By Reuben Yonatan
Businesses are rapidly adopting cloud communication solutions as a new way to handle their telecommunication needs. Many businesses don’t realize that cloud telephony is equipped with a lot of great features they can use to amplify and improve their marketing efforts. Here are 5 ways you can use a cloud system to make your business better.
1. You can integrate it with your CRM tool
Having everything in one place is a huge benefit when it comes to taking calls from customers and processing what they need. If you have access to their information quickly and efficiently, you can integrate the call with everything you’ve already established about that particular customer. Having the phone system linked to CRM also means you can create an account for a new customer fast, so that customer isn’t left wondering whether your company is efficient, or thinking they may have been better off going elsewhere. Integrating your phone system with your CRM will provide even greater ROI on both fronts.
2. You can get a virtual receptionist to improve your business’ appeal
You might not want to hire a full-time receptionist. You might not even be a big-enough company to need one. Even if that’s the case, you can make your company look more appealing to customers by having a virtual receptionist as part of your cloud phone system. That way, appointments can easily be made, basic questions can be answered, and messages can be taken, even if you’re not available. The professionalism that gives you is a great way to market your business as a company people will want to use and a company that’s efficient and concerned about its customers.
3. You are marketing yourself, as well as your product or service
From the minute a customer or potential customer contacts you, or you contact them, you’re marketing your business. You might be trying to get them to buy a product or service, but it’s not just about that. If they don’t like your company overall, they’re going to be far less likely to buy your product or service, even if it’s something they want and need. With that in mind, you need a good cloud phone system to have the efficiency, quality, and professionalism that customers will be looking for with your business. It can make a big difference in your bottom line.
4. You can easily record calls
Recording calls for training purposes (and in case there’s a complaint or problem) is a great way to help show everyone in your company the kinds of things you should – and shouldn’t – be doing when it comes to how you interact with customers. Through a cloud phone system, you can record all your calls so you’ll have the records if you ever need them. It’s a great feature to have, and works really well to teach your employees the right way to market the products and services you have to offer to customers.
5. You will have more money to spend on marketing
In the majority of cases, it’s less expensive overall to have a cloud phone system than it is to have a system that is managed internally. With that in mind, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons, to be sure you get what you’re really looking for, at a price you’re happy with. Check out all your options, and be sure to price start-up and ongoing costs, so you can see how much switching to a cloud phone system will add to your marketing budget.
Reuben Yonatan is the founder and CEO of GetVoIP. With an extensive background in cloud communication technologies, and building industry leading internet companies, Reuben’s writings blend commentary, research, and perspective on cloud computing, digital media, business/leadership strategies, and enterprise solutions. Follow Reuben on Twitter @reubenyonatan.
