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As a freelancer, you are your own boss. You make your hours and work from wherever you want. However, just because you’re not in an office doesn’t mean you can’t have a professional business phone system…
Whether you’re a one-person operation or manage a team of 10, plenty of business phone systems on the market can accommodate your needs and budget.
In this article, we’ll go over the best business phone system for freelancers, so you can keep your clients happy and stay connected while you’re on the go.
Types of Business Phone Systems
When it comes to business phones, there are many different technologies and features available. It’s always a good idea to be aware of your options before deciding on a new system.
1. Wireless Phone System
A wireless business phone system operates through local cell towers in the area. This system is an excellent option for freelancers who work remotely or travel often. With no internet required, these systems are also very reliable.
You can also add additional handsets to the system as their business grows. The signal strength of a wireless business phone system is not as susceptible to interference as other types.
2. Traditional Phone System
Traditional business phone systems use copper wire and fiber optic cables to transmit calls. This type of system is typically more expensive than a wireless system, and it can be more challenging to install and maintain.
Moreover, with the latest FCC guidelines on copper-wired landlines, Telecom companies will begin to phase out traditional business phone systems forever.
3. VoIP Phone System
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) business phone systems transmit calls over the internet. The broadband connection connects calls between multiple locations without using a traditional phone line.
They offer features not available with traditional business phone systems, such as call forwarding, caller ID, voicemail, and many others. However, if the strength of the broadband connection is not good, the quality of VoIP calls will also be affected. You may face jitter, latency, and dropped calls.
5 Best Business Phone Systems For Freelancers
Some business phone systems are better than others for freelancers. Here are the five best freelancer options based on features, price, and ease of use.
1. Community Phone
Community Phone is a wireless home phone service ideal for people who want a simple and reliable way to stay connected. Freelancers don’t need an internet or copper connection to operate; it even works during power outages.
Features
The service includes unlimited nationwide calling, the ability to keep your existing number, voicemail, and call waiting, and the option to get a new business phone number. Community Phone connects with any landline phone and comes with a lifetime hardware warranty.
Pricing
Community Phone starts at $39/month with no contracts or additional fees and offers two main business plans for freelancers:
- Basic Business Landline Service – $39 per month, per line, which includes:
- Unlimited nationwide calling
- Voicemail
- Outbound caller ID
- Call waiting and forwarding
- Premium Business Landline Service – $69 per month, per line, which includes:
- All the features of the basic business landline service
- Dedicated account manager
- Call greeting and auto-attendant
- Live call transfer
- Call routing
- Ring multiple lines at the same time
How Does It Work?
The steps for setup are simple. Just follow these three steps, and you’ll be up and running in no time.
- First, take the landline base and plug it into any power outlet.
- Next, grab a phone and plug it into the jack on the base.
- Finally, your base will connect your landline phone to local cell towers.
2. Verizon
Verizon is one of the most popular business phone providers in the US. Earlier this year, the company announced the shutdown of its 3G service on December 31, 2022, and plans to sever its ties to conventional copper line service.
When the Verizon Home Phone Connect ceased operating, the business launched FiOS, an internet-based phone service that uses fiber-optic technology. They offer a reliable and feature-rich service that is perfect for freelancers. Verizon offers a variety of plans to choose from, so you can find one that fits your needs.
Features
With Verizon, you get a reliable connection with clear HD voice quality. You can also choose from various components, including voicemail, 3- way calling, call forwarding, and caller ID.
Pricing
Verizon offers a variety of plans to choose from, so you can find one that fits your needs. Its three main plans include:
- 1-10 Business Lines starting at $35 per month
- 11-20 Business Lines starting at $35 per month
- 20+ Business Lines starting at $25 per month
It is important to note that Verizon Fios requires a fast internet connection. Verizon offers FiOS internet at an additional $25 per month.
3. AT&T
With AT&T, you can get a reliable and affordable business phone system that will help you stay connected with clients and customers. You can use AT&T’s business-class VoIP service to make crystal-clear calls via AT&T broadband, and it comes with several extra tools to help you handle incoming calls.
