For many small business owners, juggling multiple phones is not uncommon. While this isn’t ideal, it is part of the job. After all, you want to stay flexible for your customers. That’s why since its launch in 2009, the Google Voice application has continued to increase in popularity.
Initially, the Google business phone service was viewed as a handy tool. Essentially, it was considered an inexpensive way to have calls from multiple phone lines forwarded to a single number. Many young business owners saw this option as a no-brainer, since the Google assistant seemed to simplify their phone plan.
Because of this, Google Voice answering service is used by many small businesses today. And yet, the Google answering service hasn’t addressed all of the problems it set out to eliminate. This has become clear to many business owners over the years. While there are certainly some benefits to using Google phone services, there are also several issues that business owners have faced.
If you have been considering implementing Google phone services into your business, there are some items worth noting. On the other hand, if you have spent time trying to make the most of your Google call answering service, here are some additional thoughts.
The challenges with using Google Voice and an answering service
The ability to manage calls from multiple lines on one phone may seem like a great way to simplify business communications. However, although the Google Voice virtual receptionist has call routing abilities, it was not intended to be a business phone line.
Many business owners (especially young business owners) don’t initially realize this. However, the Google phone answering service actually has a disclaimer stating as much. To put it simply, the disclaimer discourages users from using the Google telephone answering service for business purposes.
As a leading answering service, we regularly speak to business owners who have integrated with Google Voice. Many of them report similar issues when using the application in conjunction with a call answering service. These issues include the following:
Flawed call forwarding
The Google Voice answering service is notoriously unreliable when it comes to seamless call forwarding. The application sometimes releases calls to the answering service, but not always.
Sometimes Google pulls the call back and sends the caller to voicemail. Our client then wonders why our live agents didn’t answer, and the caller is not provided with a great experience.
Naturally, as a business owner, you understand the importance of efficient call forwarding. It goes without saying that this is a crucial part of customer communication.
It only allows you to handle one call at a time
As a busy professional, you understand that it’s not uncommon for multiple calls to come in at once. In fact, in this day and age, juggling multiple calls shouldn’t require the most advanced technology. It should be pretty commonplace to handle multiple calls.
However, the Google Voice virtual receptionist does not allow more than one call to exist simultaneously. This means that if you’re receiving or placing a call, any other callers will be sent directly to voicemail. Every business owner understands that sending callers to voicemail results in lost opportunities, which is the last thing your business needs.
We have the solution!
As a leader in the realm of business answering services, we understand the frustration. However, we also have the solution. Here at Answering Service Care, we are always looking for innovative solutions to help our clients grow their businesses. We’re excited and proud to share that we have designed a solution that offers the best of both worlds.
Though there are some technical details at play, here is a basic overview of how it works:
Our solution is a hybrid between Follow Me, the voicemail tools offered by Google Voice, and our business-class answering services. We begin by partnering with Google to port the number over to our systems. From there, we take temporary ownership of that number and host it on our system.
This puts us in control. In fact, we are able to leverage the same tools as Google Voice. This includes call distribution and routing (also referred to as Follow Me). The system can be set up for calls to go to your phone, our professional live agents, or a combination of the two.
If you don’t pick up within a predetermined amount of time, our operators will answer. Or vice versa. Everything is customizable, and our friendly team members are here to work with you on solutions that best suit your business. When callers are sent to voicemail, we can partner with Google to create transcripts and send you alerts.
Your business your way!
We have been doing this long enough to understand that every business is unique. This means unique workflows, business policies, and especially customers. And you shouldn’t have to change your workflow to adapt to your phone service. On the contrary, your answering service should adapt to your workflow.
At Answering Service Care, our trained professionals know how to meet your needs, whatever those needs might be. Whether trying to integrate your Google Voice plan into your larger business phone system, or merely better managing your calls and texts. We have you covered.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that a Google telephone answering service has all of your bases taken care of. While there is a convenience factor to consider, there is a bigger picture at stake. Too many business owners have already learned of the need for a more personal answering system.
And that is where we come in. Let us streamline your business answering system today. You will be more efficient in the day to day operations, and your customers will feel taken care of. And as a business owner, you know that a happy customer means a happy business.
Are you looking for a live answering service? Get Started
There are too many benefits to mention here. For more information on getting the most out of your business answering service, reach out to the professionals. We handle any type of business, including yours.
Would you like to learn more about how Answering Service Care can help your business? Call us at (800) 430-6511 or schedule a meeting