Voice-over IP (VoIP) technology is quickly rising as a staple for many businesses. The Blueface BCT report found that 35% of businesses have a VoIP connection while 61% plan to make the change soon.
VoIP allows businesses to eliminate phone lines and associated infrastructure in order to save money and free up valuable office space. But not all providers are the same. So how do you know which one is right for you?
This article lists everything you should consider when choosing between VoIP business phone providers in Ireland.
What is VoIP?
VoIP is a technology that allows users to communicate with each other over the internet. It uses data packets instead of the traditional analogue phone lines.
Businesses have started to use VoIP technology as a replacement for analogue. The main reason for this is that its Internet-based nature makes it more affordable and efficient. Not only that; it can reduce the need for expensive phone lines, equipment, and maintenance.
Why Use VoIP for Business?
For many businesses, VoIP is a great alternative to traditional phone lines. It’s not only more affordable, but it also saves them money in the long run. With its Internet-based service, it can be operated anywhere with a good enough internet connection.
VoIP can also be a viable alternative for businesses that don’t have the infrastructure or budget to set up traditional phone lines. This can be a gamechanger for small businesses. Such companies thrive when they can maximise productivity and efficiency and VoIP allows them to do just that.
VoIP provides many advantages for businesses, big or small. Let’s take a look at some of them:
- It saves costs.
VoIP is a viable alternative to traditional phone lines. No need to waste money on setting up multiple phone lines and equipment. Some providers also offer additional perks. For instance, Blueface’s VoIP solution offers unlimited calls to Irish landlines.
- It is flexible and mobile.
Many VoIP services offer a mobile-friendly experience. This means that you can easily make calls from your phone while you are on the go. Considering the rise of hybrid and remote workplaces, this makes VoIP an attractive option for businesses.
- It’s easy to use and maintain.
This is especially true for small businesses. VoIP technology is very easy to use and configure. There are also a lot of providers who offer assistance and support. This can be a great advantage for businesses that have little experience with the technology, or those that don’t have the budget for an extensive IT support team.
What to Consider when Choosing a Business VoIP Provider
It’s clear that implementing VoIP technology can greatly improve your business. But you won’t be able to reap the benefits unless it’s implemented correctly. One of the biggest contributing factors can be picking the right VoIP provider.
Only when you choose the right provider can you expect to get the best results. Here are some things you should consider when choosing a VoIP provider in Ireland:
1. Find the Right Price
There are a lot of VoIP products out there. One way to set them apart is to compare VoIP providers based on their prices.
Perhaps providers have higher rates in rural areas than in urban ones. You might want to check the prices in both places to get a better idea of what you can expect. Furthermore, check how their prices hold up against what they offer. Some VoIP services only offer the bare minimum. Meanwhile, others offer more robust features.
The initial setup of your VoIP service is important, but it shouldn’t be the only cost you consider. You should also consider the total cost of your phone service over time. If it’s notably cheap, will it hold up against the test of time? Lower cost often means lower quality. The cost to maintain cheap VoIP tech can end up making it more expensive in the long term.
2. Get Ample Support
Support is crucial for any provider you want to heavily rely on. Some VoIP providers only offer support over email and are not able to deal with issues as they come up. You’ll have to call them in case of emergencies. If they can’t be trusted to respond promptly, it could cause inconveniences for your business as well as your customers.
Meanwhile, other providers offer free support 24/7 through various means. This can include phone calls, live chat, and more. This is something worth prioritising. If your services experience a malfunction for even an hour, it can lead to a lot of lost revenue.
3. Look for Mobility and Flexibility
Mobility is another major factor to consider when choosing a VoIP provider. As a business owner, you should be able to take advantage of all the features and services your VoIP provides. This includes features like instant messaging and conferencing.
A good VoIP service will be able to provide communication service even if you are on the go. For example, if you have an office in a remote location, you can use your phone while travelling. Many VoIP products offer conferencing tools. Such features can help remote or hybrid businesses greatly. Some even allow people to directly annotate their documents while on a call – an easy way to boost collaboration for your teams.
4. Look for Security and Reliability
Is the provider trusted? Do they have the right security measures in place?
A cheap plan may not hold up against cyber attacks or other security threats. The security of your VoIP phone system is important. It can also be one of the most challenging things to set up.
This is why it’s important to find a reliable provider. They should have enough knowledge and experience to ensure your VoIP system is safe and secure.
5. Is it Scalable?
It’s crucial to look for scalability. This is especially true if you are a business that is expecting a lot of growth in the future. You want your phone system to be able to grow with you. Blueface, for example, has 60+ features and add-ons. Look into a provider that’ll allow you to adjust your plan at will. This ensures your communications remain optimal as time goes on.
What to Avoid in a Business VoIP Provider
As with any other type of business, you need to be careful when choosing a VoIP provider. Here are some things you should avoid:
1. Not Getting the Right Add-Ons
Many VoIP providers only offer basic features. You may be able to get by with them, but you might not gain the full benefits.
If you are looking for VoIP providers in Ireland, it’s important to look into what they offer in terms of add-ons. Which ones you exactly need depends on your company. For example, VoIP can improve your customer service by offering 24/7 availability and helping manage high call income volumes. In this case, some of the most useful features and add-ons for businesses would be
- Music on Hold
- Automated attendant
- Call / Video Conferencing
- Call recording, holding, and queueing
- Call Barring
2. Not Conducting Traffic Analysis
Traffic analysis is a process that allows you to understand how your business is performing. It helps you determine where your leads come from and how much revenue you generate. It can also help you pinpoint potential problems.
The best VoIP providers in Ireland will offer solutions that are adjustable to your traffic needs. You might have certain busy days or busy hours during a work week. Make sure to have more network capacity during these times. You should also look into how the provider deals with issues like service outages.
3. Not Having Back-Up Plans
No one wants their service to be down with no fallback strategy. It is inconvenient for your customers and can cost you a lot of money. This can be especially damaging for small businesses. VoIP providers in Ireland should have backup plans in place. Having multiple contingency plans will allow you to cover all eventualities and keep your business running smoothly.
Why Blueface is the Answer for Your Business’s VoIP Needs
Choosing the right VoIP business provider can be a challenging task. However, it can be very rewarding if you choose a reliable and trusted provider.
Now that you know exactly what you should consider when picking a VoIP business provider in Ireland, you can take your business to the next level with the right tools and features.
Blueface is one of the top cloud VoIP providers in Ireland. We can grow with your business, offer lots of flexibility, as well as have iron-strong security and recovery strategies in place.
Check out Blueface’s comprehensive range of VoIP products and features, and start on your VoIP journey today!
