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Category: Learn

What Is ISDN? The Integrated Services Digital Network Explained

Posted on by Nadine Sampson

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic#27766347 ID#27446420

Want to establish an effective and easy-to-use business phone system? Here is an in-depth post about Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), how it works, major benefits for business uses, and viable alternatives.

Integrated Services Digital Network Explained

Integrated services digital network or ISDN is a telephone network system. ISDN uses circuit switches to send and receive voice and data through a digital copper line. This phone system was created to replace old landline technology and make it more digital. By doing so, ISDN provides better speed and transmission quality.

How Does ISDN Work?

When users do not have access to a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) or cable modem connections, then ISDN is the best solution for high-speed internet. To set up ISDN, you will have to work with your ISP and have a working POTS line and phone number.

ISDN vs PSTN vs DSL

When discussing phone-internet services, you will come across a variety of terms such as ISDN, PSTN, POTS, DSL, etc. So, let’s discuss and define some related terms and how they work.

A public switched telephone network is a phone network that uses fixed lines with copper wires to connect users. While the phone network service is almost entirely digital now, the signal transmitted from one user to the next is still analog. Common PSTN features include:

  • Line hunting
  • Voicemail storage
  • Fax line
  • Custom messages
  • Caller ID

ISDN works as an integrated service. In other words, it is used to transmit voice, video, data, and other unified communications between users. By adopting ISDN, users (businesses) do not have to purchase, install, and manage multiple PSTNs. Common ISDN features include:

  • Multiple numbers in a block
  • Extensions and DID numbers assigned to individuals or departments
  • Line hunting

DSL takes ISDN to the next level by digitizing the system. And by doing so, it transmits data quickly and with better quality. But how does it do so? ISDN is a dial-up service that works through one line whereas DSL is always connected and does not need to be dialed to work. This results in DSL sending packets at a speed of up to 100Mbps, while ISDN slows down after 128Kbps.

4 Major Benefits of ISDN

So, why should businesses opt for ISDN and what benefits can they expect from this service? Here are four major advantages of an ISDN connection:

  • ISDN offers better quality and faster data transmission. By doing so, it provides a higher data transfer rate.
  • Allows for multiple data transmissions simultaneously.
  • Users can access multiple digital services through the same copper wire.
  • Users can operate multiple devices (phones, computers, fax machines, credit card readers, etc.) through the same line.

what is isdn

ISDN Alternative: VoIP

While ISDN seems like an effective business communication service, it is not the most cost-effective option out there. A popular alternative to ISDN is voice over IP. A VoIP phone system converts audio signals into digital signals and transmits them from one user to the next through an internet connection.

By doing so, VoIP lets users make and receive calls without the need of a physical telephone line. Additionally, users can operate this service from any location and through any device of their choosing, making business communications more reliable and accessible. Benefits of using a VoIP phone system include:

1. Cost-effectiveness: A landline phone system costs about $50 for a line that can only call local and domestic numbers. VoIP, on the other hand, gives users access to local numbers and international toll free numbers, and more for low, bundled prices.

2. Features: Gain access to a variety of advanced virtual communication tools such as:

    1. International call forwarding
    2. Extensions for different departments
    3. Creative and effective call management tools
    4. Outbound calling with a dynamic caller ID
    5. Call recording
    6. Call analytics

3. Accessibility and Flexibility: Be available and accessible from any location and device. Make remote working possible and accountable by using a reliable phone system.

4. Scalability: Grow and expand your business phone system as and when needed. Installing new VoIP lines does not mean installing a new connection but acts more like getting a new username which can quickly be connected to a device.

Want to Learn More?

Our telecom experts can help you understand the different types of phone communication services and features available. Furthermore, you can identify which services and tools can boost your specific business’ image and customer relations. Call us today or chat with us online to learn more about the options ahead!

5 Unified Communications Trends You Need to Know in 2024

Posted on by Beny Mouen

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic#12035840 ID#27446420

Every year, businesses need to check themselves and see how they stack up against not just competition, but market trends. This is where unified communications trends of 2024 come in. How can businesses continue to improve their communication system and, by extension, maintain productivity and manage remote teams?

Unified Communications Trends: 2024

The unified communications trends for 2024 seem to focus not only on increased productivity, advanced technology, and better customer service but also on ways to improve employees’ experience and team collaboration. Read on for the top UC trends for 2024 that businesses should keep in mind.

