Almost every business now has an IVR system that answers calls on its behalf and then routes callers to the appropriate department. So, why are more and more companies using this automated communication tool?
IVR System: Top 10 Benefits
An interactive voice response, or IVR system, is an automated voice response system that answers incoming calls, identifies the purpose of the calls, and assists the caller. It transfers calls to the appropriate department or provides self-serving options that customers can complete themselves. IVR phone systems cut down on time and money while improving the way a caller interacts with a company. Here are 10 ways a business can benefit from IVR service.
1. Prioritizes Calls Based on Value
IVR systems can be predetermined with rules to prioritize and route calls based on the caller and their needs. This way, you can route high-value customer calls to the most appropriate or qualified agent. If agents are unavailable, the caller will be first in the queue. Doing so ensures that your team does not lose an important caller’s business due to long wait times.
2. Reduces Costs
An effective and well-designed IVR service can run without the need of an agent. It can help callers by providing self-serving options and only when these options fail, is an agent required. Therefore, an IVR system can help businesses save on the costs of hiring large customer service teams by allowing the automated system to do more. Your team can then focus on more important issues and interacting with high-profile clients.
3. Reduces Time Spent on Mundane Tasks
Customers calling a business need answers fast. Customer service teams are constantly on the phone resolving issues. An interactive voice response system saves time for everyone by interacting with the customer, identifying their needs, and offering support either through pre-recorded messages or by transferring them to the right department. They can expedite calls, accurately transfer callers, help them complete certain actions, and schedule callbacks. These calls never go unanswered. Callers receive support in some form or the other, without time wasted.
4. Supports and Improves Lead Conversion
Recent advancements in IVR technology have made it possible to use this tool for sales and lead generation. IVR systems, depending on the provider, are capable of reaching out to prospects on predetermined lists to check if they pre-qualify. They will ask prospects a few questions, after which qualified prospects will be routed to live representatives.
5. Enhances Caller Experience
Most providers offer IVR phone systems that can be customized on your end. Customize to improve caller experience through custom greetings, easy-to-understand prompts, and so on. This interaction should reflect an ideal interaction with your company. Callers who can easily navigate the system and get their concerns resolved quickly will only appreciate your brand even more.
6. A Marketing and Feedback Tool
Marketing teams have used IVR to study customer behavior and preferences using phone surveys and conducting marketing research. You can gain insights into your audience’s likes and dislikes, their demographics, communication preferences, and more. This information can be used to serve them better.
7. Scalability
IVR systems can adapt to an organization and its customers’ changing needs and expectations. Cloud-based systems are highly customizable and have virtual communication features such as intelligent routing, multilingual capabilities, and more. As your business grows, you can add more to your IVR phone system to support your needs.
8. Provide 24/7 Customer Support
IVR technology makes it possible to provide 24/7 customer support as it answers calls even during off or after hours. During these times, calls can be routed to a different office (in a different time zone), remote agents, or even your mobile phone. It can also provide answers to simple questions, provide company and product information, verify accounts, process payments, schedule callbacks, route to voicemail, and more. This way, even if caller concerns are not resolved, they know that they will receive a callback.
9. Personalized Self-Service
Automation is the future of customer service. An advanced IVR system can help callers verify new accounts, check account information, make payments, request renewals, and much more. You can even program the system to provide trouble-shooting support. This is helpful during high traffic periods when agents are busy, during off-hours, or for customers who prefer to solve the problem themselves.
10. Improve the Business’ Image
A business that provides 24/7 service and is able to resolve issues on the first call itself is a company that can be trusted and relied upon. And an IVR service can build that image for your company by making it more accessible and helping customers resolve their concerns quickly and efficiently.
Ready to Get IVR for Your Business?
United World Telecom offers an IVR system that can be easily customized and designed to meet your needs and requirements. Our IVR service comes along with each of our virtual number plans. To get the service, simply sign up for a new number or port your existing number on our homepage. Have more questions? Speak to an expert today!