VoIP is one of the advantageous technologies that is an excellent alternative to traditional phone setups. It is flexible, cost-efficient, and has seamless global connectivity. VoIP is user-friendly and is known to be one of the most efficient techniques that you can use in your business so that you can operate your business from different areas with any of the internet-enabled devices.
But the question is how to get a VoIP number for your business! Here is a step-by-step procedure to understand everything you need to start the VoIP service. Let’s, without wasting any more time, look at this article below.
How To Get a VoIP Number: A Step-By-Step Guide
VoIP number is basically the alternative to traditional phone numbers that work via an internet connection. It is comparatively affordable, easier to use, and helps to establish a global presence of a business without spending much. Let us first start with what is a VoIP number, its types, and why you need it before jumping on towards the process.
What Is a VoIP Number?
VoIP number stands for voice over internet protocol number, a type of telephone number that works on a VoIP system. With a VoIP number, you can establish a Global presence of your business without spending much.
Moreover, it is flexible, cost-effective, and increases the productivity of your business. With a VoIP number, you can experience better voice quality and can use your number with more flexibility and mobility. Here are four different types of VoIP numbers.
Types Of VoIP Numbers
There are different types of VoIP numbers, among which you can select according to your needs and requirements. You have the option of going with a local VoIP number, toll-free VoIP number, or national and international VoIP numbers. Here is a detailed explanation of all VoIP number types so you can know which one would be appropriate according to your needs.
Local VoIP Numbers
Local VoIP numbers are the numbers that start with an area code. These area codes are specific to the location. It could be any state region or any city.
Businesses with a localized customer base should go with local VoIP numbers as these numbers are best suited for them. If you want to establish your presence in a particular territorial area even when that particular territorial area does not have the base location of the business, these local VoIP numbers are the best choice for you.
Toll-Free VoIP Numbers
Then, we have a toll-free VoIP number. Toll-free VoIP numbers are basically to attract more customers and to encourage them to reach the business and customer service without any hesitation or problem. Toll-free numbers are the numbers that are used by businesses to provide their customers with free-to-call customer service numbers.
Moreover, these toll-free numbers are ideal for those reluctant to incur charges for calling your business. Since the business itself covers the charges of the calls made on toll-free numbers, the customers don’t need to worry about expenses because these toll-free numbers are free of cost for them.
Non-Geographic Or National VoIP Numbers
Non-geographical VoIP numbers are the numbers that are not linked with any specific territorial region. They are highly reliable for those businesses where you have to demonstrate your presence on a national level.
Moreover, the Non-Geographical VoIP numbers allow businesses to operate in multiple regions. Those businessmen who need a consistent and location-independent contact number should go with non-geographical or national VoIP numbers.
International VoIP Numbers
These international VoIP numbers, as the name suggests, are the numbers that are assigned in one country but are used in another. Depending upon the country’s terms and conditions where the numbers are assigned, these international VoIP numbers could be local, toll-free, and could be national or non-geographic in their type.
Always remember that whatever VoIP numbers you select should match the needs, requirements, and goals of the customers of your business. Keep in mind to serve only a local community, going with a local VoIP number is enough. Alternatively, for national presence, you should go with a non-geographical VoIP number, and for international presence, you should go with an international number.
Why do You Need a VoIP Number?
Before jumping on where and how to get a VoIP number, here is the importance of a VoIP number that will let you know why you need the one. There are several benefits of VoIP numbers, and because I use them for my business, I practically have experience with where and how they benefit me and my business. Let’s unfold the benefits and advantages of getting a VoIP number for your business.
Cost-Effective Calling
Because of the technology used by VoIP numbers to transfer data, these numbers are comparatively less expensive and are better when it comes to budget-friendliness. It is less costly, and its infrastructure and setup are also comparatively affordable than traditional phone setup lines.
For VoIP numbers, you only need an internet connection, but when it comes to traditional phone numbers, you need cables, wires, adapter plugs, and everything involved and necessary for transmitting data. Moreover, most updates and troubleshooting issues in the VoIP numbers can be handled remotely. They reduce the expense that you have to make on on-site service visits like traditional phone numbers.
Portability
Traditional phone systems cannot match the level of portability these VoIP numbers provide. These VoIP numbers are not specific to a particular location like traditional phone systems. You only need to ensure that you have an internet connection for using your VoIP number at any time, regardless of the restrictions of cables and wires.
With any of the internet-enabled devices, you can use VoIP numbers whether you are in the office, at home, or on any other side of the world. These are exceptionally portable and maximize employee connectivity.
Moreover, because of being portable, they are also flexible and can be used all across the world. You don’t need to change your VoIP number even if you relocate your business setup.
Integration With Other Services
One of the best things about VoIP numbers is that they can streamline your communication process and your contact process of business. These VoIP numbers are compatible with multiple services and help in the creation of a streamlined and uniform communication platform.
Every business communication tool, including video conferencing, messaging, emails, voice calls, and meetings, can all be managed through one base point. Moreover, because VoIP numbers integrate with other services, it minimizes the need to switch between devices and apps.