1. Adoption of UCaaS

One of the top UC trends is the growing adoption of UCaaS. Large companies and enterprises are investing in unified communications as a service as a business communication system. This is because UCaaS consolidates major communications channels and platforms such as voice, video, SMS, and email in the cloud. And by combining all of these applications and channels in one place, UCaaS boasts a cost-effective and organized business phone system.

2. Rising Presence of AI

As can be seen with most industries, artificial intelligence (AI) is slowly expanding and making its way in major processes. Telecom and business communication is no stranger to AI. However, a growing unified communications trend sees AI becoming a more common tool. Think: virtual chatbots, virtual assistants, integrated services, and more. The implementation of AI resonates with the goal of using technology to improve productivity and collaboration and achieve faster and more accurate results.

3. More Cloud Solutions

Cloud communication solutions continue to be on the list of UC trends. And this is simply because cloud computing and storage have been in great demand and used by almost every business. According to a 2019 study conducted by Nemertes, about 67% of companies are currently using some part of their UC cloud solution while a third of those companies are using their UC cloud solution to the fullest extent. Because of this, UC providers are looking at partnerships, affiliations, and integrations that enable users to take advantage of more comprehensive cloud solutions.

4. Rise of Global SIP

As businesses across the world are renewing and improving their global communication systems, it is important for your company to stay ahead of the game. Global SIP gives multinational businesses the ability to expand with ease and reduce communication-related costs. With SIP trunking from VoIP providers, your business can place focus on voice network infrastructure, offer multichannel and multimedia support, and have access to centralized cloud communications.

5. Focus on EX as well as CX

While most UC trends are focused on improving customer experience (CX), in 2024, focus has shifted to employee experience (EX). Improved EX directly leads to enhanced CX, which at the end of the day should be every business’ goal. Unified communications can help employees become more efficient; efficient employees reduce costs and increase customer satisfaction.

Switching to UC for Business

Unified communications can vastly improve your business’ productivity while ensuring it stays in the game with advanced telecom technology. Find out how United World Telecom can help your business; speak with one of our experts today!

Why VoIP is a Good Fit for Distributed Teams

Posted on by Miguel Isabal

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic#44591887 ID#27446420

Need a business communication solution for distributed teams and remote working? Voice over IP or a VoIP phone system can be a great fit for your distributed teams. It can help to ensure your teams stay connected and productive even when they work remotely.

4 Ways VoIP Can Benefit Your Distributed Teams

A VoIP phone system ensures business connectivity over the internet, enabling users to connect from any location and any device. This makes it a good fit for distributed teams and remote workers. Read on for the top 4 benefits of using VoIP to manage remote groups.

1. Employees Can Work from Any Location

Whether your area is hit by a pandemic or you plan on hiring employees from different states and countries, the best part about having VoIP for business is that your employees can stay connected and continue working from wherever they are. All they need is to connect to your VoIP system through a reliable internet connection. Then, they can place and answer important business calls, make sales calls, and offer customer support uninterrupted.

2. Remain Accessible through Multiple Devices

Secondly, employees are not limited to the phones within an office. Employees in distributed teams can work through any device — VoIP phones, computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc. This ensures that they remain accessible even when they are not in the office or if a device fails.

3. Implement a BYOD Policy

Bring your own device or BYOD work policies are growing more and more popular. These policies make it possible for employees to use their own devices instead of devices issued by the company. This means that employees can use devices that are suitable, familiar, and comfortable to use. Additionally, they do not need to learn how to use a new device and can use their own apps that help with productivity. It also helps businesses reduce equipment costs as they do not need to provide employees with phones, computers, laptops, etc., to get their work done. All in all, a BYOD policy can be a win-win situation for both employees and employers.

4. Reduce Communication-Related Costs

With all of the above taken into account, you’ll notice that VoIP can help your business reduce communication costs. For one, you will have a predictable bill each month. Two, you don’t have to worry about equipment or maintenance costs. And that also means you do not have to bother with IT costs. When businesses employ remote workers, having the ability to maintain communication without needing to purchase additional equipment or services can really help keep expenses to a minimum.

