7 VoIP Phone System Myths Busted

In the current business climate, switching over to VoIP should be a no-brainer for most small businesses. However, there are still a few myths around VoIP and virtual phone numbers that can often prevent business owners from switching to a VoIP phone system.

But let’s face it, we get it. We have been told that there’s a piece of tech that can help our business growth AND reduce our overheads. It can only be expected for business owners to be anxious, especially when business VoIP phone systems are new territory.

Have a VoIP (Voice-over-Internet Protocol) phone system and virtual phone number can help tremendously when it comes to growing your business, however, it has certainly faced criticism in the past. Let’s take a look at a few of the myths that are floating around about VoIP.

VoIP Myth #1 My Business is too Small for a Virtual Phone Number

This is a common misconception about having a virtual landline number. Business owners think that their business is far too small to benefit from a VoIP phone system and virtual phone number. One-third of all businesses currently use a VoIP system and the majority of these businesses are small businesses, with no more than 50 employees.

In fact, a VoIP system can provide small businesses with features that offer far more flexibility and the tools to grow your business. Whether you work remotely or in an office, you can take your VoIP phone system anywhere you choose – your office is location-independent. You will find that your small business doesn’t seem so small after all.

Additionally, a business VoIP system is designed so that you can scale up when you need to, in just minutes. Whether you need to add or remove users, expand into multiple offices, order additional headsets, sync your contacts, VoIP phone systems allow you to do just that.

VoIP Myth #2 VoIP Calls are Poor Quality

When VoIP was a brand-new piece of tech, there were call quality issues such as echoes, background noise, and delays. However, these have since been diagnosed and resolved in recent years. Internet bandwidth has become far more stable and as a result, the VoIP system is better managed.

Generally, all you need is a strong internet connection and a good VoIP system provider. Before you sign up for VoIP and get a virtual landline number you should make sure that your internet is up to the job by running an internet speed test. If your network isn’t up to scratch, you may need to upgrade or switch internet providers so that you can maintain great call quality.

VoIP Myth #3 Existing Business Numbers Will Be Lost

To put it simply, this is incorrect.

All businesses rely on their phone lines and calls are the lifeblood of many businesses. The last thing you will want to do is change your business phone number. Not only will this increase marketing costs, as you will need to advertise your new number and update it on your website, but you can’t guarantee this information will pass on to all customers. Undoubtedly, changing your number can confuse customers and lose you sales.

Luckily, here is the good part, your existing business number is safe. All you need to do to keep your phone number is to port it in with your VoIP provider. To do this, you will need to speak with your current provider to discuss the process so that it goes smoothly with no disruption to your service.

VoIP Myth #4 VoIP Is Difficult to Set-Up

On the contrary, your VoIP system and new virtual landline number couldn’t be easier to set up and manage. While there are a lot of features to think about and to configure, to get your lines set up the way you want, this can all be done via your online portal or with the help of your business VoIP provider’s dedicated customer support team.

You can activate and begin using your virtual phone number instantly. If you purchase a VoIP handset or headset, this will be configured to your virtual phone number specifically, so that all you need to do is plug it in – no fuss required!

When it comes to configuring your settings for your virtual landline number, you can update these on your online portal. Work through the list of features such as call recording, multiple departments, voicemail email alerts, and redirects, to get them set up within minutes. Alternatively, if you would prefer our experienced customer support team at SwitchboardFREE to help get your settings the way you want, call us on 0203 189 1213.

VoIP Myth #5 Features Are Extra

With some VoIP providers, features such as on hold music, multiple departments, and ring groups may be charged extra. However, with SwitchboardFREE, you are not required to purchase a higher-tier package to access these features. While there are a few premium features on offer, most of our features are available to all customers and are included within their usual business VoIP package price.

Here is a break-down of some of the free features we have on offer:

• Bespoke Opening Times

• Call Queuing

• Time of Day Routing

• Multiple Departments (Auto Attendant)

• Call Redirects

• Custom Prompts

• Missed Call Alerts

• Voicemail to Email

• Contact Book

As our features are cloud-based, our customer support team can help set up these features remotely so that your business phone system is working the way you want, without any hassle.

You will, of course, have full access to your online portal to configure your settings yourself. But should you need any assistance, our team can be reached directly on 0203 189 1213 to help guide you.

VoIP Myth #6 VoIP Technology Is Too New

Did you know that most people use VoIP almost every day without realising? Skype and Zoom are two examples of VoIP systems. While many people consider VoIP to be ‘new technology’, it has been around for years.

More businesses are making the switch to VoIP every day, regardless of whether they are small or large enterprises. If you don’t want your business to become outdated, making the switch to VoIP is a vital step forward.

VoIP Myth #7 A Virtual Landline Number Won’t Save My Business Money

Not only are the costs associated with installing a traditional phone line eliminated, but your business will also save costs each month on every call made. Switching to VoIP with SwitchboardFREE can save your business a substantial amount of money every month when compared to traditional phone line costs.

Rather than pay for expensive phone line installations and equipment, with VoIP you simply pay a monthly rental with an allowance of inbound and/or outbound minutes.

Prices for SwitchboardFREE start as low as 99p. For more information on our VoIP phone packages and virtual phone numbers, please give us a call on 0203 189 1213. Alternatively, you can also reach an available customer support agent via our live chat or send us a callback request.