Big Benefits of Cloud-Based Phone Systems for Small Businesses

As a business owner/manager, your shoulders carry the weight of whether or not your business succeeds. The big and little decisions you make can greatly affect your bottom line. Something as simple as how your business communicates with customers and colleagues can make a big difference to your business. A cloud-based phone system may be just what your company needs to go to the next level. How can a cloud-based phone system for small business help?  

Why Cloud-Based Phone Systems for Small Business?

There are several reasons why owners are making the switch to cloud-based phone systems for small business. For example, traditional phone services are delivered over copper wires and have become antiquated. Service is not always reliable with a POTS (plain old telephone system) and requires regular maintenance. Hidden fees and costs are common with a traditional phone line.  

However, cloud-based phone systems for small businesses function through the internet. Due to the delivery of the service, cloud-based phone systems are very reliable, even during power outages. With just a simple to understand, low monthly cost, your small business can reap the benefits of utilizing a cloud-based phone system for small businesses.

Types of Cloud-Based Phone Systems for Small Business

One size does not fit all when it comes to cloud-based phone systems for small businesses. The different solutions offered means that you have a choice as to which cloud-based phone system would work best for your company.  

Hosted PBX systems have many more functions and features than the traditional phone lines (see features list below). While hosted PBX may have enough features for some businesses, you may want more from your communications solution. This is where unified communications, or UC, comes in. UC brings much more functionality than any other option to your communications system.

Beneficial Cloud-Based Phone Features for Small Businesses

Both hosted PBX and UC create a more efficient work environment, improving day-to-day business operations. How do they do that, you may ask? Through their features and functions. Keep in mind that UC has all the features mentioned in the hosted PBX section below plus all the features in the UC section.  

Hosted PBX

If you are wary about making the transition from a traditional phone service to an internet-based service, hosted PBX may be the route you should take. As hosted PBX is most closely aligned with traditional services.  

With hosted PBX, you will of course have all voice capabilities associated with POTS. This includes call capabilities, voicemail, call hold, forwarding, and the option to have several telephone lines. However, hosted PBX also gives you an administrative portal. Through this portal, you can set call rules and find out about your business’ call analytics, among other things. Features like auto attendants, voicemail to text, call recording, soft phone capabilities, and more are available on hosted PBX systems as well.

Unified Communications

Unified communications keeps all the voice features of hosted PBX and includes so much more. The three major parts to UC include voice, video, and messaging.  

Voice features include everything from hosted PBX to call center capabilities. Video allows collaboration to take place from miles apart. Think video chat, webinars, and video calling rolled into one. With UC, workers can screen share, file share, chat, record, and archive all through a single platform.  

Messaging is also very important to a unified communications solution. Not only does messaging take out the wait time between coworkers (yes to no more waiting on emails!), but you can also utilize messaging for customers. Many businesses are now using messaging capabilities for scheduling, reminders, special discounts, loyalty programs and announcements.  

You may be worried about integrations with your current contracted solutions. Well, have no fear. Hosted PBX and UC have built in integration software that allows you to continue to use your billing, customer support, and task management software.

Customer satisfaction

Customer satisfaction can make or break your business. Putting the customer first and meeting their needs will grow your business. One of the easiest ways to improve customer experience is through improved communications. While using a cloud-based phone system for small business, your company will work more effectively and efficiently, allowing your employees to better accommodate your customers.

As your customers’ experience improves, so will your reputation. This is how upgrading your phone system can lead to improved guest relations, improved word of mouth, and an improved bottom line.

Are You Ready for Big Benefits?  

If you are ready to take your business to the next level with a new cloud-based phone system, Tierzero is here for you. We offer both hosted PBX and unified communications. Our highly qualified technicians are ready and waiting to help you with any questions you may have.

Schedule a call with us today to learn more about how we can help improve your business communications.  

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