How To Identify If Your Business Is Ready For VoIP

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is becoming the go-to phone system for businesses of all sizes. Compared to legacy phone systems, VoIP provides a host of great benefits, so why isn’t everyone switching?

The truth is, many businesses may be ready and don’t even know it. If you’re unsure if your business is ready for VoIP, you’re in the right place. In this post, we’ll explore eight signs that you’re ready for VoIP.

Ready to make the leap? Hop on over to our list of the best VoIP business phone systems to go ahead and get started.

Signs Your Business Is Ready For VoIP

Most businesses will benefit from VoIP. However, there are some situations where it’s the right time to switch, and others where it may be time to pause before making the move.

Here are eight signs you’re ready for VoIP for business.

You Have High-Speed Internet

To be ready for VoIP, you have to make sure that your business is ready to support this technology.

Since VoIP relies on an internet connection to make and receive calls (as well as use other features), you’ll need to have a high speed internet connection (or be able to sign up with an ISP). Good internet service is critical to a reliable, stable VoIP phone system.

Your Current Phone Service Is Too Expensive

Even though the technology is outdated, traditional landlines that use copper wiring are actually more expensive than advanced VoIP phone systems.

Since the cost of maintaining this old infrastructure is so high, many carriers are abandoning these systems in favor of VoIP. Carriers that still offer this service have pretty steep pricing that is unlikely to drop in the future.

Despite being more advanced, VoIP phone systems are surprisingly affordable. If your current phone bill just seems too expensive, consider exploring VoIP and the many features it offers at a lower price.

You Have Issues Like Dropped Calls Or Poor Call Quality

Your business is ready for VoIP if your current phone system has call issues like dropped calls or poor call quality (think echoes or static).

As long as you have a stable internet connection, VoIP provides exceptional call quality.

Your Business Is Growing

One of the best things about VoIP phone systems are how scalable they are. Unlike the old-school systems, you don’t have to have a technician come to your physical location to add more lines or set up your service.

VoIP allows you to make these changes from your dashboard, by signing into your account, or simply contacting your provider. Lines or extensions can be added, plans can be upgraded to include more features, and your system can be configured quickly and easily with no on-site technician required.

Your Call Volume Is Increasing

Experiencing a seasonal uptick in calls? Launched a successful marketing campaign and your phone is ringing off the hook? If your call volume is increasing, it may be time to consider VoIP.

With VoIP’s mobility, you no longer have to worry about missing a call — just connect with your smartphone, tablet, or computer. There are also a variety of features, tools, and add-ons for streamlining processes to take the stress off of employees, while keeping customers happy — which brings us to our next point.

You Want To Improve Customer Satisfaction

Are your employees missing calls when they step away from their desks? Are new hires struggling to connect with your customers? Have you had complaints about long hold times?

If so, you’re ready for a VoIP phone system. There are lots of VoIP features that can help improve customer satisfaction, including interactive voice response (IVR) menus to provide important information, call routing, and music-on-hold.

The mobility of VoIP makes it easy to never miss a call, as you can use your desk phone, cell phone, or computer. And you can even boost training with features like call listening and call barging.

You’re Not Locked Into A Contract With Your Carrier

If you’re not locked into a long-term contract and you’re unsatisfied with your current phone carrier, it’s a good time to switch to VoIP.

However, if you are still in a contract, just be aware that you could potentially face hundreds of dollars in early termination fees.

If you feel the long-term savings of VoIP is worth getting slapped with ETFs, you can make the switch. However, you can avoid this expense by simply switching after your contract ends.

Your Business Would Benefit From Unified Communications

Haven’t heard of Unified Communications (UC)? It’s a pretty simply concept: integrating various communication tools on one platform.

VoIP has made this easier than ever. Not only will you be able to send and receive calls, but some providers offer great tools for communicating with employees and customers.

Options include instant messaging, business SMS and MMS messaging, social media management, paging systems, broadcasts and alerts, and more — all by using VoIP.

The Bottom Line On Switching To VoIP

While there are some exceptions, most businesses are ready for VoIP phone systems. Existing contracts, lack of stable internet, and businesses that don’t need a phone system may need to do some more research before taking on VoIP.

Even if you are ready, it’s still important to take the time to find the right provider. Know what to look for in a VoIP provider, compare pricing plans and features, and take advantage of any free trials or demos to find the best VoIP solution for your business.