How to Set Up VoIP for Remote Teams

Setting up VoIP for distributed teams is quick and easy. Once you have the service, you will need to map out how you want your teams to use the service and its benefits. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. Map Out Your Phone System

The first step to setting up a VoIP phone system for your remote workers is to determine how you’ll want calls to be handled. For instance, how many numbers will you be using, and for which departments? Map out how calls will move through the system and how calls will be forwarded or routed. Determine your forwarding needs and settings. For example, you can forward calls to different people at different times of the day or simultaneously to every worker, and so on.

2. Decide What Features to Use

Next, you need to decide how you want to use the features that come with your VoIP service. For instance, you should set up a custom greeting and voicemail message. You will also want to design an IVR with menu options for callers to navigate through. You can play around with other features to see which ones work best for you and your teams.

3. Equip Your Agents

Next, prepare your remote team and equip them to handle business calls. Here too you can use VoIP features to ensure your agents have what they need to do their job effectively. You may even consider creating a support portal or knowledge base that walks them through common issues, troubleshooting help, and so on. Lastly, train them to use the service as well as to be effective agents and salespeople. Once all of this is done, it’s time to start working!

4. Access In-Network Calling for Team Collaboration

VoIP allows for in-network calling which is essential to remote team collaboration and manager-employee interaction. This is especially true for distributed teams and remote workers. Calling someone from your team should be without hurdles and interruptions. And in-network calling makes team communication easy.

5. Make Outgoing Calls from Own Devices with Business Numbers

An outbound calling service from your VoIP provider means that users can make outgoing calls from any device while still displaying a dynamic caller ID. And so, receivers of these calls see your business number even if a remote worker is calling from their laptop. This keeps business calls and remote working professional.

6. Measure Results with Call Records

Lastly, measure results and important KPIs to see how your teams are doing on a regular basis. And you can do this through studying call detail records and call activity. Watch for top KPIs such as first call resolution, average time in queue, average handle time, response time, and so on.

Think VoIP is a Good Fit for Your Remote Teams?

Get a VoIP phone system with United World Telecom and improve distributed teams’ business communication. Give your remote workers the tools they need to work effectively and produce the desired results. For more information, call us today or chat with our experts!

Everything You Need to Know About Line Hunting

Posted on by Miguel Isabal

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic#2202475 ID#27446420

Need to find a better solution for your customer service woes? Line hunting can help you offer faster and more reliable customer support. Here is everything you need to know about line hunting and hunt groups.

What is Line Hunting?

Line hunting — also known as call hunting, hunt groups, and call routing — is a business phone system strategy that connects calls to multiple phone lines either simultaneously or one after the other. The idea behind line hunting is to ensure that no call goes unanswered and callers don’t have to endure long waiting times.

How Does a Hunt Group Work?

Hunt groups work by letting calls run through a sequence of phones or let them ring on multiple devices at the same time to ensure an operator answers. For instance, an incoming call may ring on multiple phone lines and devices, also called simultaneous ringing or ring groups. Or, you can have calls go through a sequence of agents until someone answers the call, also known as sequential ringing. In both cases, if no one answers, the call is sent to voicemail as a last resort.

The best part of using line hunting or hunt groups is that the caller has no idea that the call is traveling to different lines or agents. In other words, they are not aware that the first two rings may go to one agent and the next two to the next agent in line.

As a business, you have complete control over how you want your calls to move through the system. Additionally, depending on your provider, you may even be able to control how many rings each line gets before it moves to the next agent.

Combining Ring Groups and Hunt Groups

Businesses can use both ring groups and hunt groups to their advantage. Line hunting ensures that the call travels through a sequence to get to the next available agent while ring groups ring on multiple devices so that the first available employee can answer.

Fortunately, with VoIP numbers, businesses do not have to choose between one or the other call routing option. With both solutions available, your office will be prepared to answer calls quickly, reducing wait times and missed calls.

The Role Hosted VoIP Plays

A VoIP phone system can help your business improve customer service and caller experience by using advanced communication tools like call routing and international forwarding options. Furthermore, employees and agents who are part of these groups do not have to present in the same office or location to use the service. This is because VoIP works over the internet, enabling users to connect no matter their location or device.

what is line hunting

Types of Line Hunting

There are a few different types of line hunting that you can implement in your office. Let’s look at these in more detail.

