Does Your Small Business Need a Virtual Receptionist?

A virtual receptionist is a contractor that is employed by businesses to answer their calls on their behalf. Many small businesses benefit from outsourcing their calls to a virtual receptionist as it improves efficiency and increases professionalism. In this article we will explain some of the reasons why your small business may need a virtual receptionist and how you can benefit from their services.

Too busy to take calls

If you find that you are spending all of your time answering your clients’ calls and scheduling appointments, then you will certainly benefit from outsourcing your calls to a virtual receptionist. This will enable you to be more productive, spending time on more important tasks like sourcing new products and growing your business. No longer will you feel stressed out from hearing the sound of your phone ringing all day! You will also have the peace of mind knowing that all of your calls are being handled in a timely and professional manner.

No telephone number

Although many businesses operate without providing a contact number on their website, it can be quite off putting for customers. Understandably they want to be able to speak to a real person if they have a query or a problem with their order. If you want your business to look more credible then why not consider hiring a virtual receptionist? They will be able to provide you with a business number and answer your customers’ calls on your behalf.

Improve customer service

If you want to stand out amongst your competitors, one great way of achieving this is by improving your customer service. Virtual receptionists will have the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to provide the best customer service possible for your business. Your customers will feel much more satisfied speaking to a ‘real person’ on the other end of the phone, rather than having to write an email or leave a message on an automated answering machine.

Establishing a new business

If you have recently set up your business, you may be trying to find ways to increase your brand awareness and widen your customer base. Outsourcing your telephone calls to a virtual receptionist is the perfect way to make your business appear larger than it really is. Many people would rather purchase goods and services from larger, more established businesses as they appear more reputable and professional.

National presence

If you run a small business but want it to have a national presence, then hiring a virtual receptionist from a company such as Office Answersnofollow is the perfect solution. You can have your business number changed to a different area code, such as London, Manchester or another big city. Alternatively you could choose a non-geographical number such as those that begin with 0800 or 0871. This will help you to widen your customer base, as people will no longer see you as a local, small business. Many businesses also hire virtual receptionists to give their business international presence.

Cost effective

If you believe your business would benefit from hiring a receptionist, but cannot afford to pay someone full time, then hiring a virtual receptionist will work out much more cost effective. Rather than paying an hourly wage, you will pay per phone call or a fixed monthly rate. You will not have to worry about purchasing equipment or renting an office space as the virtual receptionist will be a contractor, not an employee.

If you have found yourself agreeing with the reasons given above, then it may be time to outsource your business telephone calls to a virtual receptionist. It will bring many benefits to your business, helping you to manage your time more efficiently, whilst also increasing productivity and keeping your customers happy.