Did you know, that the new digital tools can improve your business’ workflow. With VoIP you can achieve just that. VoIP helps you integrate voice with other channels. So, the question is, how do you switch to VoIP? For everything you need to know about VoIP, get in touch with Savincom.
To switch from a traditional phone line to VoIP, you’ll need to get in touch with a VoIP provider. To make the switch, you’ll just need an internet connection good enough to support it. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive walkthrough, this step-by-step guide will give you everything you need to know.
How to switch to VoIP in following steps:
- Test if Your Internet Connection is Good Enough for VoIP
- Prepare Your Network Infrastructure
- Find the Right VoIP Provider
- Take Advantage of Advanced Business Phone Features
- Choose Your VoIP Hardware
- Train Your Staff
- Install a VoIP Phone System
- Save up to 90% on International Calling Costs
Don’t jump into switching to a VoIP without the right infrastructure or training in place. It all begins with a plan.
1) Test if Your Internet Connection is Good Enough for VoIP
A fast and stable internet connection is the key to a good VoIP system. With VoIP, the voice data goes over to the internet and therefore a good internet network is of great importance. If your current internet isn’t fast enough, you need to upgrade it before switching to VoIP.
2) Prepare Your Network Infrastructure
Larger offices might need several switches and a Virtual LAN (VLAN) configuration. A VLAN is intended to intelligently segment the network by MAC addresses in an organized, strategic way. This improves VoIP device performance by lowering network congestion.
3) Find the Right VoIP Provider
Most small businesses aren’t prepared to spend a lot of money just to get started with VoIP. With a Virtual PBX solution, you won’t have to.
That doesn’t mean that you can choose any company and experience overnight success. Great internet service, the perfect network, and top-of-the-line phones don’t necessarily guarantee better call quality. The data centres of your VoIP provider are a vital factor.
4) Take Advantage of Advanced Business Phone Features
Once you’ve decided on a provider, you should implement essential business phone features. Without these features, your new VoIP phone system might only make or receive phone calls.
Auto Attendant
An auto attendant is the foundation of the modern contact center. Customers that call your business are always guided to the right department by using numbers on their phone’s dial pad. Now, smaller businesses get this functionality built into their company’s phone service.
IVR (Interactive Voice Response)
IVR, or interactive voice response, is a telephone menu that helps companies to route incoming calls. Caller input is based on speech recognition. Based on this input, the IVR routes them to the appropriate number or representative.
Automatic Call Forwarding When Busy
Sometimes two customers call at the same time. With automatic call forwarding, you ensure that VIP clients never have to wait.
Call Queuing
Customers hate busy signals more than hold music or ring back tones. If they can’t reach your customer service, they might give up on trying. Call queuing always keeps your line open, and lets callers wait for their turn.
Conference Bridge
One of the advantages of a VoIP system is the ability to host conference calls for free. This eliminates long-distance calling expenses and improves collaboration. Before you can use conference calling, you have to set up a conference bridge.
Extension Dialling
With extensions, you can create a unique number for every agent or team in your business. Your customers can call the right department directly when they call your main line, or toll-free number.
It’s crucial to set up extensions when going live so employees can easily transfer calls. Plus, customers can fast-track their way to the right staff when they call.
Voicemail Forwarding
Voicemails left on VoIP phones are saved on servers hosted in the cloud. You can access them from anywhere.
Keep Your Existing Number with Number Porting
Porting a number means you can keep the same phone number you used with your analog phones. Your customers won’t get confused or frustrated by calling the old one. Keep your local number and keep your customers happy.
5) Choose Your VoIP Hardware
The next step is figuring out which VoIP hardware will be the best option for your office. You can even use apps to handle calls from your computer, smartphone, or any other mobile device.
6) Train Your Staff
Before you announce the date and make the switch to VoIP, run a training program. Educate key staff members.
7) Install Your VoIP Phone System
It’s now time to move to the installation. The complexity differs from business to business. It also depends on the hardware setup you choose. For SMBs, it could be as simple as plugging in a few phones at the office. For a larger office with multiple switches, it can be a project for several people.
8) Save up to 90% on International Calling Costs
Your business phone bill is a significant expense for many small businesses. Phone companies charge high premiums for extra features that companies need. Once you’ve switched to VoIP, this cost will plummet.
If you are a company, looking to upgrade your phone system to VoIP, please get in touch with Savincom. We work with leading VoIP providers like Vodafone One net, Gamma Horizon, CallSwitch by TelcoSwitch and 8x8.. Click here and one of team members will get in touch with you soon.