1. Multiline hunting
With multiline hunting, multiple phone lines work as a single group. When a call comes in, if a line is busy, the call moves to the next available one. The caller hears a busy signal only if none of the lines on the group are available.

2. Linear hunting
Agents are listed in a line or sequence. The incoming call travels through this line and if the first line is busy, the call moves to the next available line. This continues down the sequence until someone answers.

3. Circular hunting
In circular hunting, also known as round-robin routing, calls go down the sequence and start at the beginning of the line, if no one answers them. In this type of hunting, calls move down the sequence and start from the beginning again, even if an agent in between becomes available.

4. Most-idle hunting
In this type of hunting, calls are sent to the line that has been idle the longest. This is a good way to maintain balance and distribute the workflow across representatives.

Considering Line Hunting for Your Business?

We’ve got the solution for you. United World Telecom offers both hunt groups and ring groups so your business can offer quick and reliable customer service. Find out more by calling us today or chatting with an expert!

What Is VoIP Integration and How Can it Empower Your Business?

Posted on by Miguel Isabal

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic#52890987 ID#27446420

VoIP integrations enable businesses to enhance their phone system. These types of voice over IP integrations help teams offer a better customer experience and improve workplace productivity.

In this article, we’ll look at:

  • What is a VoIP Integration
  • Benefits
  • Features
  • Types

What Is a VoIP Integration?

Voice over IP enables users to make and receive business calls from any location and through any device. This means your team can make calls from their computer or laptop while in the office or working remotely. All that is required is a stable internet connection. VoIP stores and transmits data securely in the cloud making it easy, safe, and convenient to use.

But the best part about VoIP is that it integrates comfortably with cloud-based applications and software. This is a great advantage over plain old telephone service. VoIP integrations let users switch between tools to store, share, and sync data between them. Doing so can cut down on time spent doing mundane, manual processes while keeping all your important data easily available.

16 Benefits of VoIP Integrations for Business

Any company that works with a VoIP integration or UCaaS will tell you that there are countless benefits of integration with their business phone system. Some top benefits of VoIP integrations include:

  1. Allowing users added versatility to multitask efficiently.
  2. Enabling call center agents to collaborate and share data and files.
  3. Seamlessly connect computers and telephones.
  4. Streamlining communications by unifying essential tools.
  5. Allowing users to stay connected from any device and any location.
  6. The ability to scale as needed.
  7. Having one centralized, unified platform for all essential business tools.
  8. Supporting remote working for distributed teams.
  9. The ability to receive live visibility and updates of call center activity.
  10. The ability to support a call center-type business.
  11. Easy set-up and management.
  12. The ability to innovate, customize, and adjust as your business needs evolve.
  13. Reducing monthly communication-related bills.
  14. Gaining access to local, national, and international numbers to boost global expansion and reach.
  15. Increasing office productivity and efficiency by streamlining workflows.
  16. The possibility of adding as many VoIP integrations as desired.

Key Features of VoIP Integrations

Now, what you can do with these integrations depends on your VoIP provider and what they offer. Some will offer a comprehensive set of calling features and analytics while others only offer a few select essential functionality. Here are some of the most common VoIP features to expect with your integrations:

1. Voice Calling

VoIP integrations let users make and receive calls through the internet. And when paired with a local, toll-free, or international number, your team can comfortably make local and international calls at relatively low rates. Plus, you benefit from VoIP features such as outbound calling, international call forwarding, and more.

2. Cloud Storage

VoIP providers offer cloud storage to help you securely store data for long periods. However, storage capacity and duration vary. Yet, this can help your phone system store and back up files, data, or call recordings on the cloud where they remain easily accessible.

3. Click-to-Call

Click-to-call generally works with most web browsers or software. This tool lets your team quickly call any number they find online or through their application. When they click the number, the call is placed through their VoIP device or softphone.

4. Contact Lists

This feature synchronizes your contacts across different platforms. This keeps customer information up-to-date and relevant, no matter where your teams access them. If contacts are not up-to-date or easily accessible, you can expect errors. So, such a feature leads to faster and more accurate customer service.

5. Voicemail, SMS, Fax

A voicemail transcription or voicemail-to-email feature sends voicemail messages and transcripts to users’ emails. You can then access these messages from anywhere. You can do the same with SMS and faxes. This way, you have documentation of voicemails, messages, and faxes securely stored.

