remote teams and freelancers.

Recommended by: Dominic Kent, Director of Content Marketing & Communications, Mio

Pricing: $3/month per user with special conditions
Mobile app? N/A
Difficulty: Simple

Orderhive: “Helps in streamlining the ordering process”

Overview: Orderhive is a multi-channel inventory management tool for e-commerce and retail. Oderhive takes care of all the aspects of commerce like purchasing, ordering, shipping, inventory management, warehousing, returns, etc. Importantly, it lets both physical store retailers and online store owners fully automate order fulfillment, shipping, purchase & return management, putting a lot of productive time back where it belongs.

Recommended by: Krishna Jani, Marketing Executive, Orderhive

Pricing: from $44.99/month
Mobile app: Yes
Difficulty: Medium

QuickBooks: “Great value and dependable”

Overview: QuickBooks is cloud accounting software for small to mid-sized businesses. Features include expense tracking, invoicing, accounting reports, cash flow management, automatic backups, bank-level data security, and unlimited support. Small business owners will also appreciate the mobile app which lets you create and issue invoices from your phone, among other key features.

Recommended by: Alex Williams, Owner, Hosting Data UK

Pricing: from $15/month
Mobile app: Yes
Difficulty: Simple

QuickFMS: “Space management in a better way and less time”

Overview: Effective facilities management or space management is something large offices and teams struggle with as they juggle between peace of mind, productivity, and space economy. QuickFMS is a cloud tool that lets managers distribute and allocate space in real-time (to employees, specific departments, or project needs) so everyone is at their most productive. It will be useful for large teams in busy sectors like PR, advertising, digital marketing, and sales.

Recommended by: Ajay Prasad, CEO, GMR Web Team

Pricing: Schedule demo
Mobile app: N/A
Difficulty: Simple

Trello: “A really easy way to manage and plan multiple projects”

Overview: The favorite cloud tool of project managers worldwide, Trello brings Kanban-style visual boards inside your PC and phone. Create a visual board for your project and keep all tasks up to date with to-do lists and cards shared with your team. Trello makes it fun and simple to collaborate on projects and keep procrastination down to a minimum. Its free plan and fantastic mobile app make Trello a must-have tool for every business.

Recommended by: Ben Taylor, Founder, HomeWorkingClub

Pricing: Free plan available
Mobile app: Yes
Difficulty: Piece of cake

Vacation Tracker: “Employees need only a few seconds to request leave” 

Overview: VacationTracker is a Slack integration that makes managing employee leaves, vacations, and days off a breeze. Instead of filling out applications that have managers manually double-checking vacation overlap for each team member, Vacation Tracker simplifies the tasks for everyone. Employees can request leave by answering a few short questions in the app, and managers will instantly see how this time-frame compares to other team members’ vacations. Vacation Tracker is currently available only for Slack but integrations with G Suite and Microsoft Teams are coming soon.

Recommended by: Luka Arezina, Co-Founder, DataProt.net

Pricing: $25/month for up to 50 users
Mobile app: No
Difficulty: Piece of cake

Tools for Business Your Way

After reviewing various tools for business that other companies enjoy, it’s crucial for businesses to carefully assess their unique needs and goals. Identifying the right set of tools that align with your organization’s objectives is essential for enhancing productivity, streamlining operations, and facilitating growth. By taking a strategic approach to selecting and implementing these tools for business, you can unlock new opportunities, optimize efficiency, and ensure long-term success for your organization.

The post Best Business Tools That Boost Your Productivity first appeared on MightyCall.

In this article we cover:

• What is Google Voice?
• How Does Google Voice Work?
• The Two Plans Comparison
• Pricing & Plans Overview
• Features Difference Between Two Options
• Users and Locations Comparison
• Pros & Cons of the Business Plan
• Pros & Cons of the Personal Plan
• Making the Right Choice

What is Google Voice?

