The ability for busineses to appear local when expanding their operations to other countries has become increasingly important for enterprises operating in the digital age.
The rise of e-commerce and online communication has made it more important than ever for companies to make it easy for customers and associates to make phone contact.
This is especially true when attempting to reach new markets around the world. This can be done using country specific cloud-based virtual phone numbers.
Choosing the 'Geographic (Local 2-Way Voice)' option
How does the Geographic (Local 2-Way Voice) work?
For example, a you have a business located in any country and you have customers in Australia. You can order a local Sydney local number and make Sydney-to-Sydney calls.
The person you are calling will see your Sydney virtual phone number as your caller ID. In other words, you could be located in the UK (or anywhere) and call a customer in Sydney, Australia and have your caller ID displayed on their phone with your Sydney virtual phone number.
Most of the 160 serviced countries now offer this Geographic (Local 2-Way Voice) option.
You will see it listed as a number type option on the order form if it is offered in the country where you need the number. See image below for what to look for.
Let's compare the features of the "Point to Point Call-Forwarding Service" and "Geographic (Local 2-Way Voice)" option:
Point to Point Call-Forwarding Service:
Functionality: This service enables a virtual phone number to redirect incoming calls to any phone number in any country.
Global Reach: It offers a broad scope, allowing calls to be forwarded internationally, essentially breaking down geographical barriers.
Flexibility: Users have the freedom to route calls to any desired destination, irrespective of the recipient's location.
Virtual Presence: Provides the impression of a global or multi-national presence, ideal for businesses with international clientele.
Cost-Efficiency: Can potentially save costs associated with international calls by utilizing local or cheaper call rates depending on the destination.
Ease of Management: Centralized management of call forwarding settings, usually accessible through an online dashboard or app.
Geographic (Local 2-Way Voice):
Local Focus: Specifically designed for local communication within the same city or geographic area.
Caller ID Localization: Displays the caller ID of the virtual phone number as if the call is originating from within the same city, enhancing credibility and trust.
Community Connection: Ideal for businesses targeting local customers, fostering a sense of community and familiarity.
Cost-Effectiveness for Local Calls: Can potentially reduce costs associated with local calls compared to national or international rates.
Enhanced Communication Experience: Receive incoming calls and make outgoing calls. Allows for seamless two-way voice communication within the local vicinity, promoting clearer and more direct interactions.
Geographic Targeting: Useful for businesses or organizations focusing on local marketing or outreach efforts, ensuring relevance to the target audience.
In summary, while both options provide call-forwarding capabilities, they cater to different needs and scenarios.
The "Point to Point Call-Forwarding Service" emphasizes global connectivity and flexibility, whereas "Geographic (Local 2-Way Voice)" prioritizes localized communication with enhanced caller ID features within a specific geographic area.
The choice between them would depend on the specific communication requirements and target audience of the user or organization.
• With the right tools and strategies, businesses can expand their reach around the world while still maintaining a local touch.
Inbound vs. Outbound Calls
The primary distinction between inbound and outbound calls lies in the direction of the call and the purpose behind it.
Inbound Calls
These are calls that come into a business from external parties such as customers, clients, or prospects.
They are typically initiated by the caller seeking assistance, information, support, or to make a purchase. Inbound calls are common in customer service centers, help desks, reservation lines, and support hotlines.
Outbound Calls
These are calls made by a business to external parties, such as customers, clients, or prospects.
Outbound calls are initiated by the business with the intention of marketing, selling products or services, conducting surveys, following up on leads, or providing proactive customer support.
Telemarketing companies, sales teams, and market research firms often engage in outbound calling.
Determining whether your business requires primarily inbound or outbound calling depends on various factors such as your industry, business model, target audience, and sales/marketing strategies.
If your business relies heavily on addressing customer inquiries, providing support, or handling reservations/orders, you may prioritize inbound calling.
Conversely, if your business focuses on sales outreach, lead generation, or proactive customer engagement, outbound calling may be more suitable.
Some businesses may utilize a combination of both inbound and outbound calling strategies to cater to different aspects of their operations and customer needs.