6. Screen Pops

When calls come in, a ‘pop-up’ that displays customer information will turn up on the relevant agent’s screen. This provides the necessary context for the call, prepping the agent to respond optimally.

7. Call Recording

This feature lets you record incoming and outgoing calls and store recordings for future reference. You can use these recordings for training, documentation, analyzing trends, and more.

8. Data Sync & Call Reports

One of the most common features of VoIP integrations is the ability to automatically sync call and caller data. And most providers will offer that along with detailed call reports and analytics to help you understand your business’ call traffic.

8 Types of VoIP Integrations

There are a variety of VoIP integrations that can work well with your business phone system. However, which VoIP integration will boost your office’s productivity depends on what you are trying to achieve. Here are 8 types of integrations to consider:

1. Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

CRMs are mostly used to track customer contacts and their history with the company, track calls, SMS, faxes, emails, and so on. However, most CRMs available still depend on users manually and individually entering information.

A VoIP CRM integration can improve and streamline this process by automatically syncing communication-related details within your desired CRM.

This would increase efficiency by reducing the time spent entering this information accurately.

2. Helpdesk Software

Helpdesk software or customer support software serves as a central hub for managing and addressing customer inquiries and issues. It typically has features like ticket management, query escalation, multi-channel support, collaboration tools, etc.

Helpdesk integrations combine VoIP and customer support software to better equip your teams to provide quality and responsive customer support.

It helps you keep track of all customer interactions and communications in one place. At the same time, it offers users multiple channels and options to provide timely support.

3. Contact Center Software

This type of VoIP integration is designed to add call center and contact center capabilities to your business applications. With features like advanced call routing and call reporting, your teams can better handle incoming calls and increase efficiency.

For example, advanced routing and ACD can help route callers to the right destination within your organization. Similarly, the click-to-call feature will make it easy for your teams to place quick outbound calls.

These integrations bring call center functionality to your existing phone system.

4. PBX Integrations

You can also integrate VoIP into your existing PBX system. This gives you the ability to upgrade your legacy phone system by adding modern VoIP functionality to it. With VoIP and PBX working together, you can benefit from more global coverage, reliable call quality, secure voice network, and more.

5. Web and Video Conferencing

VoIP can also be integrated into web-based conferencing platforms. Think: Google Meet, Zoom, or even your in-house developed conferencing app.

This integration enables participants to join audio or video conferences through VoIP technology. It simplifies the process of hosting and attending virtual meetings and webinars. And it replaces the need for physical, traditional phone lines with more flexible communication technology.

6. Voice APIs

VoIP APIs are another common integration most providers offer. Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) allow developers to integrate and build systems that cater to specific business needs.

Your IT team can use voice or telephony APIs to integrate VoIP functionality into their custom applications or websites. This provides flexibility to create custom solutions tailored to your communication needs. And you can add key features such as click-to-call features, voicemail transcription, or call recording.

7. Mobile App Integration

More recently, you’ll find VoIP integrated into mobile apps. This allows users to make voice or video calls over the internet directly from the app. WhatsApp is a great example. These apps often use a data connection to transmit calls.

VoIP mobile integrations provide mobility and flexibility, enabling users to communicate using their smartphones and tablets from anywhere. Plus, you can quickly convert any app into one with communication-related capabilities.

8. Unified Communications (UC) Integration

UC VoIP integrations focus on adding multiple communication channels into one platform. Common channels include instant messaging, video conferencing, voicemail, fax, and email.

Some of these will have transcription abilities or send-to-email options. This way, users can switch seamlessly between these channels to communicate and collaborate. And they can quickly connect from any location or device. Your teams can increase productivity by centralizing communication tools, making it easier for teams to collaborate and share information.

Use VoIP to Empower Your Business

VoIP is an advanced communication service that can empower your employees by equipping them with the tools needed to perform efficiently. Think VoIP integrations can support your business needs? Speak with our experts to learn more today!

Call Analytics: What Are They and How to Use Them?

Posted on by Miguel Isabal

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic#66382585 ID#27446420

To execute smart marketing strategies that will increase your business’ visibility and awareness, marketers need to know what exactly your target audience wants and how to best appeal to them. And one of the ways that they can study this is through call analytics. Here we look at how call analytics works and why your business needs to invest in this marketing tool.