Google Voice is a wireless phone service provider, giving its customers from select countries a phone number for local calls, texts, and voicemail. Naturally, it can be synced across the devices of choice: computers or smartphones. It has all the basics covered: spam filters, black list function, call forwarding, back-ups, voicemail transcriptions, alongside extra features available for purchase, such as international calling.

How Does Google Voice Work?

Being a VoIP service, Google Voice uses Voice Over Internet Protocol to transfer calls and messages. It is a tie-free fully virtual calling system that allows you to call from wherever you are. In VoIP, voice is transformed into a digital signal that is passed over the internet, connecting people with other users. All you need is:

• A device: computer, smartphone or tablet;
• Stable internet connection: the Wi-Fi or a data plan.

Google Voice account provides free PC-to-phone calling within the US and Canada and free PC-to-PC audio and video calls worldwide. Depending on the plan, the customer gets a virtual phone number, allowing for a full replacement of a sim card. There are two main options you will be choosing from; read more about them below.

Google Voice Personal vs Business Comparison

Google Voice Personal

This type of account is available on Android, iOS, and the web, providing its customers with free limited phone call functionality. Meanwhile it cannot provide you with a virtual number, it includes an integration with mail and calendar, making it best for:

• Individuals who like to have the option of calling others via the internet or a computer for individual convenience reasons;
• Freelancers who need to handle and organize multiple calls from clients on the device of their choice;
• Small businesses that do not have a large volume of calls;
• Solopreneurs who manage their orders and customers on a tight schedule;
• Anyone who enjoys the freedom of calling via the internet and multiple devices rather than being attached to the cell phone and cell service.

What are the main uses for the Personal account

1. Economy: Making a free phone call within the US. For example, if you need to talk to some customer support that will leave you hanging for an hour and you do not want to pay for it;
2. Scheduling: making a call schedule through integrating it into the calendar: if you want to make a few calls at once;
3. Privacy: making sure that your own phone number remains private and unknown;
4. Back-up: being able to use any phone or computer, so if you lose your phone and need to make a call from your laptop, you will be able to.
5. Travel: when you go from one state to another, your service quality will depend on the internet connection, not cellular service.

Google Voice Business (Google Workspace)

The Google Voice for Business is a paid subscription-based service that provides you with a free phone number (or multiple for an extra fee) and an extensive functionality (voicemail, SMS ability, and other), which is its greatest advantage. The users can communicate on any internet-enabled web-linked phone line, making it an excellent option for companies and the professional Google Voice service.

This option is best for:

• Growing small businesses: manage the small client base and other business communications in an organized way;
• Middle size businesses: have your team members handle the communication with the clients via multiple devices within one system;
• Solopreneurs: handling a large volume of communication in an organized manner (this option also includes text messages);
• Small research projects that require data collection via surveys.

What are the main uses for the Business option?

• Texting and calling: communication with customers or other services;
• Having a custom area code and privacy for your telephone numbers: being able to contact others without revealing your location or having to use your private non-business phone number;
• Keeping records of business calls for documentation and follow-up purposes.
• Organization: being able to have everything in one place and not get lost in the multitude of contacts;
• Answering service for your telephone numbers: having an automated answering option that interacts with callers to prevent loss of clients.

Google Voice Personal vs Business Account: Pricing & Plans

When comparing the two Google Voice plans, it is important to note that the personal plan is absolutely free. It is not meant for large volumes of communication, rather than that, it is more of a feature for individual use. That means you are choosing between Google Voice free vs paid.

The Google Voice for Business option was developed specifically for companies that need to manage a larger volume of calls. It is divided into 3 different tariffs:

* Only calls from the GVoice app will show up as your Google number, dials from your mobile phone touchpad will use your caller ID.
All private data shared with Google.

MightyCall Solution

The Google phone system is good, but it has flaws, since unlike MightyCall, it has never been an independent business communication service specializing in virtual calls. MightyCall, however, has originally been focused solely on VoIP phone numbers and telephony (for over 15 years), which is why it offers more features (free on all the plans), such as toll-free/vanity phone numbers, extensions/call flows and HD audio quality.