This ultimately maximizes the efficiency and productivity of the business, ensuring more customers can be contacted conveniently and quickly. Since VoIP numbers provide quick and easy access across multiple platforms, these VoIP numbers are one of the best choices for improving customer experience.
Where To Get a VoIP Number?
Well, getting a VoIP number is almost similar to getting a traditional number. Just like we get the traditional number from a traditional phone company, we have to get a VoIP number from a VoIP provider. The process is much more quick and streamlined and, yes, affordable because it does not involve connections of wires and cables.
In order to make sure that your VoIP number that you are going to get is absolutely perfect, you need to make sure to choose the best VoIP provider. It is one of the most critical steps that you have to pay attention to beforehand.
When looking for the best service providers, you might come across free VoIP numbers that, although affordable, are comparatively more risky than the paid ones. I will recommend you get a VoIP service from a reputable provider so you can end up enjoying an excellent VoIP service.
The Issue With Free VoIP Numbers
Although you can get a free VoIP number, here are some of the risks that you might have to face. Let’s look at the possible problems you can encounter when getting VoIP numbers free of cost.
●The VoIP number can cause quality issues in calls. You might have to face unclear voice transmission with some lag and delay.
●Unpaid VoIP services are unreliable and not trustworthy compared to paid VoIP services.
●They are comparatively less efficient.
●Unpaid VoIP services have less intelligent features in them. They have less advanced features than paid VoIP services and only have essential functions that make them simple and less reliable for international businesses.
●Customer support for VoIP service is unreliable. Alternatively, paid VoIP services provide dedicated and robust customer service.
Step-By-Step Guide To Getting A VoIP Number
Until now, you have understood the importance and types of VoIP numbers and why you should get paid VoIP service. Let’s now look at the step-by-step guide to getting a VoIP number so you can set your VoIP number quickly and conveniently. Let’s look at the steps that you have to follow to get a VoIP number.
1. Identify Your Needs
The first and foremost important thing that you have to keep in mind when selecting the VoIP number is for what purpose you are purchasing the number. You have to keep in mind the exact need and what type of number you want. Ask yourself whether you want a local VoIP number, a toll-free number, or a national or international number.
Make sure to understand the details of these types of numbers to identify which number would be appropriate for you according to your needs. Moreover, consider the factors, including several users and required features like voicemail, call recording, and call forwarding. Look for what you want, and then look for a compatible service provider.
2. Choose A Reliable VoIP Service Provider
Now that you have identified your need and what type of number you want, now is the time to focus on selecting a reliable VoIP service provider. You have to select a reliable service provider and have to make sure that the VoIP service provider you are selecting has good customer support. Keep in mind to select that VoIP service provider that can provide you with all the features that you need in your VoIP service, and that too at an affordable price.
3. Select Your VoIP Number
After finalizing the right service provider, you now have to select your VoIP number. Most service providers offer their customers to choose from the available list of numbers. Keep in mind your requirements and what you exactly need, and then finalize the VoIP number from the list the provider has provided you with.
Moreover, also keep in mind whether you want a local VoIP number, toll-free, national, or international number. After selecting your VoIP number, now is the time to configure the VoIP system.
Now, you have to set up your VoIP service. Keep in mind your needs and ensure you follow the setup process attentively. You have to configure the user extension and customize the settings of the VoIP number by setting up voicemail, call forwarding, and call routing.
Moreover, ask the VoIP service provider to allow you to use the online dashboard of the VoIP service. This is because the online dashboard makes the process of setting up easy.
5. Install VoIP Software or Hardware
Another important step in setting up a VoIP service is the installation of software and hardware that you will need. Whether you need to install software or you need to set up the hardware setup of VoIP service, you have to focus on the installation of the setup. You might have to install software on multiple devices or have to set up the hardware like VoIP-enabled phones.
Moreover, some of the VoIP service providers also offer mobile app systems. Look for whether your service provider has an official mobile application or not. If yes, download the app and operate your VoIP service simply with an internet-enabled smartphone.
6. Test Your VoIP Number
After finalizing the type of number, service provider, and which number you want, you have to set up the VoIP service, including its software and hardware. And after setting up, now is the time to test your VoIP number finally. Always make sure to conduct a few test calls before officially using the service.
Make sure everything is working correctly and for that, you have to check for the sound quality, voice clarity, and other features you have set up before. If everything is okay, you can simply start using VoIP service now and enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Key Considerations When Choosing a VoIP Provider
Let’s look at the key considerations in the details below that are important to focus on when selecting a VoIP provider. You cannot select a VoIP provider only by looking at fame or positive reviews of the provider but have to find the appropriate VoIP provider that can give what you want.
You have to focus on what your business needs are and which service provider can help you enhance your communication with your customers. All of the relevant factors that are important to consider beforehand are mentioned below. Let’s look at the key details of each so you can have an idea about what points you have to keep in mind when choosing a VoIP provider.
Reliability And Quality
First and foremost important thing that you have to consider when selecting a service provider is the quality of the call and the reliability of the provider. If the quality of calls is poor, there are several service outages, dropped calls, and unclear voices, your business reputation will be harmed.
Make sure to find a reliable service provider. A reliable service provides robust infrastructure and ensures high uptime.
