Guide to Getting the Best Business Phone Service in MI
Choosing the right Michigan business phone service is an important decision for virtually any company. Much like your web site and physical location, the phone is amongst the primary ways that customers, clients and employees alike contact you.
Because of the sometimes impersonal nature of the internet, having a more personal method of contact with the phone also adds legitimacy to your business. Given these benefits the advantages of a solid business phone service is clear, however, how to go about choosing the best one isn't always as obvious.
Michigan Business Phone Service Options
Today, Michigan business owners can choose from a wide variety of phone services. From cell phone plans for you personally and your employees to international calling plans there is a Michigan business phone service for every single type of company.
Traditional Business Phone Lines in MI
Cable phone lines are the original way of delivering business phone services in Michigan. Phone companies like AT&T have been supplying this kind of business phone service for many years. The benefits of this style of phone service are the clarity and dependability because it does not rely on an connection to the internet.
VoIP Business Phone Service in Michigan
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone services make use of the internet rather than phone lines to route phone calls. The appealing factor with this type of business phone service is the financial savings. It is also an ideal choice for Michigan businesses that do not currently have land lines available.
Vonage is an leader in the industry at supplying VoIP business phone services in MI and the first major provider of this type of service. Comcast has also acknowledged the advantages of this latest delivery method and has begun supplying business VoIP phone service of its own.
Using Skype for Your Michigan Business Phone Service
Skype has gained popularity in recent years, offering a distinctive type of phone service which is centered around video chatting that utilizes VoIP technology. Many Michigan business owners like having the ability to see the people they're talking to in addition to the fact that Skype is currently a free service if you're making phone calls from computer to computer. If you'd like an online phone number that people can call from their phones local rates will apply.
International Calling Services for Michigan Businesses
Phone service that comes with international calling is a wise decision for any company that frequently makes or receives calls from overseas. Many local calling plans will include the U.S., U.S. territories, Canada and Mexico. If you need plans for calling outside those areas you should consider adding on an international calling plan to your local phone service.
Popular Business Phone Features to Look For
Business phone services today include quite a few calling features based on the plan you select. These features can make your business more productive and provide a better customer service experience. Below are typical calling features that many businesses require.
- · Voicemail
- · Call waiting
- · Three way calling
- · Caller ID
- · Call transfer
Most Michigan phone companies have their own special, advanced calling features that may be added onto a plan. For example, Vonage has what they call Visual Voicemail which transcribes all of your voicemails and sends them to you either as an email or text. It is best to look through each provider's calling features to determine which ones will benefit your business best.
One very important feature that must not be overlooked when you're getting a new business phone service in Michigan is the ability to retain your current number. Most phone companies are able to help you preserve your current number but verify this before signing up for a service.
Another thing to consider is the need for a toll free 1-800 number. There are numerous providers who specialize in creating 1-800 numbers for businesses.