It also has helpful customer support: daily 8 am to 8 pm EST phone, chat, 1-1 onboarding sessions and web customer support for anyone who needs assistance or wants free help with the set-up, which is why G2 named MightyCall the top VoIP customer support this year.

Features Difference Between Google Voice Personal and Business

The set of available features depends on the option you choose. Take a look at the table comparing the features of these options.

	Personal	Starter	Standard	Premier
Mobile apps: iOS and Android
Toll-free/vanity numbers
Call forwarding
International locations				Unlimited
SMS		Unlimited in the US	Unlimited in the US	Unlimited in the US
Voicemail-to-text
Do not disturb based on calendar working hours
Desk phone compatibility
Auto attendants
Caller ID (Google Meet Calls)
Ring groups
Conferencing calls
Call menus
Integrated web widgets
Extensions/call flows

MightyCall Solution

MightyCall clients have access to many features that GVoice is lacking. Choosing MightyCall (over GVoice) allows you to:

• Try toll-free/vanity numbers – included on all the plans;

• Jump on conference calls – MightyCall knows how important to have team calls to ensure everyone stays up-to-date;
• Check out HD audio quality – Google Voice doesn’t support top-notch HD audio for callers and relies on Wi-Fi, sometimes resulting in a faulty connection that will give your company an unprofessional reputation;
• Experience call flows and extensions – since GVoice was not originally developed as a wireless phone service provider, it does not have an option to have structured call flows or organization for telephone numbers;

• Enjoy the hands-down best customer support out there.

Google Voice Business vs Personal: Users and Locations

The difference between Google Voice Personal and Business is also in the number of users and locations. The Personal Plan is exclusively for the United States, meanwhile the Business plan has available telephone numbers in 13 countries/regions for callers:

• Belgium
• Canada
• Denmark
• France
• Germany
• Ireland
• Italy
• Netherlands
• Portugal
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom

*Depends on the subscription type

MightyCall Solution

If you did not find the location you are interested in in the Google Voice list, MightyCall is your choice.

MightyCall provides a choice of 25 countries for international business phone numbers, including all countries from GVoice. You will get a choice from: Argentina, New Zealand, Australia, Philippines, Brazil, Portugal, China, Russia, Egypt, Singapore, France, South Africa, Germany, South Korea, India, Spain, Indonesia, Switzerland, Italy, Thailand, Japan, Turkey, Mexico, United Kingdom, Netherlands, and the United States of America.

Pros & Cons of Google Voice Business

When choosing between Google Voice paid vs free options, it is important to look at the multiple factors to be taken into consideration when choosing your professional communication platform:

Pros

• Price – the service is affordable and is within one of the best price offers within virtual phone providers;
• Port your phone number – for an additional $20 USD you can port your own number or use your Google Voice Number for free;
• Simple interface – the service has an amazing at UI;
• Growth – your business will grow once you switch from a sim card to a universal plan;
• G Suite – an integration will be intuitive and easy for companies using Google;
• Call screening – requiring vocal identification from your callers;
• Switch devices – devices can be switched during a call.

Cons

• Cannot port landline – if you want to port a landline number, you will have to transfer it to a mobile operator first;
• Privacy concerns – all the information will be stored on Google servers;
• No analytics – this service is yet to offer analytics to its clients;
• Limited features: requires Google Workspace for use, which is an additional purchase, so in a way it is an addition to the GWorkspace rather than an independent service;
• Hard-to-access customer support – the forum is the main means for communication between the customer support team and clients;
• Limited communication channels – only voice and text services offered, no conference calls or additional features.

Pros & Cons of Google Voice Personal

It is important to remind ourselves that this plan is absolutely free for individual use when looking at the pros and cons:

Pros

• Variety – this plan gives you an additional option on top of your cell phone;
• Professionalism – having the ability to keep all your calls dubbed on your computer will help you organize your work communication;
• Price – this version is completely free;
• Voicemail transcription – Google AI is a powerful tool that ensures quality in voicemail transcription;
• Calendar – adds your communication on your calendar;
• Flexibility – allows to work from any device or operational system;
• Security – provides you with a tool to protect your number from people you are calling.

