A virtual phone number is not dependent on a location. So, you can make and receive calls from anywhere; as long as you have an internet connection.
Anybody can gain advantages from using virtual phone numbers, but business owners and entrepreneurs can perhaps benefit the most.
Virtual phone numbers are ideal for remote workers who work from home or at cafés. They are also perfect for entrepreneurs who run businesses out of their bedrooms, because with a virtual number, you can make it appear as though you have offices in New York, for instance.
But how exactly do virtual phone numbers work? Let us explore the question in more detail.
How a Virtual Phone Number Works
A virtual phone number is not connected to a landline or a specific smartphone. Instead, the number originates in the cloud. The number does not need to be attached to a physical location.
Virtual phone numbers use secure internet connections that enable users to make and receive calls in real-time via Voice over Internet Protocol.
You simply need to find a cloud-based VoIP service provider. You can then connect and receive calls on any device that has the software installed and is connected to the internet.
Actually, you probably use VoIP already because it is the same technology that is used in messaging apps like WhatsApp.
So, VoIP for virtual phone numbers basically works like this: you make a call that is transformed into data packets. The data is then transported over the internet to the recipient of the call. Of course, others can call you as well.
And you can use virtual phone numbers anywhere when you are connected to 4G or 5G networks.
The Benefits of Virtual Phone Numbers
We touched upon some of the benefits of getting a virtual phone number in the introduction, but let us drill down deeper.
One of the greatest benefits is that you remain easy to reach no matter where you are. Also, you can communicate through all manner of devices, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones. And you can communicate with someone in the same building or someone who is on another continent.
As remote working continues to rise, businesses need to ensure their communication methods are reliable and accessible. Virtual phone numbers enable just that.
Another key benefit of virtual phone numbers is they can often be more affordable than other telephone methods. Businesses do not need to invest in costly multiline hardware and so on. And depending on your service plan, you may be able to get some free calls or at least one free virtual number.
Lastly, another great benefit of using virtual phone numbers is you gain privacy. In this day and age of cybercrime, it is understandable that many people want to keep their personal phone numbers personal. So, remote workers, sole proprietors and others can maintain anonymity by using virtual phone numbers.
Features to Look for in Virtual Phone Numbers
If you are considering getting a virtual phone number, you should compare different companies to find the right features for your needs. Features that you should look for include:
- Call recording.
- Support for IVR and individual extensions.
- Text messaging capability for an additional internal and external communication option.
- Voicemail to text capability.
- Individual and shared business phone numbers.
Many virtual phone system service providers enable you to try a free trial. That means you can access the features and test the system to ensure it is the right option for you. So, what are you waiting for?