What Is Sequential Forwarding?
Sequential Forwarding, also known as sequential ringing, is an efficient system used to deliver a call down a list of predetermined phone numbers if the first number doesn’t answer it. The benefit of sequential forwarding is the assurance that every call is acknowledged and answered. If an attendant is already on the phone or away from their desk, the call is simply forwarded to the next available attendant. This helps to minimize the ratio of unanswered calls.
How Does Sequential Forwarding Work?
When a customer dials your business number, the call first rings on your primary line for a set duration. If unanswered, it seamlessly forwards to the next number on your list—this can be an office line, mobile, or another team member. The process continues until the call is answered or reaches voicemail.
With Global Call Forwarding, businesses can set up up to four backup numbers in sequence so that calls never go unanswered. You can customize the number of rings per device before moving to the next, and even keep callers engaged with audio menus while the system routes their call. If the call is never answered you have the option to send it to voicemail.
Benefits of Sequential Forwarding
Businesses of all sizes gain value from sequential forwarding:
- Never Miss an Opportunity: Reduce missed calls and improve responsiveness.
- Better Customer Experience: Keep callers connected and engaged instead of leaving them on hold.
- Global Coverage: Route calls between offices across different time zones.
- Flexibility for Small Teams: Forward calls to office, home, or mobile numbers in any order you choose.
- Improved Call Management: Ensure urgent calls reach the right person, even outside standard business hours.
How Teams Can Use Sequential Forwarding
Sequential forwarding isn’t helpful only to support teams, but for any team relying on or catering to inbound calls. Here are some ways teams can use this feature:
Global Sales Teams — Forward calls across international offices to ensure customers always reach a live representative.
Customer Support Centers — Balance call volume between multiple agents and reduce wait times.
Remote & Hybrid Workforces — Route calls to employees’ mobile devices if they are away from their desks.
Small Businesses — Ensure calls follow the owner or manager throughout the day—home, office, or mobile.
Healthcare & Professional Services — Guarantee that urgent client or patient calls are answered promptly, even after hours.
How to Get Sequential Ringing to Your Virtual Number?
Sequential ringing is an included free feature with virtual numbers from Global Call Forwarding. After your number is activated, you can set up all of the necessary details for using sequential ring through the control panel after logging into your account.
Click for step-by-step instructions.
Start Reducing Missed Calls with Sequential Forwarding
Global Call Forwarding makes it simple to keep your business accessible, responsive, and reliable. Whether you’re managing a global call center or a growing small business, Sequential Forwarding helps you stay connected to your customers—anytime, anywhere. Request a demo or speak with one of our specialists to see how Sequential Forwarding can improve your call management today.