Cons

• No emergency calls – you will not be able to reach 911;
• Limited locations – the feature only works in the US and with US telephone numbers;
• No virtual number – people will not be able to call you;
• Limited users – only one person can be using it;
• No organization – you will not have access to a put together hub with all the features and all call history;
• Limited communication channels – only voice services offered, no texting, MMS, conference calls or additional features.

Making the Right Choice: Google Voice Business vs Personal

Google Voice is an affordable and functional solution for both business communication and personal use, so depending on your needs, you can make the decision based on comparison. The VoIP solution provides a solid set of basic features for making virtual calls, but it lacks a few options you might need. If you do find yourself missing a few features or if you did not find what you need in the functionality of the phone service, we recommend trying the MightyCall solution.

MightyCall was created and perfected over the years specifically to meet the needs of small and medium companies when it comes to virtual telephony. It is also one of the most affordable options on the market of over 25 countries and is known to provide over-the-top customer support. Try it and see for yourself.

The post Google Voice Personal vs Business: Full Pricing & Feature Comparison first appeared on MightyCall.

However, GMB functionality is (for the most part) remaining intact. From now on, Google My Business is part of your Google Business Profile. Information previously accessed through the Google My Business app is now visible in Search and Maps.

The Google My Business app may be gone, but setting up and consistently updating your Google Business Profile remains as important (and simple) as ever.

Here’s how to get started as either a first-time user, or if you’re transitioning from the Google My Business App.

Navigate:

• What is a Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business)?
• Why should I get a Google Business Profile?
• Who’s eligible for a Google Business account and who’s not
• What information do you need to create an account?
• How do you set up a Google Business Profile?
• How to improve your Google ranking

What is a Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business)?

Halfway between a local Wikipedia and a digital storefront, a Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) is a big deal. A mini knowledge-base, it provides potential customers with visual cues (photos and video), information (contact info, website, live messaging), and reliability (reviews) all without leaving Google’s search console.

Even if your business goes without an office or store, the business listing will provide a tangible uptick in customers. The average Google Business listing yields over 1000 search views per month and 84% of those searches are discovery searches, which means if not for Google, those people could’ve never discovered the business.

Want to know if you’re eligible for a listing and discover Google Business’s secret features that can make your business leap out of the page? Read right on.

Why should I get a Google Business Profile?

The key feature of your Google Business account is the spotlight in local listings. With multiple research backing the unbelievable conversion stats of local searches, it’s no wonder that business owners are focusing on local SEO magic.

80% of local searches result in conversions (WebFX)

Google algorithms have a soft spot for local searches. Whenever a user searches for things like “pet supplies” or “moving services”, even if they don’t enter a specific location into the search field, Google will display local providers on top by default. This info is based on the user’s location which Google determines “based on your past activity”. (A user can see their location and tweak it by scrolling to the bottom of Google’s search results.)

For a business, this is fantastic news. Even if you don’t have a business website, a Google Business account guarantees that your service will come up in Google’s local search results. If you do have a business website, it’s an effortless boost to your SEO and a sure way for a business to drive traffic to its website without ads. You will also get analytics from Google on the visitation statistics for your website that the listing drives.

Who’s eligible for a Google Business account (and who’s not)

A Google Business Profile is good for everyone. But not everyone knows how to benefit from it. Many businesses think that if they have no physical storefront or office, they can’t get listed on Google. This is far from true.

In fact, anyone who provides local services  — whether the customer comes to you or you come to them, should get a Google Business listing. If you don’t have a physical location like a store or office but manage your business remotely such as from your home or garage, Google Business is necessary to show customers the kind of services you provide.

