5 Keys to Finding a Virtual Number Provider
With the global pandemic impacting businesses for the last two years, it is no wonder that the growth of online companies and digital solutions boomed at a notable rate and will continue to do so for the next 5-9 years.
Today, the internet offers everything we want with a click of a button. All you have to do is find the best company, product, or service that suits you and your company’s needs. It works the same way with choosing a virtual number provider, which is a vital element of communication solutions for any business.
As a reseller, finding the right provider can mean the difference between offering great products and services or falling behind the competition. In this article, we’ll walk you through some of the reasons why a virtual number is preferred by most businesses and what to look for in your virtual number provider.
What is a Virtual Number?
A virtual number provider is a company that provides phone services that operate in the cloud–including virtual numbers themselves. These services let you converse with anyone who is also connected to the internet.
Virtual phone numbers are sometimes called “cloud telephony” because they are means of communication in the cloud or on the internet, and they aren’t bound to a fixed location. Virtual phone calls are part of the voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP) technology that facilitates forms of communication over Internet Protocol networks like the internet.
Virtual number providers offer companies, small or large, phone call services that use the web to effectively and reliably communicate. As a reseller, you are providing virtual phone numbers as a means to modernize communications and support a more diverse workforce that can no longer be tied to a desk phone.
Virtual vs. Traditional Phone Numbers
In the past, landlines were the only way to make calls. When people use traditional landlines, copper wire connects one phone to another. This requires a specific area code, and most traditional phone service providers charge extra for calls outside your locality.
Another requirement for a landline-connected phone number is a device set up for that specific number. While this device can be switched with a different device, it needs to be hardwired, so the location must stay the same. Any changes to this device that don’t involve merely adding a longer cord require a technician (and usually an accompanying invoice) to complete. Without these things, you will not be able to make a call.
Of course, all that has changed in recent years as we’ve moved to advanced communication methods, from mobile phones to VoIP technology.
Unlike traditional phone numbers, virtual numbers are not fixed in a certain location. They are flexible enough to be used from anywhere as long as there is a connection to the internet. Virtual numbers work with a VoIP desk phone, a cell phone, or a softphone.
This makes it more cost-efficient and provides more opportunities for businesses to scale up their communication processes–whether it’s adding virtual numbers as they grow or adding advanced features and new modes of communication.
Role of Virtual Numbers in a Business
With the rise of digital technology and remote work, it is evident that businesses now prefer virtual numbers for optimizing their communication strategies and for scaling their business. According to Global News Insights Report, the VoIP market was worth $30 billion in 2020, and it is set to grow to $97 billion by 2027. So why do businesses prefer “cloud” phone services instead of traditional ones? Here are some great reasons:
● Real-Time Collaboration
Teams can talk to both one another and their clients via their business number without needing to travel to their physical office. Using virtual numbers makes it easier for teams to seamlessly collaborate while allowing organizations to focus on other important functions like marketing, pitching proposals, after-sales, or other customer support activities.
● Flexibility
Because virtual numbers are cloud-based, businesses can enjoy utilizing these communication services from anywhere. With the onset of remote and hybrid working conditions since the beginning of the pandemic, companies switched to a more flexible way of conversing with customers via virtual numbers. This allows multi-device access–from cell phones, softphones or VoIP desk phones.
In addition, administrators can add and remove users or features with just a few clicks, allowing a business to quickly scale up or down in whatever way is needed, without requiring onsite support.
● Affordability
More and more businesses prefer using virtual phone numbers today due to their cost-effective nature. In fact, a virtual phone system allows calls from all over the world for free, and there aren’t any add-on fees. Virtual number providers offer data-center hosting and call-facilitating, which gives shared access among organization members.
Branches or sites from different areas can also be merged into one centralized communications system. With virtually no on-site equipment or hardwired lines for any physical location, the overhead costs that come with a multi-line phone system– as well as the maintenance involved– are drastically reduced.