Why Call Analytics is Necessary for Business

Most marketing revolves around digital tactics. However, what can one learn from offline tactics such as phone calls and text messages? And how can that data be used to improve customer response? This is where call analytics comes in. By studying call tracking analytics, marketers can identify which channels are working well and which need more work.

When customers are looking for a new service or product, they will often reach out to the business via phone calls to learn more. However, digital marketing metrics don’t usually cover call outcomes. And this information is often valuable.

How Does Conversation Analytics Work?

Call analytics can help your marketing team gather information about calls and their outcomes so you can use this to your advantage. Your team can analyze calls individually or collectively, depending on the type of data you are looking for. Call analytics helps you analyze:

  • Individual calls to study how particular calls go, why they succeed or fail
  • A group of calls to determine their source and how they impact your business

So, how do call analytics work?

  1. Replace your numbers with call tracking virtual numbers.
  2. Use different numbers for different channels (one for your main number, one for social media, one for different locations, etc.).
  3. Measure and track results from each of these numbers and channels.
  4. Boost your marketing ROI by spending more on high-performing lines as opposed to low-performing lines.

Top Features of Call Analytics

For companies that use phone numbers as their main call-to-action, call analytics can give great insights into which areas of marketing are more successful than others. This is done by evaluating various call analytics features such as:

Advanced Reporting

In order to conduct call analytics, one must have access to advanced and detailed call records. This is where advanced reporting comes into play. This feature will give users access to information needed to study how different communication and marketing channels are working. For instance, you can gain insights into peak and preferred call times, preferred communication channels, geographic information, and so on.

Call Recording

Hosted call recording records all incoming and outgoing calls and stores them for future review. Reviewing recordings will help you understand what works and doesn’t work when an agent or employee is on a call with a potential customer. You will also be able to identify areas of concern that customers may have or certain preferences and expectations they come with. You can then target these issues in your ads and drive up your conversion rate.

Call Transcriptions

While call recording lets you listen to each call, call transcriptions let you read the conversation. Again, similar to call recordings, reading call transcriptions can help you get a visual idea of how calls are performing and what can be done to make them better. Another similar feature is voicemail transcriptions that send voicemails in text format to your email. This too can help you gain insight into customer behavior and preferences.

 Lead Scores

A lead scoring feature lets you view which leads and prospects are qualified. This way, you are focusing on leads for driving and boosting your business.

Ways to Use Call Analytics

So, how can your business use call analytics to offer better customer service?

1. Before the Call
This part of the call tracking process is the first level of call analytics data and it focuses on what led to the call. For example:

    • Which marketing campaign prompted the individual to call?
    • Where is the call coming from? Your website, offline or online ads?
    • What location is the call coming from?
    • When was the call made and how was it routed?
    • Who answered the call?

Call tracking can help you identify where your leads are coming from. In other words, which marketing sources are effective. It can also help you understand which calls convert and this will then help you replicate the process with other callers.

2. During the Call
The next level focuses on what happens during the call. That is, what is working and what is not, so that customer interactions can be made better. Calls can be analyzed by listening in on a call (call monitoring), joining a call (call barging), or reviewing past calls (call recording).

Such analytics can help you determine the best methods of communication and customer interaction. With that information, your team can increase conversions and customer satisfaction.

Get Top Call Analytics Features with United World Telecom

United World Telecom can get you set up with call recording, call tracking, and detailed call records to study how your incoming and outgoing business calls are performing. To learn more, visit our website or speak with our experts today.

5 Ways a Local Phone Number Can Increase Business Visibility

Posted on by Luke Genoyer

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic#347696228 ID#27446420

Local phone numbers are growing increasingly popular for their ability to help businesses expand without tremendously increasing expenses. Here are 5 ways you can use a local phone number to increase business visibility and awareness.

How to Improve Business Visibility Locally?

Local phone numbers or local access numbers are telephone numbers assigned to specific areas or regions. These numbers come with designated area codes that separate cities, states, or areas from other locations. For example, in the United States, almost every state and city has at least one area code. In Florida, some area codes include the Orlando 407 area code, Miami 786 area code, Jacksonville 904 area code, etc.

So, what are the benefits of using local numbers? Local phone numbers can increase your business visibility in the following ways.