Who is eligible for a Google Business account

Anyone who provides person-to-person or local services in a certain area, even if they don’t have a storefront, is eligible for a Google Business listing. Here’s a sample list of services:

• Car dealerships
• Home improvement services
• Home & gardening services
• Real estate agents
• Local cafes, bakeries, and restaurants
• Hospitality industry
• Tour operators
• Insurance agents
• Cleaning services
• Healthcare providers
• Private practices
• Lawyers
• Educational services
• ATMs
• Video rental kiosks
• Express mail dropboxes
• Seasonal businesses
• Virtual kitchens

Who is not eligible for a Google Business account

• E-commerce stores without a local presence
• Digital businesses with 100% online presence
• Rental and vacation properties
• Services or classes housed at locations without owner’s permission
• Sales associates and lead generation agents/companies

59 median monthly actions are taken from a Google Business listing, with other half of those actions being website visits. (BrightLocal)

What information do you need to create a Google Business account?

Setting up a Google Business profile takes just a few minutes and it’s absolutely free. Here’s the info you’ll need to grab:

General information for your Google Business account

• Address (even if you don’t have one) –While Google Business asks for your business address, it’s only necessary to complete registration. Businesses that offer services door-to-door and don’t have an official office or storefront should just state their home address and hide it from public view in the next step.
• Operation hours  — List your working hours regardless of your physical store presence so clients know when you’re open for business communication. (Even if you don’t have a storefront or office).
• Offers — Adding special offers, promotions, and sales info can get your customers to decide in your favor when parsing through many similar businesses
• Menu — Restaurants/cafes should add menus to their Google Business listing. Not only does Google like detailed information in your profile to increase ranking, but this will guide customers who are hungry for what’s cooking at your place, right to your doorstep
• Photos and Videos — Go to Maps or Search and add photos, GIFs and videos to your Google Business listing. Be sure to use the opportunity with videos to stand out from competitors, since they’re great for converting leads.

Digital tools for setting up a Google Business account

• Phone number — A must-have part of your Google Business listing is your separate business number. For a local service or business, local and vanity numbers work best. A vanity phone number is the branded, easy to remember number (like 1-800 FLOWERS). It can be either toll-free or local. Here’s how to get a low-cost local or toll-free vanity phone number for your account.
• Website — If you have a business website, be sure to list it. Having a Google Business listing will boost your SEO and drive a considerable amount of monthly traffic to your website. If you don’t yet have a website, be sure to get one. Check out this DIY guide to website builders based on your industry and needs.
• Chat — Google Business offers chat functionality so clients can contact you with a touch of a finger on your  listing. To set up this feature, in your Google Business web profile enter the business phone number you’d like to receive texts to or find out how to get one.

How do you set up a Google Business profile?

First-time Google Business Profile users

If you’re a first-time Google Business user, you’ll need to set up your profile on the Google Business  website. Following that, your business info will appear in Search results, and you’ll be able to add and edit details right in Search and Maps (see below). You don’t need to download any other apps.

Transitioning from Google My Business to Google Business Profile

If you’re like most business owners, in March-April 2022 you woke up with a message from Google that your GMB app is going out of business any day now– or perhaps you missed the email and found out the hard way. The good news is that, apart from the roll-back of the Google My Business app, all of the familiar functionality will remain intact.

To edit your Google Business listing, make sure you’re logged into the Google account connected to your business. Next, go to Maps. Find  your company’s listing (in the Maps mobile app or in Chrome) and edit accordingly. You may also find your listing and edit it right in Google Search – you’ll see a new bar with your business information available for editing. Just remember to use Google Search from the Google account that’s tied to your business profile.

How to improve your Google Business ranking

Your Google Business ranking directly influences your outreach to clients, helps gain new leads, and drives organic traffic to your website.

To benefit from being displayed in the featured results in Google Maps, you can improve several factors.

Complete profile

Fill in as many details about your business as possible. Profiles with more details filled in rank in search results better and allow Google to provide users with the most relevant results. Don’t forget about photos and video. The average number of photos for a GMB listing is 11, so be sure to visualize your business or service for Google users. Adding a 30-sec video about your business will be the cherry on the cake.

