For new startups, having the right communication tools can make or break your business. New ventures require an intense amount of collaboration, whether it be between team members, with customers or even investors.
The challenge for startups is that they need to be able to adapt quickly, but usually have limited resources. Most start with small teams, which means that any missed calls or delayed responses could result in lost customer opportunities.
Startups require a modern, cost-effective communication system that can accommodate growing needs, which is where Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) becomes a game-changer.
How Can VoIP Benefit Startups?
Perfectly suited to startups, VoIP can keep up with their pace of growth without breaking the bank. Traditional phone systems are known to be more costly and can’t scale as efficiently. VoIP eliminates the need for this, and startup founders can invest those savings into other areas of the business.
Modern VoIP systems have advanced capabilities such as call forwarding, video conferencing and the ability to be integrated with other collaboration software. This gives startups the ability to communicate from wherever they are, and maintain their professionalism.
Additionally, most packages will offer analytics and reporting. This way, startups are able to track their call performance and see where improvements could be made.
Best VoIP Providers For Startups
Choosing the right VoIP service provider will have a significant impact on your startup’s success. Here are some of the top providers to consider for new ventures based on their features and pricing.
1. bOnline
bOnline is the UK’s most awarded VoIP provider for small and growing businesses. They recognise that startups can’t accommodate hidden costs or exorbitant price increases, and offer the same communication support traditionally only available to larger corporations.
Key Features:
- Set your own business hours to manage customer expectations and make sure that calls are routed to the relevant person.
- Call forwarding to send incoming calls to a different number or device in case you are out of the office or unavailable.
- Create call flows to outline how calls will be handled from the moment they come in to the time the customer hangs up.
Pricing:
The Starter VoIP package is £7.00/user/month with Unlimited Calling at £13.95/user/month and Unlimited Calling Plus at £15.50/user/month.
2. RingCentral
RingCentral is a VoIP platform full of features to accommodate startups who are looking to expand. It can be integrated with other tools such as Slack and Microsoft Teams to promote overall productivity and keep the lines of communication open at all times.
Key Features:
- Unlimited calls within the United Kingdom.
- Its video conferencing feature can accommodate up to 200 participants at one time.
- Their mobile app allows for communication even while on-the-go.
Pricing:
The Essentials Plan starts at £7.99/user/month and is ideal for the startups who require a highly integrated communication solution.
3. VoIPstudio
VoIPstudio is known for providing excellent value for money with an interface that is easy to navigate. This is a great option for startups who looking for a straightforward VoIP system with no hassles.
Key Features:
- UK local and national calls are free.
- Call queuing and IVR (Interactive Voice Response) for added customer satisfaction.
- International calling rates are pay-as-you-go.
Pricing:
Starts at £3.99/user/month which is ideal for budget-conscious startups who still require reliable VoIP features.
4. Grasshopper
Entrepreneurs who are operating solo or very small startups still need a professional phone system. Grasshopper is able to offer those solopreneurs or freelancers packages where they can still maintain a professional business presence without any complications.
Key Features:
- Call forwarding to your mobile or landline.
- Greetings and voicemail messages are customisable.
- It supports toll-free and local numbers.
Pricing:
Packages start at £24/month with three extensions.
5. Yay.com
Yay.com is a VoIP provider known for its user-friendly setup and flexible plans to accommodate startups. They manage more than 20 million monthly calls, and have maintained a 100% uptime since their opening in 2014.
Key Features:
- Unlimited call recording storage.
- Auto-attendant and call routing features.
- Security features are compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Pricing:
With packages starting at £4.99/user/month, this is a cost-affordable option for startups who want a quick set-up with no hassles.
6. Dialpad
Dialpad offers cloud-based VoIP solutions and uses artificial intelligence (AI) to power their communications. With features like voice recognition, startups can keep their daily activities running smoothly.
Key Features:
- Call transcriptions and summaries are AI-powered.
- Video conferencing includes features like screen sharing.
- Smart call routing for relevant team members to receive incoming calls.
Pricing:
Starts at £12/user/month for startups who want cutting-edge AI features to improve their communication efforts.
How To Choose The Right VoIP Provider For Your Startup
For a startup, your budget will most likely be the biggest deciding factor when it comes to choosing a VoIP provider. When doing your research on the different options, make sure you look at providers who have transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
The goal of every startup is to grow, and ideally your VoIP package should be able to grow alongside you. Choose a provider with flexible packages where you can add or remove users as needed.
Investing in the right VoIP system will make all the difference in being able to communicate seamlessly as a startup.
