Creating a comprehensive guide on the 20 Best Business Phone Services for Small Businesses, their features, and step-by-step guides in simple language is quite a substantial undertaking. In this response, I’ll provide a high-level overview of some popular business phone services and their key features. However, due to the complexity and length of such a guide, I’ll summarize the details for a few selected services. You can then apply a similar format to the remaining services.
In today’s digital age, a reliable business phone service is crucial for small businesses. It helps you communicate with customers, partners, and employees efficiently. We’ve compiled a list of 20 top-notch business phone services, highlighting their key features in plain English.
20 Best Business Phone Services for Small Business
1. RingCentral
Key Features:
- Cloud-based phone system.
- Video conferencing.
- Team messaging.
- Call management tools.
Step-by-step Guide:
- Sign up for RingCentral.
- Choose your plan.
- Set up your phone system.
- Customize call routing.
- Start making calls and hosting meetings.
2. Grasshopper
Key Features:
- Virtual phone numbers.
- Mobile app.
- Call forwarding.
- Voicemail transcription.
Step-by-step Guide:
- Sign up for Grasshopper.
- Select your business number.
- Customize your voicemail.
- Set up call forwarding.
- Download the mobile app for on-the-go communication.
3. Vonage Business
Key Features:
- Cloud-hosted phone system.
- SMS messaging.
- Call recording.
- Integrations with CRM tools.
Step-by-step Guide:
- Sign up for Vonage Business.
- Choose your plan.
- Configure your call settings.
- Start sending SMS messages.
- Integrate with your CRM for better customer management.
4. Nextiva
Key Features:
- VoIP phone service.
- Auto-attendants.
- Call analytics.
- Mobile app for remote work.
Step-by-step Guide:
- Register for Nextiva.
- Select your plan and get your phone numbers.
- Set up your auto-attendants.
- Monitor your call analytics.
- Download the mobile app for flexibility.
5. Zoom Phone
Key Features:
- Integrated with Zoom video conferencing.
- Call routing and scheduling.
- Voicemail transcription.
- Cross-device compatibility.
Step-by-step Guide:
- Sign up for Zoom Phone.
- Connect with Zoom video meetings.
- Customize call routing and schedules.
- Use voicemail transcription for quick message access.
- Access your phone system on multiple devices.
6. 8×8
Key Features:
- Cloud-based phone system.
- Team messaging.
- Analytics and reporting.
- Integrations with business apps.
Step-by-step Guide:
- Sign up for 8×8.
- Set up your phone system.
- Use team messaging for collaboration.
- Analyze call data with built-in reporting.
- Integrate with your favorite business apps.
7. Ooma Office
Key Features:
- VoIP phone service.
- Virtual receptionist.
- Call forwarding.
- Scalable for growing businesses.
Step-by-step Guide:
- Register for Ooma Office.
- Set up your virtual receptionist.
- Configure call forwarding.
- Scale your phone system as your business grows.
8. Dialpad
Key Features:
- AI-powered voice recognition.
- Integrations with G Suite and Office 365.
- Voicemail transcription.
- Call recording and analytics.
Step-by-step Guide:
- Sign up for Dialpad.
- Integrate with your email and productivity apps.
- Use AI-powered voice recognition.
- Access voicemail transcriptions and call recordings.
- Analyze call data with built-in analytics.
9. GoToConnect
Key Features:
- Unified communications.
- Call routing and management.
- Video conferencing.
- Mobile app for remote work.
Step-by-step Guide:
- Sign up for GoToConnect.
- Configure your call routing and management.
- Host video conferences.
- Stay connected with the mobile app for remote work.
10. Microsoft Teams
Key Features:
- Integrated with Office 365.
- Team chat and collaboration.
- Video and voice calls.
- File sharing and editing.
Step-by-step Guide:
- Set up Microsoft Teams through Office 365.
- Start team chats and collaboration.
- Make video and voice calls.
- Share and edit files within Teams.
11. Mitel
Key Features:
- Cloud-based communication.
- Collaboration tools.
- Contact center solutions.
- Analytics and reporting.
Step-by-step Guide:
- Sign up for Mitel.
- Explore collaboration tools.
- Set up your contact center.
- Analyze communication data with reporting.
12. Cisco Webex Calling
Key Features:
- Cloud-based calling.
- Video conferencing.
- Team messaging.
- Call history and voicemail.
Step-by-step Guide:
- Sign up for Cisco Webex Calling.
- Schedule video conferences.
- Use team messaging.
- Access call history and voicemail.
13. Jive
Key Features:
- VoIP phone service.
- Call routing and management.
- Custom greetings.
- Mobile app for flexibility.
Step-by-step Guide:
- Register for Jive.
- Set up call routing and management.
- Create custom greetings.
- Stay connected with the mobile app.
14. Google Voice
Key Features:
- Virtual phone numbers.
- Voicemail transcription.
- Call screening.
- Integration with Google Workspace.
Step-by-step Guide:
- Sign up for Google Voice.
- Choose your virtual phone number.
- Set up voicemail transcription.
- Use call screening for spam calls.
- Integrate with Google Workspace for seamless communication.
15. Zoho PhoneBridge
Key Features:
- Integrates with Zoho CRM.
- Call analytics.
- Voicemail management.
- Click-to-call from CRM.
Step-by-step Guide:
- Sign up for Zoho PhoneBridge.
- Integrate with Zoho CRM.
- Analyze call data.
- Manage voicemails efficiently.
- Enjoy one-click calling from CRM.
16. Panasonic Business Communication
Key Features:
- VoIP phone system.
- Call recording.
- Unified messaging.
- Scalability for growing businesses.
Step-by-step Guide:
- Register for Panasonic Business Communication.
- Configure call recording.
- Utilize unified messaging.
- Easily scale your system as your business grows.
17. Avaya
Key Features:
- Unified communications.
- Call center solutions.
- Team messaging.
- Analytics and reporting.
Step-by-step Guide:
- Sign up for Avaya.
- Explore unified communication features.
- Set up a call center solution.
- Use team messaging.
- Analyze communication data with reporting.
18. FortiVoice
Key Features:
- VoIP phone system.
- Security features.
- Mobile app.
- Call routing options.
Step-by-step Guide:
- Register for FortiVoice.
- Implement security features.
- Download the mobile app for flexibility.
- Configure call routing according to your business needs.
19. Rackspace Email & Apps
Key Features:
- Email and communication tools.
- Integration with Microsoft Exchange.
- Mobile access.
- Collaboration features.
Step-by-step Guide:
- Sign up for Rackspace Email & Apps.
- Integrate with Microsoft Exchange for email.
- Access communication tools on mobile.
- Collaborate effectively with built-in features.
20. Viber Business Messaging
Key Features:
- Business messaging platform.
- Chatbots for customer support.
- Rich media messaging.
- Analytics for messaging campaigns.
Step-by-step Guide:
- Sign up for Viber Business Messaging.
- Create and deploy chatbots for customer support.
- Use rich media messaging for engaging with customers.
- Analyze campaign performance with built-in analytics.
In conclusion, these 20 business phone services offer a range of features to suit the needs of small businesses. Choose the one that best fits your requirements, follow the step-by-step guides, and enhance your communication capabilities effortlessly.
Remember that each service has its unique features and advantages, so take the time to explore and find the perfect fit for your small business needs.