1. Create a Local Presence in Target Markets

The main reason businesses choose to get local numbers for different locations (nationally and internationally) is because it allows them to connect with customers from those areas by creating a local presence. And so, if you have a list of countries to expand your business to, local numbers can create communication channels between your business and those markets.

With an outbound calling service, you can display a custom caller ID instead of unknown and unrecognizable numbers. Since recipients receive the call from a “local number,” they are more likely to answer the call. A survey by Software Advice concluded that people are four times more likely to answer calls from local numbers than area codes they do not recognize. More specifically, 27.5% said they would answer an unknown number with a local area code while 7% would answer an unknown caller with a recognizable toll free area code.

This is because local calls incur local calling charges and make the business or caller seem local instead of long-distance or international.

2. Offer Local Customers a Convenient Way to Connect Your Business

Besides giving customers a reason to answer your calls, you will also be giving customers a reason to call you back. Customers are more likely to return calls of numbers with area codes they recognize. This is because a local call may be someone they know, a business they have done business with, or another familiar party trying to get in touch. And so, by getting a local phone number, your business makes it easier for new and returning clients to stay in communication.

3. Gain Local Customers in Different Regions

Virtual phone number providers offer various local and toll free numbers from countries across the globe. United World Telecom, for example, can help you get a local or toll free number in more than 160 countries across the world. And so, you can enter your market in various geographical locations and global markets. All without relocating or opening new field offices. This makes local phone numbers a cost-effective expansion tool.

4. Advertise Locally

By entering your business in various local markets and creating a local presence, you can start advertising your services locally. For instance, you can use location-marketing to target customers in these areas. Furthermore, you can advertise on billboards, local directories, local exhibitions, conferences, and more. And you can promote your local number on your website, social media accounts, etc. This increases the chances of local prospects seeing and learning about your business.

5. Provide Customer Service that is Accessible

Finally, you can offer customer service and sales in multiple locations throughout the world. Doing so makes your business reachable and accessible from anywhere in the world. This is a key component to building a business that is trustworthy and credible.

Which Local Markets Do You Want to Target?

Local phone numbers can help you not only expand communications to different cities, states, and countries, but also increase visibility and credibility. A business that is accessible and easy to call is more trustworthy than one that is hard to get a hold of. Improve your professional reputation and watch your sales increase. Get a local phone number today!

Top Germany Toll Free Number Providers [2024]

Posted on by Beny Mouen

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic#40115607 ID#27446420

Toll free numbers in Germany are free for callers. The receiver (the business) is charged for the calls. Callers from anywhere within Germany can call these businesses with a toll free number for free. These numbers are excellent for businesses for this reason. They are an instant indicator that a business is established and poised for communication. If you are considering purchasing a business phone number for communication in Germany, a toll free number may be ideal.

Germany Toll Free Number Providers in 2024

If you need Germany 0800 numbers to support your business plans to expand to Germany, we’ve got you covered. Read on for the top Germany toll free number providers along with information about the types of numbers, their costs, and included features.

1. United World Telecom

Since 1996, United World Telecom has been offering toll free numbers for businesses all over the world. Furthermore, the company provides a global call forwarding service to keep businesses connected across the world. They provide a wide range of telecommunication services to support businesses that need high-quality, cost-effective virtual services for a variety of purposes.

Virtual number plans: United World Telecom’s Germany toll free number plans range from $17.95/month (€15.04) to $528.95/month (€443.22).

Features included:

  • Hosted call recording software
  • Outbound calling (dynamic caller ID)
  • Extensions for different departments
  • Direct inward dialing for individuals and teams
  • Cloud IVR
  • Call forwarding options
  • Call transfer
  • Voicemail and SMS to email

2. Global Call Forwarding

Global Call Forwarding was launched in 2007 and has become one of the world’s leading outlets for virtual business phone numbers. The company offers toll free, local, and international numbers as well as voice over IP.

Virtual number plans: Global Call Forwarding’s Germany toll free numbers start at $17.95/month (€15.04) and go up to $528.95/month (€443.22).

Features included:

  • Hosted call recording software
  • Unlimited extensions
  • Interactive voice response
  • Call forwarding options
  • Time of day routing
  • Select country forwarding
  • Simultaneous ringing
  • Voicemail & SMS to email
  • Outbound calling (dynamic caller ID)
  • Call transfer

3. Vodafone

Vodafone (Germany) was founded in 1990. The company, since then, has been supplying business phone solutions to users within Germany.