People are 85 percent more likely to buy a product after viewing a product video. (WebDAM)

Reviews

Google Business allows people who come in contact with your business to leave reviews. This allows Google to display more trusted businesses with positive reviews on top.

88% of people trust reviews as much as personal recommendations. (BrightLocal)

Knowing the power reviews hold over potential customers, many businesses specifically ask past customers to leave Google Business reviews to improve their SEO. However, entrepreneurs warn against sending out automated requests for Google  Business reviews. Read why here. 

Note: Blog posts are no longer supported in Google Business. if you had blog posts as part of your Google My Business listing, you won’t see them displayed.

Bring your business forward with Google Business

If your business is eligible for a Google Business profile, think no further  — get one today! And be sure to personalize your page with all the above features that will convert visitors into customers, help drive organic traffic to your website, and increase business visibility in your locale.

Researching more ways Google can help your business? Complement with these indispensable Pros, Cons, and Alternatives to G Suite, and our complete guide to Google Voice for business.

For all small business owners, MightyCall created a phone system that’s out of this world fast, mobile, and budget-friendly. We’ll help your team talk business anytime, anywhere while saving up to 60% off landline costs. Our special offer makes it even easier to join. Check it out below or  learn more about VoIP!

The post No Storefront? Here’s Why You Still Need a Google Business Profile first appeared on MightyCall.

• Comparing MightyCall and Grasshopper
• Functions we have that they don’t
• What customers say about MightyCall
• Things to consider when selecting a virtual phone number provider

Virtual phone number services: MightyCall vs. Grasshopper

Once you’ve decided to subscribe to a virtual phone system, it’s important to assess the market. The problem is however, that the market is filled with service providers of varying quality, functionality, and pricing. In such a competitive environment, making a good choice requires doing plenty of research—pouring hours into commercial websites and comparisons.

In this article we’ll give basic guidelines for choosing a call-processing system. We’ll also compare MightyCall with its major competitor, Grasshopper. Hopefully this will save you a bit of time and effort.

Comparing MightyCall and Grasshopper

Grasshopper, one of the largest company in the virtual telephony market, is viewed as MightyCall’s main competitor. Both companies have been working for years providing virtual phone numbers and associated call-processing to small and medium business owners.

The core functions are very similar:

• local business numbers (toll-free and a vanity number as an option),
• call forwarding,
• an interactive automated attendant,
• mobile apps, etc.

The entry-level pricing also seems comparable, but there are some substantial differences as you scale up your system.

Capabilities comparison

Pricing comparison

The most popular plansL:

• $15 per user for MightyCall
• $49 per 3 users for Grasshopper.

But Grasshopper charges you for additional services MightyCall provides with the package, such as softphone & deskphone support and voicemail to text. What’s worse, Grasshopper’s international capacity is limited—they don’t provide international numbers and make you pay a Draconian $500 deposit if you need international calling. MightyCall offers international numbers at just $10 on a pay-as-you-go plan for international calls.

MightyCall offers a broader range of functions including the flexibility to configure how your team receives calls. At no additional fee MightyCall includes 4 call distribution options (simultaneously ringing all the phones, going in a circle, a predefined sequence, or to the freest team member). Grasshopper only has the sequential method. The simultaneous method is available for an extra $10 a month.

Functions we have that they don’t

• Business contacts

MightyCall has spent the past few years (and will continue doing so) improving the system and adding new features without raising prices. Grasshopper can’t say that.

Case in point: MightyCall just updated the system to include the all-new Contact Book feature, a revolutionary change that will let users compile thorough business contact lists to better keep track of all of their calls and contacts thanks to the use of notes and reminders directly in the system. With this capability, MightyCall morphs into a lite-CRM in addition to VoIP.

Grasshopper recently introduced something similar called Grasshopper Connect, also mirroring a lite-CRM, but because a feature like this unlocks so much opportunity, the company created an entirely different pay plan for it. Whereas with Grasshopper’s Solo plan you’d pay $29 a month for one number, with Connect you pay $39 a month for just one number.

