If you go to the NUMedia Marketing website, one of the first things you will see is a statement that drives our process. We really believe that “first impressions count.” Because of that, when we look at the branding and marketing needs of our clients, we look at everything about the business.
No one knows where that first encounter will happen – online at a website, face-to-face in person, over the phone, through an article or interview, or through social media. Every aspect of your business needs to reflect your brand and relate the message you wish to send.
That’s a lot to talk about. But today, let’s talk about one aspect that not many business owners really see as an element of their branding: phones.
You might be asking what phones have to do with branding. There are many ways that phones come into play:
- It might sound a little snobbish, but the phone you carry makes a difference. Your cell phone doesn’t have to be the latest, newest model, but if you are using a flip phone, prospects might question whether you are up-to-date enough with technology to be able to provide the service or product they need from you.
- If it is a problem to communicate with you via phone, prospects or clients may see red flags waving. If you often have problems such as it being difficult to hear or understand, experiencing frequently dropped calls, or not being able to leave a voice message, frustrated callers might just give up.
- The greeting someone gets when the phone is answered makes a difference. Are your phones answered in a routine and professional manner? Or, is there a rude “what?” or generic “hello?” The impression of your business begins immediately when the phone is answered.
- Likewise, if the call is not answered, and is referred to voicemail, what is the message the caller hears?
Some of the problems small business owners have with phones and phone use is process development such as a standard greeting or message protocol, but another part of it is the actual phone system and equipment.
The blending of technology and business branding
It was exactly for these reasons that NuMedia Marketing includes VoIP phone systems in the services we offer. Blending the traditional or conventional business practices with new technology is a strategy that is woven throughout everything we do.
A VoIP phone system may not be the best solution for all businesses, but for many it is good for business. With that in mind, we want to provide some information to give you some insight into what it is, how it works, and how it can be worthy of your consideration.
What is VoIP and how does it work?
VoIP is short for Voice over Internet Protocol. With a combination of hardware and software, people are able to use the internet as the medium for telephone calls. Technically, in VoIP, the voce data is sent in IP packets over the internet rather than the traditional PSTN (public switched telephone network).
With VoIP, analog calls are converted into packets of IP data. Just like email, it is transmitted over the internet and the caller can call either analog (PSTN) landlines or cell phones. Examples of this process are Skype or Facetime.
While you might not be able to tell whether an office is using a conventional phone system or a VoIP phone system at first glance, there are several differences that make it notable.
Benefits of a VoIP phone system
As I said, you might not be able to tell VoIP drives a phone system at first glance. The reason for that is that there is a phone set station on desks. The phones look very similar outwardly, but include technology that is compatible with an internet application.
That being said, businesses benefit in three primary areas when they choose a VoIP phone system over a conventional phone system.
Cost Savings – There are several ways that businesses save money with a VoIP phone system.
- There are no phone lines or cabling needed, which saves installation and maintenance costs.
- Depending on which of the many studies you read, “compared to using a PSTN line, using VoIP can potentially make you save up to 40 % on local calls, and up to 90 % on international calls.” (source: Lifewire).
- Long distance calls are cheaper than traditional phone line calls.
- The actual cost of the system is significantly less. In many instances, the monthly cost for a VoIP phone system can be as much as 50% less than a conventional phone system, not to mention hundreds of dollars saved on set-up fees and extra charges for features that come standard with VoIP.
Flexibility and Mobility – The advanced technology in a VoIP phone system creates flexibility that was never before possible with business land lines.
- VoIP can be used over wireless networks like Wi-fi.
- Software for email, efax, and remote conferencing can be integrated into the system.
- Auto-attendant features are available to automate call routing.
- Adapters make it possible to take the service anywhere there is adequate internet service. That means it can go with you when you travel or in a home office.
- When relocating the business or moving to a new location, the equipment just goes with you and is functional right away after internet service is established. There are no cables to run or installation of other equipment.
- Call forwarding options means that VoIP phone systems continue to work if the internet goes down.
Increased Productivity – A VoIP system provides time-saving benefits as well as streamlines meetings and office processes.
- Headsets make VoIP phone systems easy to use.
- Users can attach documents and send information at the same time a conversation is being held.
- Users can conduct virtual meetings and share data via video conferencing.
- More than two people can participate in conference calls or virtual meetings at one time.
- Users can forward messages and voicemail to a variety or people with a click.
- Loss of power, weather or glitches in internet service does not mean you lose VoIP phone service since forwarding protocols can be put in place that forwards calls to mobile devices.
VoIP phone systems can bring many benefits to small businesses. And all those benefits provide a basis for you to present a consistent, reliable, and positive impression to your clients and prospects.
Branding, marketing, and technology; NuMedia Marketing is where you get the help to put it all together to make your business better and more successful.
Contact us today at 317.563.7235 to learn more about VoIP phone systems or how we can help you create the impression and message you want for your business.