Underdogs No More: How VoIP Helps SMBs Go Global
It used to be tough for businesses to expand into international markets: before doing so, they had to first cater to their local market and build a solid foundation. This was because going global took time and required a significant amount of resources, not only in terms of capital and staffing, but also in terms of international communications.
But with today’s technologies, this has greatly changed. As Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology continues to grow in popularity, small to mid-sized businesses now have the ability to market their products and reach consumers around the globe. Here’s how business VoIP phone solutions make it possible for SMBs to enjoy a global presence with less hassle and cost:
Get huge savings on international calls
The cost of long distance and international calling can be financially prohibitive for startups and small businesses. Even if the price per minute of international calls has dropped over the years, this cost can still add up over a short amount of time.
But with a VoIP phone service, businesses no longer have to worry about paying hefty international calling fees because many VoIP service providers offer very affordable calling rates (some charge as low as $0.02/minute, compared to traditional landline call rates at $3.00/minute and up). That’s because VoIP phones use the internet to route calls, instead of public telephone networks. This translates to huge savings, which can be used to reinvest into the business. There are even select providers that include a certain number of international minutes per month, too!
Meet face to face despite the distance
Business travel is a big challenge that many SMBs face when looking to expand to international markets. It is both challenging and costly to make regular business trips to meet with clients or to check up on operations in different countries. But VoIP can help companies address these issues with video chat and conferencing capabilities. Features like 3-Way Calling, Video Conferencing, and free on-network calling make it easy to do business overseas.
Create a local presence with virtual numbers
These days, businesses utilizing VoIP solutions can easily reach and be reached by customers in a specific region or location even though they don’t have a physical branch or office set up there. This is because of virtual number ptions offered by select providers. Setting up a virtual number means you can make calls and be called by people with the same area code...and are therefore charged only local call rates instead of long distance rates.
For instance, if you cater to clients in the UK but you're based in the US, customers in the UK can still call you without having to pay high call charges by simply dialing your local virtual number. It’s an easy and affordable way for customers and prospects to contact you, which means you get more business.
Final Thoughts
VoIP technology has proven a valuable tool for small to mid-sized businesses that have, in the past, only dreamed about conquering other markets. With its affordable, flexible, and secure features, VoIP phone solutions now make it possible for SMBs to get ahead of the game and attract customers around the world.
So are you ready to go global?