No matter how good a feature is, a 33% markup because of a single addition is drastic. It’s unclear how you would incorporate the Connect feature with more expensive plans, if possible at all. Regardless, for $49 a month you could get five phone numbers, the new Contact Book feature and more features overall from MightyCall than offered in any similarly priced Grasshopper plan—the math is simple.

• Mini-CRM Ability

MightyCall, with the addition of our Contact Book PLUS, can now act as a CRM unto itself, offering a cheap option that too many small businesses have long been missing. With our CRM, you can keep track of your contacts with better, more adaptable lists and a simple note-taking system to always stay on top of things. Grasshopper, despite their huge size, has yet to come out with such a revolutionary feature.

• Journal

Calls from the widgets can be routed to any location, while messages appear on our exclusive Journal along with missed calls, voicemails, emails, and mentions.

Accessible either from a web interface or a mobile app, the Journal allows you to sort out communications according to their urgency level. Then you can assign them to your workers/colleagues and issue to-do lists. Detailed statistics are also included for analysis.

• Automatic call distribution system

And last, but not least: MightyCall’s automatic call distribution system is designed with a business setup in mind; Grasshopper’s is oversimplified. There, subscribers can only set hours to route callers to personal extensions. Our system is different: by means of an intuitive flow-chart, it is possible to configure a routing tree which will behave differently depending on the time, the day of the week, and the availability of team members.

It’s undeniable that MightyCall’s system functionality and capability are more expansive than Grasshopper’s (and at a cheaper price too). Some might not notice a big difference, but for the majority of clients these features are essential.

• IP telephony

Even more importantly, Grasshopper lacks IP telephony. Sure, the conventional telephone lines Grasshopper uses are independent of bandwidth, but for some setups softphones are preferable (since they don’t require telecom equipment), so robbing clients of flexibility isn’t great. No worries, MightyCall has VoIP.

What customers say about MightyCall

Things to consider when selecting your virtual phone number provider

Your business and its demands are unique. Before subscribing to a virtual business number service, write down the essential information about your operation and make a list of functions you consider indispensable.

When you visit a provider’s website, use this list to filter features you do and don’t need, helping you decide on a pricing plan. To get a better idea, here are some key things about your business to consider:

• Call load.

Depending on the size and sphere of your business, you will get different volumes of incoming calls to your virtual phone number. Service providers generally offer multiple rating plans with included minutes/messages and a package of features. Try finding the package best for you, but there should be a painless way to switch plans if your needs change.

• Extensions.

Multiple extensions allow you to forward calls by means of a short “tail” off the main business number. This is the most convenient way for your clients or employees to keep in touch with different divisions of your company and makes communication efficient and flexible. If you are not a solo entrepreneur, consider providers which don’t charge for additional extensions.

• The amount of red tape.

The reason VoIP has been so successful has largely been because it’s cloud software that is super convenient to get started with. With that in mind, consider how easy it is to get started with any company: Do they offer trial periods or money-back guaranteed windows so you can test out the system for free? Do you need hardware—even worse, hardware you’re required to rent—to start using the system? Are there any activation or cancellation fees? Do you need to sign a long-term contract that’ll be hard to break? A virtual phone provider should make things easy for you, so don’t settle for their red tape—you don’t have to!

• Toll-free and vanity numbers.

This might seem simple, but some VoIP companies charge extra for toll-free or vanity numbers, and some don’t offer them at all! Local numbers are great for small business, but toll-free numbers offer scalability and cross-state reach while vanity numbers are built-in marketing. Having them as free options never hurts…

• Webphone and softphones.

Again, this is more about having choice. “Softphones” are phones you can use via a web browser or on your computer. This is a great work-around for people who spend a lot of time in their office but don’t want to rent and install costly hardware.

• Complexity.

