Our two-part blog series on virtual phone numbers continues as we answer more frequently asked questions. Read on to understand the benefits that a virtual number could have on your small business!
5. Do I need any special software or equipment to make it work?
Virtual numbers work exactly the same as any other phone number – once you set up forwarding through your virtual numbers provider, all you need is your existing phone!
6. Can I forward multiple virtual numbers to a single calling device?
You can get as many virtual numbers as you want and they’ll all reach you at the phone of your choice.
7. Can I forward a single virtual number to multiple calling devices?
Yes! Typically, when you're setting up call forwarding, you can indicate that you'd like the call to forward to multiple phone numbers that are associated with specific calling devices (e.g., your cell phone, desk phone, home phone, softphone on your computer, etc.), either sequentially or simultaneously.
8. What happens if I don’t answer?
If you miss a call to your virtual number, the caller will be forwarded to your virtual number voicemail box. You can customize this voicemail greeting to reflect your brand and provide callers with more information about your business.
9. What features come with a virtual number?
The beauty of virtual numbers isn't just convenience and cost-savings, it's also the advanced features you get that go beyond your typical mobile phone features. Each virtual numbers provider has a slightly different list of features, but just to give you an idea, here's the Cloud Phone list:
- Auto Attendant
- Call Forwarding
- Call Screening
- Extensions / Users
- Fax (Inbound)
- International Call Forwarding
- Local Phone Number
- Management Portal
- Outbound Calling
- Professional Greetings
- Reach Me Anywhere
- Toll Free Numbers
- Voicemail
- Voicemail Transcription
10. Can I still use my regular phone number?
Yes, of course! Your regular phone number will function just the same as always –if not better. Now that you have a virtual number to field your business calls, you can keep your cell phone number private and make your voicemail greeting as goofy as you’d like.
Now that you’ve got the virtual numbers FAQ, you have all the information you need to put your business on the path to communications success. Do you currently use virtual numbers for your small business? Or, do you have any questions on how to get your business set up with a virtual number? Post in the comments below or connect with us on social media – Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.