Considering getting virtual phone numbers for your business but want to make sure it is the right decision? Here we will look at what exactly virtual numbers are and how they work. Furthermore, we will explain why more and more companies are switching to virtual or hosted phone numbers for their business contact numbers. All of this information should help you make an informed decision.
What are Virtual Phone Numbers?
Virtual phone numbers, or cloud-based numbers, are business telephone numbers that work virtually. These numbers use number hosting and route calls over the internet instead of a traditional telephone line. But how do they do so?
A virtual number provider like Global Call Forwarding uses voice over internet protocol (VoIP) technology that enables voice and video transmission over a stable internet connection. This, therefore, lets users make and receive calls through their internet connection and on any device: smartphone, laptop, desk phone, etc.
What is even more important is that these numbers enable a business to connect with markets and contacts beyond their immediate location. Because communication occurs over “the cloud,” you are not limited to do business with only your city or state. You can, in fact, get local and toll free numbers for different countries, plus their states and cities as well. And this will help you tap into those markets.
Types of Virtual Numbers
There are a few different types of virtual phone numbers offered by cloud-based providers. Global Call Forwarding provides virtual business numbers for more than 160 countries across the world. With us, you can easily purchase and set up:
Toll free numbers:
Calls made to these numbers are charged to the receiver and not the caller. Therefore, you can encourage callers for specific countries to connect with your business, irrespective of its location, free of charge.
Local numbers:
These numbers have specific local area or geographic codes, making them unique to the city or state they are assigned to. These codes are recognized by locals, who are more willing to call or answer calls with a familiar number rather than an unknown one.
Vanity numbers:
These are numbers created with repetition, patterns, or alphabetic letters to produce a number that is easy to recognize and remember. Popular examples include 1800-FLOWERS or 1800-TAXI-CAB.
Advantages of Virtual Numbers for Business
Virtual phone numbers for business give you the opportunity to expand your reach and add new international customer bases. All without having to relocate or open new offices. Create and operate a virtual office and stay connected through virtual lines. Companies with remote or traveling employees can also benefit from such a phone system.
Email, social media, and other communication channels make long-distance communication easy. However, nothing beats real-time phone conversations, if not in-person conversations. And so, for most customers, being able to call and connect with your business immediately is preferable to waiting for a reply to an email. Hosted numbers will make you accessible to clients and customers in neighboring countries, cities, and states, increasing your customer service efforts and elevating customer satisfaction rates.
Access to Advanced and Premium Communication Features
Most businesses are switching to virtual numbers not only for its affordability and convenience but also for the variety of services that come along with them. Global Call Forwarding offers these virtual communication features:
- Call Forwarding
- Call Recording software
- Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
- Unlimited Extensions
- Call Tracking
- Outbound Calling (with customizable caller ID)
- Inbound SMS Plan, and more
How to Get Virtual Phone Numbers
To get virtual phone numbers from Global Call Forwarding, follow these steps:
1) Navigate to our homepage: https://www.globalcallforwarding.com
2) On the top left-hand side, select your new number. Choose which country you want your number for and the number type you desire: national, geographic, toll free, toll free vanity, or universal toll free.
3) Select a number from the options available.
4) On the right-hand side, enter the information for the number where you want incoming calls to be forwarded.
5) View rates and pick one of our 5 plans based on the amount of calling minutes you need.
6) Choose from our additional premium services and add them to your plan.
7) Finalize your purchase, complete your payment, and wait for a confirmation from customer service.
8) Activate your number and get calling.
Need more information? Call us at 1 (888) 908 6171 or talk to an expert today to learn how business hosted phone numbers can benefit your company.