How Does a Virtual Phone Number Work?

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A virtual phone number, also known as direct inward dialing (DID) number, allows you to communicate with distant users. It can be of great value for your business even if you just started the international expansion. Compared to a traditional phone number, it offers more flexibility. It can be used digitally thanks to professional services like Telnum.

Let’s explore the idea behind a virtual phone number. How does it work? What are the benefits? How to get one?

The problem with traditional phone numbers

Traditional phone numbers used to be tied to a particular device. They were developed to work with a single phone line connected to the telecom providers via telephone cables. All corporate and personal calls can only be directed to a particular telephone. For more flexibility, on-premises PBX is connected to business phone numbers for directing calls. The connection is still limited to the premises of the business’s location. The limitations are not available with virtual phone numbers and virtual phone services.

How long are phone numbers?

Traditional and virtual phone numbers stick to the same format. A traditional telephone landline number consists of 10 digits. The first three digits stand for the area code, which is related to a local part of the country.

Virtual phone services have a different format. You can establish a virtual presence in a particular location by purchasing a virtual phone number with a local area code. No physical address in the given location is required.

A virtual number is fast and easy to obtain. Compared to traditional phone numbers that require new phone wires, virtual phone numbers can be obtained from virtual phone system providers. From the online admin account, businesses can buy new phone numbers and connect them to individual users.

How does a virtual phone number work for business?

With virtual phone numbers, communication services can be optimized. Let’s understand how to achieve the maximum effect in the business sector:

1. Unite your distributed workforce with a single business phone number

Those businesses that operate in multiple locations find it hard to operate under the same traditional phone system. Each location has phone systems from numerous providers, which aren’t compatible with each other. This leads to a poor connection between different workforces.

A modern business phone service can put employees from different locations together. The whole working teams or departments can work under a single virtual phone number. By assigning a phone number, you can create a call queue with incoming calls directed to the different departments simultaneously or in chronological order.

2. Provide your business with remote work capabilities

A virtual number receives SMS for activation of virtual phone service. This way it allows businesses to provide their employees with flexible working conditions. What’s more, they’ll be able to apply call management services like call forward, call transfer, call blocking, and custom call control. Thus, businesses don’t have to worry about missed calls.

Moreover, a virtual number creates opportunities for the use of BYOD (bring your own device). It can save your business capital by allowing your employees to use the company number to call, text, and even fax from their personal phones.

3. Allow your business to measure performance using your virtual phone numbers

You can use your virtual phone numbers to determine the success of your business. You can link a phone number to each particular project. This way, you can calculate how many calls, inquiries, and leads have been generated. Companies like Telnum provide great extensions to promote large-scale projects.

A virtual phone number allows you to manage your calls and texts whenever and wherever you want. Moreover, calls can be processed from any device. A customizable, scalable, and affordable number will help your business grow.