Google Voice
Google Voice is a phone system provider available in 14 countries, including the United Kingdom, United States and Europe, whereby businesses can make and receive phone calls locally and internationally at low costs as a part of Google Workspace. Compatible devices include office phones, mobiles and computers, making it possible for remote communications, not just in the office. Additionally, all methods of communication are streamlined onto one platform, making it easier to connect with clients and customers. There are three plans available, based on the number of users needing to use the phone system and the features businesses feel they would benefit from.
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Google Voice Plans
As aforementioned, there are three plans that Google Voice offers to its business customers.
The first and most straightforward plan is the ‘Starter’ plan, aimed at new or small businesses. It is priced at £7.50 per month and per user, adding up to 10 users in this package. While this does not allow much flexibility to grow the business if you plan to hire new employees, it is the optimal plan for small businesses that can benefit from its cost-effectiveness.
Whilst up to 10 local locations can be included, there is no opportunity for international calling, which may be a problem for businesses with international customers. They may need to consider upgraded plans. There are basic features included in this plan, like unlimited calling and instant messaging and unlimited online support should users run into problems and have queries. More advanced features include call forwarding, which directs phone calls to a different user, and voicemail transcription, which emails the contents of a voicemail so that employees do not have to waste time listening to the audio files.
The second plan offered by Google Voice is termed the ‘Standard’ plan, which is an upgrade from the Starter yet not the most comprehensive. It is aimed at medium-sized businesses, priced at £15 per month per user; however, it allows unlimited users to be connected to the platform. This is advantageous because there are no limitations on employee numbers, and therefore, businesses are free to expand without considering this. All of the features included in the Starter plan apply to the Standard plan, in addition to unlimited domestic locations and a few other advanced features. For example, ring groups allow multiple phones to ring at once when there is an incoming call to increase the chance of an agent picking up, which is incredibly useful in peak call volumes. In the same way, auto-attendant direct calls to the appropriate agents depending on the caller’s needs to save time.
The most comprehensive plan available is the ‘Premier’ plan, priced at £22 per month per user. It includes all the Standard plan features like unlimited users and domestic locations. However, in addition to this, it allows unlimited international calling. For large businesses, this is crucial, as a critical element in expanding a company is gaining clients from all over the globe, increasing the number of countries that acknowledge their business.
Moreover, the unlimited minute aspect allows for stress-free calling without worrying about the high rates that many other phone providers offer. Lastly, the Premier plan includes extra supplementary features, like advanced reporting. By partnering with BigQuery, a cloud-based service that provides analytics on calls and messages, companies can analyse this data and use it to improve their pick-up rates or other elements within their workforce.
Google Workspace
Google Voice is only available to Google Workspace customers. Essentially, this means that users must first sign up to the latter, an interface designed for businesses that allow them to communicate and collaborate via several integrated applications to encourage productivity. These apps include Google Mail, which users can create accounts for to help them deliver files and notes to other colleagues, in addition to sending relevant attachments to customers.
Another practical application is the calendar, where users can record important dates such as conferences or deadlines, assisting them in creating an organised workspace. Likewise, direct communication apps, like Google Meet, allow users to create or join groups with their unique link that must be obtained to join, complete with audio and video features. Altogether, these integrations are valuable; however, they produce an utterly comprehensive platform in conjunction with Google Voice.
Google Voice – To Conclude
In conclusion, Google Voice is a VoIP solution part of Google Workspace that uses the internet to connect colleagues and customers, providing unlimited calls and even international calling. There are three plans offered, based on the needs of every individual business.
Other useful links about business phone systems
OneSuite Phone Systems
Mix Networks Phone Systems
Mondotalk Phone Systems
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