A typical virtual call-processing system is quick and easy to deploy because it doesn’t require any dedicated equipment. Using and configuring the system is another story, though. Opt for providers who offer clear instructions on the matters you find important. It’s even better if their website offers video instructions and a customer support team is ready to help. Also, don’t take a provider’s easy-to-use claims at face value ― many offer trials or demo versions. Don’t hesitate to give them a try.

• Technical support.

Nothing is perfect, so eventually problems occur even with the most stable systems. Make sure your provider has a professional support team and they are accessible and ready to assist you. Frankly, this is why a large telecommunication company is not the best choice for small business owners. For them the value of each individual customer is much less compared to smaller providers who can deal with your problem individually.

• Protocols.

Some private branch exchange providers are limited to using PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) ― conventional landlines which offer exceptional reliability and don’t depend on internet connectivity. Other virtual phone systems utilize the VoIP protocol, which supports real-time voice conversations over the Internet. Naturally, the stability and sound quality of such services is dictated by your bandwidth, but VoIP is cheaper and offers more functionality. Sophisticated virtual phone number providers support both protocols, which spares you the trouble of choosing and grants versatility.

• Mobile support.

If your staff is constantly on the move, ensure you can reach them on their phones. Check for features like mobile applications and call routing to mobile phones. Additional mobile functionality like to-do lists, immediate task assignment, and social media integration are also immensely useful.

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Line2 is a nice VoIP option for small time entrepreneurs or people sticking their toes into the business world. VoIP is super popular and helpful for business, so trying services out should be encouraged. However, if you have all the information you need, you can choose the right VoIP provider for you immediately, saving yourself time and (likely) headaches.

Here’s why MightyCall makes more sense than Line2 for most people.

Get your whole team involved

Line2 lacks team features and only provides you with 1 telephone number. Conference Calling, an essential feature – especially for those working remotely – costs an additional $19.95 a month. Line2 functions as a 1-person system. MightyCall knows the importance of teamwork, which is why we offer multiple phone numbers, user extensions and multiple features to enhance teamwork.

Organization is key

Line2 isn’t as complex as some VoIP providers, which can be a good thing for complex technology, but MightyCall is simplified too. Being easy to understand shouldn’t relegate system power to the background however. With MightyCall, it doesn’t as we power our system with unmatched organizational tools like the Contact Book Plus, which lets you save contacts and keep notes on each one.
It’s CRM power at VoIP prices—an extreme rarity in the industry.

More features = more power

Unless you’re on Line2’s most expensive plan, you’ll be missing out on features that commonly come with VoIP setups. The more features you have, the more you can do when it comes to providing for your own customers. Unsurprisingly, MightyCall has more features than Line2.

Capabilities Comparison: Line2 vs MightyCall

Line2: pros. & cons.

True to its name, Line2 is mostly about providing people with a 2^nd phone number for personal or business use. Their plans reflect that, so if you’re planning to use it for business you’ll pay $19.99 monthly. They offer a free 7-day trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee, but the presence of a long-term contract is a bit off-putting when most VoIP companies have abandoned them.

Line2 only offers 1 phone number and 1 extension, and you can only be signed into 1 device at a time, so using it with multiple people would prove difficult. Additional lines cost $19.99 a piece, so if your company is 3+ people the price will add up quickly.

Line2 Pros:

• Good call quality
• Free 7-day trial & 30-day money-back guarantee
• Good mobile app & usage
• Relatively cheap for 1 person
• Unlimited texting

Line2 Cons:

• Long-term contract
• Lacks multiple powerful features
• $20 porting number fee
• $45 vanity number fee
• No international numbers
• Not great at handling multiple lines

What are the benefits of using the MightyCall’s business phone system?

• Keep your personal number private
  Get toll-free and local business numbers
• Keep your business running afterhours
  After-hours call routing means no call is ever lost
• Work from anywhere
  Make and receive calls on any device of your choosing
• Save important contacts
  Save and keep track of your contacts within the system in mini-CRM

What clients say about MightyCall

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