● Additional Features
Hassle-free calls are not the only benefit made possible by shifting to cloud telephony. Virtual numbers can also give users access to other software features, such as Direct Inward Dialing (DID), which allows callers to get directly to an extension without the need for a receptionist or auto-attendant. By using a well-grounded virtual number provider with additional valuable features, employees become independent, self-motivated, and more productive, resulting in companies increasing their overall profit.
These are just a few of the reasons virtual numbers, the advanced technology that comes with them, and great virtual number providers are essential to today’s businesses. These are also the kind of reasons you’ll want to explain to your customers as they explore the options that you can offer them as a reseller. So what are some things to look for in a virtual number provider?
Related: SIP Phone Service: Does Your Business Need It?
5 Keys to Finding a Virtual Number Provider
With so many virtual number providers out there, it’s challenging to find a good one to partner with today. Here are five things to look for in a virtual number provider, not only for the direct benefit of your business but also so that you can offer the highest quality service to your customers.
Look for Excellence in Quality for Calls and Automation
A virtual provider must provide high-quality audio streaming suitable not only for team meetings but also for market pitching, client proposals, company webinars, and large-scale event presentations. Are your customers already using management applications and afraid that they will have to start again from scratch? Setting-up compatible virtual numbers with different platforms organizations are already working on allows business processes and workflow systems to integrate with the chosen virtual provider.
Consider Providers That Recognize Privacy
Look into the details of the multi-line management that your virtual number provider offers to separate personal with business calls. Maintaining privacy is one of the key features you’ll want to offer customers since many are not comfortable using their own personal number for business calls. Virtual numbers help keep in contact with business partners while keeping your linked personal number private.
Make sure your chosen provider monitors and gives transparency to logged calls to minimize, if not totally eliminate, unauthorized usage of cloud call services for fraudulent activities. The data privacy of customers should be protected as well.
Prioritize Convenience and Reliability
Another key to finding a great virtual number provider is establishing its practicality and soundness. Check aspects like easy access, usage, and installation. Back-ups like disaster recovery, data recording, and an uncomplicated process for call retrievals are important for a company as well because they’re a vital part of the contingency communication measures that your customers will want to have in place. As an IT solutions reseller, you also want a simplified application process that leads you directly to smooth-sailing sales and trouble-free acquisition of commission.
Look for Great Features That Support Calls
Virtual numbers are ideal for cloud-based offices or companies with a remote setup because they can remain fully operational despite not having a physical workplace. In finding a virtual number provider, look for a wide range of phone options, including a local or a toll-free number, access to both, or the option of multiple phone numbers, and determine all the features that you will be able to offer your customers.
Make Sure They Are ‘Customer-Centric’
Does the virtual number provider have 24/7 help support? Are they available to answer technical concerns and troubleshooting options without redirected calls? Is their customer service quick in responding and solving issues? If yes is the answer to all the questions above, this is a great sign that you may have found a good virtual phone number provider that is service-committed and capable of caring for their customers.
Related: 5 Tips To Picking The Right SIP Provider To Resell
Choose a Virtual Number Provider That Does the Job – and More
Experiencing smooth and flawless communication that influences productivity and profitability is a vital part of any business. Before you begin reselling VoIP calling to your customers, make sure you partner with a reputable virtual number provider that has all the features and support you and your clients need, including automated account creation and service provisioning, transparent commissions, and hands-off billing and tax services.
By looking for excellent quality calls and automation, recognizing the business’ privacy, prioritizing convenience and reliability, and making sure the provider goes the extra mile with features and customer care, you’re on your way to partnering with a great virtual number provider. Checking these boxes is a breeze with SIPTRUNK.SIPTRUNK is the leading virtual number wholesale provider that helps you offer and deploy these services to the end-user. It not only provides quality voice calls but also a wide range of features, including local number connectivity, various platform integrations, expert customer support, taxes and bill handling, fraud protection, the freedom for your customers to choose their own internet service provider for maximum returns, and more.
As an IT solutions reseller, all you have to do is sign up and get ready to sell in no time, with commissions directly transferred to you. Ready to partner with SIPTRUNK? Get started with the best virtual number provider today.