Moreover, it also focuses on network performance because VoIP works only when it is connected to the internet. Poor network performance can compromise the call quality and can create issues that can limit your communications.
Cost
Another important consideration when selecting the VoIP service provider is the cost and price of the service. Different service providers have multiple pricing structures. The appropriate VoIP provider is the one that not only fits your budget but also provides the appropriate features and specs that you need and high-quality service.
Support
Also, look for the customer service support of the VoIP service provider because in case any issues occur, you have to contact customer support. If the customer service support is unreliable, you cannot get their help.
Always make sure to focus on the reviews made by the users on that particular service provider. This will help you in selecting the right service provider.
Features
Also, look for the features a particular VoIP service provider is providing you. Well, I will recommend you select up to 5 service providers firsthand and then compare them with each other.
Since you will need multiple features in your VoIP setup, you have to look for the provider that is providing you with all the necessary features, including video conferencing, call routing, call forwarding, and CRM integration. There are certain VoIP service providers that provide you with advanced features, and then there are certain that provide you with only essential services.
You need to focus on the service provider that is providing you with the required features that are important for your business functions. A VoIP business provider should provide you with all the necessary features that you need in your business.
Security
In order to protect your data and calls, you have to make sure to finalize the service provider with solid safety measures. A reliable service provider should provide safety beforehand to protect your data and calls.
Keep in mind to focus on all these features before finalizing the VoIP service provider. Moreover, the security feature is one of the more essential features that should not be overlooked because since VoIP uses internet-based services, it is much more exposed to security threats.
Pros And Cons Of Free Business Phone Numbers
Following are some of the advantages and disadvantages of getting free business phone numbers. Look at the details below so you can make the right choice.
Free VoIP phone numbers are incredibly cost-effective. They are affordable and highly budget-friendly because you don’t have to pay for anything in any way.
Flexibility
Free VoIP service is highly flexible, and you are not tied to a specific location. You can make and receive calls from any device with an internet connection without the boundaries of region and area. You can stay connected to your customers at any time from anywhere.
User-friendly
Free VoIP services are comparatively convenient to get. You can easily manage your account with them, and most of the service providers who are providing free VOIP services make changes and amendments online. This ultimately makes it easier for you to set the setup.
Cons:
Internet Reliance
This is one of the most significant disadvantages that you might have to face when you get free VoIP service. Since the VoIP service relies mainly on an internet connection, if you have free service, there are chances that the service provider does not provide you with a super fantastic internet system.
You need to make sure that the service you are getting is providing you with uninterrupted call service and high-quality calls without any call lagging or delays. Free VoIP service is more prone to dropping calls and poor connections.
Cyber Security Threats
Another significant disadvantage of having a free VoIP service is cyber threat vulnerability. They are also vulnerable to cyber threats like phone spoofing and hacking.
Keeping these attacks in mind, you have to make sure that your information is not compromised while taking the free VoIP service. Make sure to get the one in which sensitive information is not compromised or hacked in any way. There is a high chance that free VOIP service can cause issues related to cyber security.
VoIP Number Porting
Voip number porting helps you retain the same old phone number regardless of any change in geographical or telecom company. This helps you save money not only because you don’t need a new number but also because you will not need a new business card or new advertisements, and neither will you inform your customers on different platforms. It keeps you away from the complications of advertising your new number.
How to Port Old Number into a New VoIP System?
To port an old number into a new VoIP number, you have to follow these four steps mentioned below. The first step you must take is to inform the new service provider that you have to port the number from the old VoIP service provider. You have to tell them and clear them that you are switching the service and not the number.
Always remember to prepare all the necessary requirements and documentations beforehand when you have to port the number. Share the list of numbers that you want to move with new service providers. Also, submit the service bill form of the previous service provider.
Moreover, you have to submit the accurate residential or office address you have already submitted to the previous service provider to the new service provider. Ensure that you know your PIN, as you have to provide your PIN to the new service provider because it is essential for starting your porting process.
Provide all necessary information and documents to the new service provider, and make sure to keep your current account active until the migration of the number is completed. The service provider will then use your old number as your new VoIP number.
FAQs
Can I get a free VoIP number?
Yes, you can get a free VoIP number, but for your information, the free VOIP number is less reliable and is more prone to cyber security. Keep in mind the free VoIP numbers offer you only essential functions and do not have any intelligent or latest features in them.
How to get a VoIP phone number?
In order to get a VoIP phone number, the first step is to choose a VoIP provider and then choose the number that you want. Then, you have to set up the settings of the number and make a few testing calls before officially using it.
How much does VoIP service cost?
On average, to get a VoIP phone system, you have to spend somewhere between $25 to $40 monthly. These are the basic charges, and additional features, for example, equipment rental cost and call recordings can charge you extra dollars. So keep in mind the charges depend upon the service provider, too.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you have gone through this article mentioned above that tells you about everything that you have to make sure of beforehand when getting a VoIP number. This step-by-step guide tells you about the steps that you have to follow to get the VoIP number quickly and conveniently. Try your best to pay attention to every detail so you do not miss anything important that can help you out in getting a VoIP number.
