What Is a Virtual Phone Number and How Does It Work?

Virtual phone number for small business

It’s no secret that customers don’t want to be sitting on hold for hours on end. In fact, most customers will hang up if they don’t speak to a live person within 11 minutes.

Even with social media and live chat options, phone calls are still at an all-time high. It’s not something that you can write off when thinking about how customers can communicate with your business.

The old ways of using a regular telephone number just aren’t cutting it anymore. But the good news is that there’s a new player that can make phone communication easy.

What is a Virtual Phone Number?

A virtual phone number is a phone number that offers complete flexibility. It connects your calls through the internet.

Essentially, it’s a phone number that doesn’t require the use of telephone lines. With a virtual number, you don’t have to buy anything special. You simply use the hardware you already have and the number is forwarded to your device. You can also make outgoing calls from the number.

How Does a Virtual Phone Number Work?

A virtual phone number can do everything that a regular phone number can do. The difference is that it offers much more flexibility than your traditional phone number.

 

A virtual US phone number can be much more flexible and easy to use. Your number isn’t fixed to an address and you can customize it the way you want.

The virtual phone number doesn’t require the use of phone lines. Instead, calls are made over the internet.

That means that all you need to get up and running is a mobile device or computer and a reliable internet connection or mobile data.

If you have a device that you no longer want the phone number to forward to, then you can easily remove it. You have complete control over the system.

With these positive differences, it’s easy to see why so many businesses are making the switch. A virtual phone number can make running your business much easier.

Why Should I Get A Virtual Phone Number?

There are so many benefits to a virtual phone number that traditional numbers just can’t provide. It can be a great option for all businesses, whether you work within the office or from home.

The control you have is great, but here are other reasons that virtual phone numbers can benefit you.

No Location Restrictions

Do you conduct your business worldwide? Do customers from around the globe need to contact your business by phone?

If so, virtual phone numbers can be especially beneficial for you.

These numbers can be used from anywhere around the world with no extra charges. If your office is in one state, but you want to focus on receiving customer calls from another, you can do so easily.

You can use any area code without hassle with a virtual phone number.

The same can be said for international calls. If you’d prefer a toll-free number can get one as well.

No matter where your calls are coming from, you can rely on a virtual phone number to get it done.

Calls Can Be Answered From Anywhere

As long as you have a reliable connection, you can answer calls on your device.

If you’re a busy small business owner, this can really benefit you. You don’t have to be in the office to receive your important calls.

If you’re in another country and have access to hotel Wi-Fi, you can receive your calls with no extra charges.

It’s also perfect for offices that have virtual or work-from-home employees. As long as they have a Wi-Fi connection, they’ll be able to receive and call outbound as well.

Use Almost Any Device

While it’s true that you won’t have to buy new hardware for your virtual phone number, you do need to have it already. More than 5 billion people have cell phones, so you likely already have what you need.

However, you can also use the number on other devices as well. You can use them on your cell phone, home phone, or even on your computer. This offers complete flexibility when it comes to using your virtual phone number.

Keep Your Current Number

Sometimes, it’s possible to port your current phone number. This would allow you to use the same number without changing it.

You can often do this with your virtual phone number as well.

It Has Many Functions

When you have a traditional phone number, you can only do a few things with it. You’re typically limited to phone calls and text messages.

A virtual phone number can provide you with many other services that a traditional phone number can’t.

This includes your typical text messaging and phone calls, but it can also allow you to accept faxes and set-up a voicemail.

This is what makes these numbers so useful, especially when it comes to running your business.

Looking to Get a Virtual Phone Number for Your Business?

Virtual phone numbers can be helpful to your business in many ways. If you need flexibility for yourself or your employees, it can be one of the best ways to do this.

At Phone.com, we make it easy to get started with a virtual phone number. Take your customer service to the next level by answering phone calls wherever you are.

If you’re looking to get started, give us a call today!

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Amber Newman
Amber Newman is a digital marketer with twenty years of experience in the business communications industry. She is passionate about helping small businesses use the latest technology to succeed.