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Get free accessWith so many VoIP business phone systems in London, it can be difficult to decide which best suits your needs. Fortunately, that’s where this hub comes in—a complete run-through of all the things you need to consider to ensure your business makes the right call.
Why do I need a business phone system?
For businesses like yours, there are often two key considerations when it comes to upgrading your operating processes. Firstly, is it going to save me money? And secondly, will it save me time? If you choose the right business phone system, you’ll be able to tick both boxes comfortably.
Small teams, growing departments, remote workforces: whatever your set-up, there’s a phone system out there to fulfill your needs—and it’s our job to help you work out exactly what that looks like. The best place to start? Understanding the types of systems on the market.
Types of business phone systems
So here we are, the first hurdle. Don’t be put off by the odd bit of technical speak here—it’s key to know exactly what you’re looking for, and the type of system is arguably the most important differentiator you’ll come across.
In any case, we’ve kept this simple: a two-minute read, covering the four major options on the market. Check out our blog to learn more.
Analogue
Voice signals transmitted over copper wires. Or, in layman’s terms, a traditional landline phone system.
PBX
Otherwise known as Private Branch Exchange. Multiple analogue (read: traditional) phone cables combine together to support up to 23 individual lines.
IP PBX
Exactly the same as the PBX, but with one key difference: instead of copper wires, the voice signals travel via the internet.
VoIP
Short for Voice over Internet Protocol, VoIP systems are cloud-based phone solutions. Information can be shared between a VoIP system and other software to enable seamless workflows. A quick note: Aircall falls into this category.
Why switch to a cloud-based phone system?
There are a lot of challenges for businesses at the moment, and it’s no different for those in London. Things are changing fast, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing—particularly when it comes to adopting digital technology.
What do we mean by this? In the UK, all phone systems will be digital by December 2025 when the Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) is set to shut down—meaning every phone line will need to operate on a fully digital network.
It may sound daunting, but it doesn’t need to be. Digital phone systems are proven to be far more efficient, cost-effective, and fast to set up. So why not take the leap now and get ahead of the game (and your competition)?
Choosing the right business phone system
One thing you may have already realised during this decision-making process is that there is a lot of options out there. Most, if not all, will offer you incentives to try—and then buy—their product. So how do you differentiate one from the next, particularly when similar products are presented with sweet sign on deals, discounts and more?
We’ve compiled a checklist of sorts; a few things to look out for that will help frame the way you make your decision—and ensure you don’t get stung by hidden costs, or limited offerings.
Free trial periods and demos
Seeing a product first hand, or being given a detailed walkthrough by an expert, is always going to leave you and your team in better stead. Take advantage of this before making your final decision.
Clear, flexible pricing
Always ensure you know exactly what features and benefits you’re paying for, how much you’re paying, and how these costs are calculated. Ask about the minimum and maximum number of users on your account, cost per user per month and customisable plans.
A full suite of integrations
One of the most important elements of cloud-based phone systems is their ability to integrate with the software you already use. Ensure you can plug in your CRM and customer service or sales platforms to get the best out of the technology.
Best-in-class support services
As your customers will know, accessing the right level of support as and when they need it is a huge selling point—so it should be no different for your telephone system provider. The right service should mean implementation is painless, and support is ongoing.
Always check customer reviews
Third-party review sites are invaluable when it comes to making the final decision. Platforms like G2 provide unbiased accounts from customers to ensure you get the full picture of the service you’re about to choose.
How VoIP can improve your business
Now you’ve covered the services that may be on offer, it’s time to look at the benefits you may get from them. This will help you understand exactly what you could—or should—expect when implementing a business phone system.
Every business has its own priorities, as well as its own problems it needs to solve—and yours is no different. We’ve pulled out five of the most important things to consider as you start sizing up the market—and we’ve gone into more detail on our blog if you need it.
Reduce costs across the board
From installation and maintenance to domestic and international calling, VoIP technology works out far cheaper. There is no physical work required to fit or repair phone lines and many providers include unlimited domestic calling as well as reduced rates on international minutes.
Remote work made easy
Supporting remote or hybrid staff is now a key element of staff retention, particularly for businesses based in London. All your team needs is a stable internet connection to make and receive calls through multiple devices, wherever they are in the world.
A system that fits
Whether your business has ambitious growth targets or is looking to downsize, having a phone system that supports your circumstances at all times is crucial. VoIP technology makes this easy, with system size adjusted with ease to meet your needs.
Everything in one place
When your agents receive a call, they need all the relevant information available to them to ensure a customer or prospect is satisfied. Many VoIP platforms enable you to access all this instantly, and in one place—including real-time customer records, transcribed voicemails, message forwarding and more—thanks to integrations with your other business tools.
Quality with every call
Instead of relying on physical cables, VoIP systems compress both sound and —using lossless algorithms, no less—to ensure a high level of quality is maintained at all times. Connection speeds and reception levels rarely dip, causing minimal levels of disruption throughout the year.
The calling features you need to succeed
OK, so you’ve got a clear idea of the services on offer, as well as the benefits you should expect from whichever provider you choose. Next up, it’s time to dive into the details: product features and what they mean.
You’ll see many of these terms featured on the websites of almost every vendor, so it’s important to understand what they mean—and which ones mean the most to your business. Here’s a handy run through of them.
International numbers
Claim local and international numbers for your business in 100+ countries—even if your team works a continent away.
Call routing
Direct calls to the correct teammates every time through customised distribution and ring rules.
Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
Set up a smart directory that automatically guides callers to the correct team on their first try.
Warm transfer
Give your team the ability to quickly speak to one another before transferring a live call.
Call queuing
Give inbound callers the option to remain in a queue until one of your agents in available to talk.
Call recording
Review call recordings to help confirm details, monitor quality and guide training sessions.
PowerDialer
Sales reps can quickly compile a list of numbers and call them all in just one click—completely integrated with your CRM.
Analytics
Keep track of your call centre metrics—such as waiting time, missed call rate and call volume—all in one place.
Why choose Aircall for your business in London?
Finding a provider that best suits your business needs isn’t easy, but hopefully all the information we’ve provided acts as a valuable resource while doing so.
With that in mind, it’s time to make your decision. But before you do, we’d like to give you one last helping hand. Here’s what Aircall can offer you:
Dedicated local support
With a team based in London, we’re always on hand to assist with anything you need—from implementation and set up, to scaling with your business, and beyond.
Set up in seconds
Whether for sales teams, support teams, or both, Aircall can be set up in minutes. Ensure all your staff onboard successfully with step-by-step instructions and a whole host of resources to get up to speed in no time.
Connect your tools
Integrate with your CRM system, helpdesk solutions, and hundreds more platforms that businesses like yours use every day.
VoIP in London and Nearby Cities: Aircall has you covered.
Aircall's VoIP phone system is available in London, and other cities in the UK, including:
Try Aircall for 7 days for free to experience the platform for yourself, and discover exactly what the benefits of VoIP can bring to your team.