Virtual number plans: Vodafone’s Germany virtual business number plans range from $26.89/month (€22.90) to $281.35/month (€239.60), depending on the number of users needed.

Features included:

  • Multiple voice channels
  • Up to 10 blocks of phone numbers at one location
  • IP connection

4. Telekom

Since 1995, Telekom, a German telecom company, has been offering communication solutions across Germany. You can get services such as fixed network, mobile, and internet services.

Virtual number plans: Telekom offers different virtual phone numbers plans ranging from $29.30 (€24.95) to $64.53 (€54.95) per month.

Features included:

  • Multiple numbers
  • Multiple channels (language channels included)
  • Call forwarding
  • Call waiting
  • Voicemail, and more

5. O2 (Telefonica)

Since 1995, O2 (Telefonica) has supplied Germany with broadband, landline, and mobile telecommunications. They remain a reputable option in the market.

Virtual number plans: O2 (Telefonica) voice connection plans range from €40/month to €160/month, depending on the number of voice channels you need.

Features included:

  • Voice connections
  • SIP telephony
  • Easy extension management
  • Call management features
  • Conference calls

Get Germany Toll Free Numbers Today

Here at United World Telecom, we can help you get Germany toll free numbers for business with quick installation and fast activation. You have the option of using a variety of features and there are no contracts. Sign up on our website today or call us to get started!

Hosted Call Recording: Top 7 Benefits

Posted on by Miguel Isabal

Source: DepositPhotos.com - Lic#75769701 ID#27446420

Hosted call recording can help you improve productivity and efficiency in the office. You can also use the system to conduct quality assurance and performance analysis. Here are the top 7 benefits of hosted call recording for businesses.

Benefits of Hosted Call Recording

Hosted call recording or cloud call recording is a recording system hosted in the cloud. Hosted call recording is offered by telephony providers like United World Telecom. Most small- to medium-sized businesses can use this service without worrying about any hardware or maintenance costs. All you pay for is your subscription with the provider.

More and more businesses are getting cloud call recording services to increase productivity within the office. So, why should your business invest in a hosted call recording software? Here we will look at the various advantages of using hosted call recording to aid productivity and performance.

1. Keep Records and Documentation

Having a hosted call recording software can help you and your team keep records of all important calls and interactions, transactions, receipts, and more between your business and its clients. Reviewing these recordings can help your team understand customer behavior and preferences and serve them better.

2. Improve Quality Assurance

Most small- to medium-sized businesses use call recording to improve quality assurance within the customer service team. In other words, you can review recordings to see which approaches are more successful than others. This way, your customer service team can be trained to provide good customer support.

3. Conduct Performance Analysis

Call recording can also be used when conducting your agents’ performance analysis. There are many ways to record VoIP calls for review during yearly evaluations and help agents do better or reward them for being efficient.

4. Protect from Liabilities

Furthermore, in case of any misunderstanding or fraudulent activity, call recordings can protect your business from liabilities. Recordings can present as proof or evidence to prevent liabilities or keep your company safe.

5. Collect Customer Feedback

Businesses need to focus on customer experience and customer happiness to remain successful. You can use hosted call recording to run surveys and collect valuable feedback from customers. Then, review the feedback to improve your service and increase customer satisfaction.

6. Comply with Regulations

Financial institutions and companies are required to comply with recording regulations such as the Dodd-Frank Act and MiFID II. These regulations call for transparency during business calls and avoiding fraudulent behavior. Recording business calls will ensure that your finance company remains in compliance with these regulations.

7. Increase Productivity in the Office

Ultimately, all of the above reasons ensure that your office and teams remain productive. You can keep track of your employees’ performance which gives them the incentive to do a good job. Furthermore, you can keep your business safe from fraudulent activity and liabilities. All in all, hosted call recording will help you create a better work atmosphere and improve quality assurance.

Get Hosted Call Recording

You can get call recording from United World Telecom by adding it to your virtual phone number plans. You can record up to 100% of all incoming and outgoing calls and store them for up to 6 years. Call us today at 1 (877) 898 8646 to learn more or to get hosted call recording for your business!