Features
It offers several features that make its business phone system ideal for freelancers, including cloud-based calling, auto-attendant, call forwarding, caller ID, and voicemail. Also, its plans are scalable and can be easily customized to meet your specific needs.
Pricing
AT&T bundles its VoIP phone system with an internet connection, with plans starting at $74.99 per month. Its three main plans include:
First plan: Internet 25 and Phone – Starting at $74.99 per month.
Second plan: Internet 50, Phone, and Technical Support – Starting at $74.99 per month.
Third plan: Internet 100 and Phone – Starting at $89.99 per month.
4. Ooma
Next on our list of the best phone systems for freelancers is Ooma. Ooma is a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) system that uses your existing broadband connection to provide clear call quality. Ooma Office Pro makes it simple to meet with your team, partners, or clients and does need any technical installation to set it up.
Features
Ooma has curated over 50 features that can be helpful for your business, including a virtual receptionist, voicemail, caller ID, call blocking, and more. Also, virtual fax and HD audio conferencing are great additions for freelancers who prefer more traditional forms of communication.
Pricing
Ooma has various pricing plans starting at $19.95 per month. Its three main plans include:
- Essentials – $19.95 per user, per month
- Pro – $24.95 per user, per month
- Pro Plus – $29.95 per user, per month
5. Nextiva
Last but not least on our list of the best business phone systems for freelancers is Nextiva. It’s a VoIP system, which means it uses your internet connection to make and receive calls, so it’s a good choice for freelancers with a high-speed internet connection.
Features
With a professional auto attendant, you can give your freelance business a big company feels, even if it’s just you. Also, with the nationwide unlimited calling, you can stay in touch with clients and colleagues no matter where they are, and voicemail to email delivery means you’ll never miss a message.
In addition, with HD video conferencing, you can meet with clients face-to-face, even if you’re not in the exact location. And, with local and toll-free numbers, you can choose a number that’s easy for your clients to remember.
Pricing
Nextiva’s business phone plans start at $21.95 per month, making it one of the most affordable options on our list. Plus, there are no long-term contracts, so that you can cancel anytime.
Importance Of A Phone System in Business
1. Improves Productivity
A business phone can help improve productivity by managing calls more efficiently. Tracking and recording calls are more manageable when all calls pass through a central system. Organizations can use this information to improve productivity by identifying areas where there are bottlenecks or problems.
2. Call Management
With a business phone service, you can manage all calls, missed calls, and voicemails. It enables a business to stay organized and improve customer service. Call forwarding software can be set up to redirect calls to the appropriate party automatically.
3. Tracking and Recording
Due to its potential to aid in quality control and training, the ability to track and record is significant. Recordings of customer service calls can help identify areas where employees need improvement. If there are legal disputes, call recordings can be invaluable.
4. Streamline Communication Flow
Small business phone systems can help streamline communication within a company. With features like call forwarding and conferencing, it is easy to connect with employees and customers. These features can increase productivity and efficiency while providing limitless opportunities for communication with your team, partners, and clients while fostering solid relationships.
Choose A Phone System According to Your Business Size
Luckily for freelancers, there are several business phone service providers available on the market today:
Solo Freelancers
To save costs, a freelancer can use a wireless system that operates off local cellular towers in their area. A wireless system provides solopreneurs the flexibility to conduct business from their desired location, whether in the home, office, or co-working space. It is a cost-effective solution because you only need one line and one phone, eliminating the need for an internet connection.
Small Business
The best option for a small business would be to select a VoIP or wireless system. VoIP can replicate traditional calling capabilities, including caller ID, caller holding, call forwarding, and more. Additionally, it enables the integration of your calls with other communication channels like email and chat. In contrast, a wireless system will suffice if you’re looking for a simple phone solution at affordable rates, as it does not need a strong internet connection.
Large Scale Business
A large-scale business would need a VoIP system to cater to the high number of calls. It is scalable, affordable, and easily integrated with other business applications. Companies may experience problems with phone dropping calls or poor quality with low broadband signal strength. Internet outages can affect VoIP service, whereas wireless systems are not affected by power outages or internet disruptions.
Conclusion
We hope this article helped break down the ins and outs of business phone systems, so you can choose a service that’s right for you.
Now, it’s up to you to decide!
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Vicky
