Upstream Tech blog | Automate Success

5 tips on how to choose the perfect VoIP provider

Written by Daniel Helson | Jul 29, 2020 5:15:00 AM

Following the almost overnight transition to remote work, businesses have had to grapple to find solutions that make this transition easier. With communication platforms like Slack skyrocketing in usage during this time, it seems that one of the biggest concerns for business owners is seamless connectivity. That’s where VoIP providers enter the conversation.

VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, as it is known in full, is proving to be a trailblazer when it comes to remote communication. By no means a new solution, these communication systems are a standard feature in the sales industry and are now branching out into other businesses.

With the ability to connect teams via high-quality audio and video calling and instant messaging, over the internet, VoIP systems are a way of mitigating the effects of the lack of human connection inherent to WFH. 

The key to enjoying all their benefits, however, comes down to one, simple thing: Choosing the right VoIP provider. 

Look for companies specialising in hosted VoIP solutions

Hosted VoIP solutions are a real gamechanger if you’re concerned about convenience and cost-efficiency in addition to connectivity.

With these types of systems, you never have to worry about system maintenance or updates - everything is handled by your VoIP provider, who makes updates on the backend, without you realising it. 

If this seems like something you can do without, think again! The last thing you want to be dealing with, in an era now dominated by remote work, is having to manually undertake system maintenance and updates.

Choose a VoIP provider with experience 

Another factor that’s really important when it comes to choosing a VoIP provider is experience. This is because, in order to enjoy the benefits of these systems, there’s a certain level of customisation that needs to go in.

A service provider that has worked with businesses of different sizes from different industries will be able to anticipate your needs and tailor their services and offerings to your requirements. 

Moreover, they will understand what you need to do to achieve your goals and help you achieve them with their solutions.

Select VoIP providers that offer scalable, flexible solutions

When you’re shopping for your VoIP system, look for companies that offer scalable solutions that can grow with your team. Given that your business is unlikely to remain static, your systems and software need to be able to grow along with you seamlessly.

When you’re speaking to companies that specialise in VoIP systems, look into how easy it is for your new communication system to adapt to your needs as you go from one level to the next.

Look for companies that have a reputation for working with small businesses

Regardless of whether you’re a small business or a startup, the need for connectivity is the same. By choosing to work with a VoIP provider that is known to produce solutions that are small business-friendly, you’re able to avail affordable solutions that are primed for the scale of your operations.

With VoIP becoming popular among smaller businesses that were previously left in the dark due to exorbitant pricing, the benefits of this communication system are available to all - provided each system’s features are in line with the needs and requirements of each SME.

Settle on a VoIP provider that offers a full series of features 

When it comes to VoIP, your system will only be as good as the features your teams are equipped with.

Before you sign the dotted line, make sure you’ve done your research into what’s on offer. A powerful VoIP system will feature elements like call queues, call statistics, powerful direct inward dialling extensions, call parking, time switches and other, equally useful, functionality. 

 

Speak to our team at upstream - a leading VoIP provider in Australia

At upstream, our team has worked with numerous businesses - both big and small - to ensure that their communication needs are met through powerful VoIP systems.