What Google can do is pretty impressive. But, as a business owner, you already know this. That’s why in addition to using the search engine, you may be one of 6 million businesses worldwide who use G Suite and other software from Google to power and grow your business every day.
So, it only makes sense you’d consider using Google’s free VoIP solution, Google Voice, as a cost-saving alternative to a traditional telephone service. But should you really?
Probably not. At least not if you want to make sure your business runs smoothly internally and get seen as professional and reliable externally. Why do we say that?
Well, that’s exactly what we’re going to look at in this blog post. Additionally, we’ll explain why you may not want to use any VoIP technology for your small business, and what we think is a better option.
Why Google Voice Probably Isn’t the Best Choice for Your Business
Google Voice promotes itself as a simple and mostly free solution to all of your business’s voice calling needs. But here are a few considerations that might make you want to reconsider.
Unreliable Caller ID
If you were to head over to the Google Voice Help Community forum, you’d find that unreliable and confusing caller ID is a frequent problem. Even when using Google Voice, outbound calls dialed from your cell phone frequently show up as your personal ID instead of your registered Google Voice number. One user even reported that this error was causing his number to be treated like spam.
No Data Privacy
Google, like all social platforms, offers free services, like Google Voice, because in exchange they get to collect your data. This includes data that you and your clients might prefer to be kept confidential like voicemails, text messages, call logs, etc. As a small business, this is particularly troublesome when trying to build trust among your new clientele. The liability this creates for your business is a real hazard.
Reduced Call Quality
As is the case for any VoIP technology, the quality of your calls is at risk when using Google Voice. Why? Well, since all of your calls rely on your internet connection, your subject to audio lags, dropped calls, and the occasional inability to even connect your call.
Little to No Customer Support
If a problem occurs while using Google Voice your best bet at getting it fixed quickly is to post a question in the community forum. And, even then, when someone answers can you be certain that you or someone on your team will be able to understand and follow their instructions? As we’re sure you can imagine, this isn’t an ideal situation for any business.
The Best Google Voice Alternative
Choosing a phone system for your business should not be taken lightly. You need your calls and business communication to be secure, reliable, and easy to use. And as more and more businesses shift to working remotely, you also need it to be fully functional no matter the location and strength of a WiFi connection.
Unfortunately, VoIP technology — free and paid — typically falls short when it comes to meeting those needs. That’s why, instead of taking a risk on Google Voice, we encourage you to learn more about Community Phone’s customized business plans.
Our service is easy to set up, use, and scale, low cost (starting from $15/month), and offers full mobility for you and your team without relying on an internet connection. With 100% US-Based customer support, we’re also available to take your questions over phone, email, or live chat.
For more information about Community Phone's service, call our Business Division at (617) 466-6705 or visit our business page for more information.
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