One of the strangest things about the business world is how we still use pre-digital solutions for a digital-first world. The traditional phone systems, while still serving several purposes, are not the ideal communication tool for a digitalised world. What you need is a virtual phone number.

As a small business owner, streamlining business communication should be a top priority for you. A virtual phone number is one of the smartest technological solutions that you can integrate into your operations. These are the top five reasons why everyone from small business owners to freelancers and gig workers are turning to a virtual phone number.

5 reasons why you should have a virtual phone number

1. Makes your business look professional

You can use your virtual phone number as a dedicated second line for work. You can share this number with your business associates, vendors and clients. You can even use that as your customer support number.

Telling people, ‘That’s our business number’ makes you look professional and resourceful. You could be a freelancer operating out of your bedroom or a small business that doesn’t have a physical office. But a dedicated number for business will make you look more credible.

2. You'll make substantial savings

Most of us take for granted the costs associated with traditional phone systems. First of all, you have to pay for the device, installation and any other hardware that you might require. These are mostly non-negotiable.

Secondly, the call charges are high and would increase if you make international calls. People are so used to these costs that few question the need for them. Those who do, opt for a virtual phone number.

To begin with, you don’t have to buy an additional smartphone. Secondly, the call rates are cheaper when compared to offline phones. You don’t have to pay prohibitively expensive international call rates. Plus, the setup costs are almost negligible.

With the right business voicemail, you also won’t have to worry about outsourcing your call management to a business answering service.

3. You can be productive on the go

You won’t be tied to your desk anymore. A virtual phone number ensures that you’ll be able to work from anywhere. You can direct incoming calls to your laptop or mobile phone. All it requires is an internet connection.

Some virtual phone number providers will also let you forward voicemails to your email. In other words, no matter where you are, your phone will be active, enabling business calls and messages to come in.

4. No more missed calls

Miss a call and you miss an opportunity. But you often end up doing it because you might be with your friends or family. By the time you get back, the client or customer may have found someone else to solve their problem. Even if they do business with you, they would think of your services as unprofessional.

With a virtual phone number, you can tackle this problem effectively. Chalkboard, for example, allows you to create auto-text replies. If you cannot take a call, the caller will get a message explaining why.

A virtual phone number allows you to separate your business and personal lives.

5. Easy to set up and get started

As small business owners find out more about virtual phone systems the one thing that surprises them is the ease of setup.

With a traditional landline, you would have to wait for the equipment and crew to set it up. With a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) system too, you would need technicians to install it and it would take some training to use it.

More than a virtual phone number

Chalkboard is a virtual phone number tailored specifically for small businesses, startups, and freelancers. While there are various virtual phone numbers available for medium and large enterprises or regular users, Chalkboard stands out with its focus on helping small businesses. As well as providing a second line for work purposes, Chalkboard also allows users to organise their contacts and their communication, making it easier to manage calls and messages and separate work and personal life.

Chalkboard offers the added advantage of being able to share your virtual number with your team, which can enhance customer service and facilitate collaboration. With broadcast SMS and advanced messaging features, Chalkboard can also amplify your marketing efforts.

This virtual phone number offers a comprehensive suite of features and benefits that come with affordability and no binding contracts.

Let Chalkboard help to grow your business.