Traditional landlines are becoming obsolete, and you barely see a telephone set in homes now. Although people have switched to mobile phones for personal use, businesses need landline numbers. Virtual phone numbers have become a popular choice for many companies.
If you are wondering what virtual phones are and how they work, hang in there. This article will cover everything you need to know about virtual phone numbers.
What is a virtual phone number?
A virtual phone number is not tied to a particular physical location. You can choose to make the call, receive calls or send text messages to cell phones, desk phones, or softphones. The best part is that these phones can be in any part of the world, and you can receive calls from anywhere. This model makes these phones ideal for businesses that are not limited to a single office or have operators working from various locations.
These numbers are also called online numbers, as all you need to connect is a device with internet access. Virtual numbers cannot be traced easily and provide businesses with an added layer of anonymity while connecting them to their customers.
How do virtual numbers work?
To set up a virtual number, you need an existing number. Once you have paired both numbers, you will have cloud storage and require an internet connection to make and receive calls. This number works in the same format as WhatsApp calls or Messenger.
Additionally, this number can be linked to multiple devices at one time. If you are in an office, you can route the calls to your landline and switch to a mobile phone when traveling. This ability to have multiple platforms for receiving calls keeps you connected to people regardless of where you are.
What’s the difference between virtual phone numbers and traditional numbers?
Unlike traditional phones, virtual numbers are not limited to geographical boundaries. These numbers can be operated at any time, in any part of the world. Moreover, these numbers do not require a specific device, which is a prerequisite for traditional numbers. You can operate virtual numbers on multiple devices without spending extra money on a particular device.
Traditional phone numbers can be traced back to the person, something you may not want for your business dealings. A virtual number can be operated from your smartphone without personal details. A virtual number can route calls automatically anywhere, which is not easily possible using traditional numbers.
Virtual Phone Numbers
- Can be used anywhere in the world
- Can be used on almost any device
- Can be set up to route calls to other devices or other numbers automatically
- Allows you to use your personal smartphone without giving out your own number
- Requires no hardware – low-cost and versatile
- Can be routed globally to reach available personnel, 24/7
Traditional Phone Numbers
- Tied to a specific geographical location
- Tied to a specific device
- Call routing options are limited
- You can use your personal number but there’s no way to separate business and personal
- Requires expensive hardware for each new phone number
- Global routing options limited
Why switch to virtual phone numbers?
Are you wondering if you need a virtual phone number? Here are a few benefits that make virtual numbers an attractive alternative for various businesses.
Save up on Cost
Your phone bill tends to spike high when running a business requiring customer interaction. This can be a problem for budding companies who work on a limited budget. It also becomes a problem when startups expand and need expensive hardware for customer interaction. A virtual number provides a toll-free calling option, meaning people can call from anywhere in the world without any extra charges. Moreover, it also means you don’t have to pay additional charges to your local number provider for international calls or buy packages for communication.
Your preference in choosing a number
Virtual number providers give you the liberty to have a number of your choice. This means you can choose any area code based on your customers. Your team can be operating in any part of the world, but their area code can match the customers. This makes you accessible to your customers as they are more likely to receive an incoming call with a local area code.
Increased customer satisfaction
Virtual numbers keep you connected to your customers around the clock. These numbers are linked to multiple devices simultaneously, and all receive alerts for incoming calls. This limits the chances of missing calls or making customers wait. You are not just connected to your customers but also to your team members that can work together promptly using these numbers.
Additionally, some virtual number companies provide an auto attendant facility that allows the customer to choose the right person on the team for their query. All these factors help you address customers’ concerns in a better way, improving their satisfaction.
Maintain privacy
You may not be comfortable using your number for business interaction. Virtual numbers allow you to maintain anonymity as your location or demographics are not used. Moreover, you can use this number to verify apps without compromising your identity or personal information.
Build a global team
Virtual numbers are an excellent resource for companies that encourage work from home. Your employees can stay connected to the team from any part of the world through the cloud. These numbers also help you continue business activities while traveling, as geographic boundaries do not bind them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get a virtual phone number?
You can get virtual numbers through multiple sources. Firstly, you must sign up for a voice-over-internet protocol provider (VOIP). Various providers are available, and you can choose one that offers the best package for your personal or business use.
Can I get a virtual Phone number for free?
Yes, Google Voice provides free virtual numbers to anyone with a Google account. However, free virtual numbers are not ideal for business use as they provide limited features like no extensions, no text message facility, and few calling minutes. A paid virtual number service (Like ViOTP) often comes with more perks regarding usage and security.
This is a service where companies give virtual numbers, especially for receiving one-time passwords through text messages. This works well if you want an app or an online transaction verification.
Are virtual numbers safe to use?
Virtual numbers are safe to use as they do not reveal your location to the receiver. Apart from requiring your number for setting up, your personal information is never needed.
Can I use my traditional number as a virtual number?
Yes, you can easily convert your traditional number to a virtual number. If you wish to create a new number, that is also possible.
What are the uses of a virtual number?
You can use your virtual number to make and receive calls and messages. You can also add extensions to this number like you would to a traditional number for different departments of your company. Some companies like ViOTP provide phone numbers to receive one-time passwords on text messages.
Ready to have your virtual number?
Virtual numbers are an excellent alternative to a global presence in today’s business environment. If you are looking for a reliable service provider, VIOTP is a great company that offers packages that will benefit you for your personal and business use. They specialize in providing numbers not only for phone calls but also for text messages to receive OTP. To get more information about their setup, get in touch today
