Start, Run, & Grow Your Business

Cloud-Based Call Center: Everything You Need to Know

Running a call center used to mean wires, phone lines, and a big office filled with ringing phones. But things have changed. Now, many businesses are choosing a cloud-based call center instead. A cloud-based call center is a phone support system that runs on the Internet. It doesn’t need any hardware or wires at your office. You just log in through your computer, tablet, or phone, and you’re ready to help customers. As all data is stored online, not in your office, you don’t have to buy or maintain phone servers; everything happens in the cloud. It’s simple, flexible, and can be used from anywhere. In this article, we’ll discuss how it works and why you should use it. Difference Between Traditional vs. Cloud-Based Call Centers A traditional call center needs phone lines, servers, and hardware. Your staff has to work on-site, and the setup can be expensive. It also …

7 Best Aircall Alternatives to Check Out in 2025

If you’re using Aircall but feel like it’s not quite meeting your needs anymore, you’re not alone. Many teams start with Aircall for its easy setup and helpful features but later find themselves running into small issues that add up over time, like connection problems, missing data, or limited call insights. Whether you’re looking for better call quality, stronger reporting, or smoother dialing tools, there are other options out there that might be a better fit. In this article, we’ve listed seven great Aircall alternatives worth considering. What Is Aircall and Why Are Users Looking for Other Options? Aircall is a cloud-based phone system built for modern teams. It helps sales and support teams handle calls easily, whether they’re at the office or working remotely. You can use it from your desktop or mobile device, and it connects with popular tools like CRMs and helpdesks. With Aircall, you can get …

7 Top OpenPhone Alternatives to Try in 2025

If you’ve been using OpenPhone and feel like it’s not keeping up with your team’s needs, you’re not alone. Many businesses started with OpenPhone because it was simple and easy to use, but as their teams grew, the cracks started to show. Whatever the reason, it might be time to move on. In this guide, we’ll show you seven solid OpenPhone alternatives. Each one offers something a little different, so you can find a phone system that fits your team, your workflow, and your future plans. Let’s start! Why Are People Switching From OpenPhone? OpenPhone is a team-friendly phone system that brings calls, texts, and contacts into one easy app. It works across your devices, so you can always stay connected with your team and your customers. Many businesses like it because it’s simple, supports shared numbers, and even has helpful AI features to save time. That’s why a variety …

IVR Phone System: What It Is + 4 Steps To Set It Up

Handling phone calls without a system can feel overwhelming. You’ve probably dealt with calls piling up, customers getting frustrated because they can’t reach the right person, or important messages slipping through the cracks. It’s stressful — for you, your team, and your customers. That’s where an IVR phone system can help. It gives you a simple way to manage incoming calls, guide callers to the right person, and even answer common questions without involving your team. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what an IVR phone system is and how you can set one up in just five easy steps. What is IVR? IVR, or interactive voice response, is an automated phone system that helps businesses manage incoming calls. When you call a company and hear a menu with options like “Press 1 for sales” or “Press 2 for support,” that’s IVR in action. It’s designed to answer common …

10 Reasons Why Vanity Numbers Are Worth Your Money

People don’t want to feel like just a number. For years, businesses have found creative ways to make phone numbers more memorable. In the 1960s, a Boston carpet cleaning company did just that. While the Marvelettes sang about Beechwood 4-5789, Adams & Swett Rug Cleaning asked Boston residents one simple question: “How many cookies did Andrew eat?” The answer … was their phone number. Andrew 8-8000, or Andrew ate 8,000. Although exchange names are long gone, Adams & Swett still posts the jingle to their site, proof positive that their marketing not only worked but that it’s still working some 50 years later. Andrew 8-8000 is an example of a vanity number, a memorable phone number designed to stick in people’s minds. And while it worked so well with Adams & Swett, would it be worth it for your business? What does a vanity number actually offer? In this article, …

How Long Does it Take to Transfer My Number to a New Provider?

You would think that transferring your phone number to a new carrier would be instantaneous, but due to the nature of the telecom infrastructure, it does take a little time. Moving your number from one carrier to another is called porting. There are a few steps involved, and it usually takes 7-10 days to complete, but this can vary based on how fast your current provider handles the process. In this article, we’ll talk not just about answering the question but also informing you about the possible reasons that can delay your porting process. Read on to learn more! How Long Does it Take to Transfer My Number to a New Provider? The time it takes to transfer your number depends on who you’re switching to and what type of service you have. Most transfers take about 2 to 10 days. In some rare cases, it could take up to …

RingCentral vs OpenPhone: Which One Offers More Value?

Trying to pick between RingCentral and OpenPhone? It’s not always easy to know which virtual phone system gives you more for your money. Both have useful features, but they’re designed for different kinds of businesses. Don’t worry — we’ll keep things simple. In this article, we’ll walk you through their features, pricing, and what people like (or don’t like) about each one. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of which one might be the better fit for you, and you might even find a better alternative than these two. Let’s start! What is RingCentral? Source: ringcentral.com RingCentral is a phone system that lets businesses handle calls, messages, and video meetings all in one app. It’s designed to be simple, so you don’t have to juggle multiple tools to stay connected. RingCentral lets you make and receive calls using your phone, computer, or desk phone from any location. It …

Grasshopper Alternatives: Top Picks if You’re Ready for a Change

Thinking about moving on from Grasshopper? You’re not the only one. While Grasshopper can be a decent choice for small businesses with basic phone system needs, it doesn’t always meet the demands of growing teams or those who need more advanced features. Whatever your reason, the good news is there are plenty of solid business phone system alternatives that can give you better value, improved features, and stronger support. In this article, we’ll introduce to you our top picks for a grasshopper alternative. Read on to learn more! What is Grasshopper and Why Consider an Alternative? Grasshopper is a virtual phone service designed for businesses. It allows users to add a business phone number to their personal phone, creating a simple way to manage business calls without needing a separate device. With Grasshopper, businesses can choose from local, toll-free, or vanity numbers. Their top-tier plan offers up to four VoIP …

Employee Benefits 101: Business Owners Guide

Most entrepreneurs start out just relying on themselves and their own labor. However, at some point you’ll obviously need to hire some employees. Besides guaranteeing their salaries, you will also need to put together an employee benefits package for people that you work with. Expanding your team means hopefully relieving some of the workload on you, but navigating what your employees require in terms of benefits can be challenging for business owners used to operating just on their own or with family members. This quick guide can help you figure out what to offer potential employees and how to navigate this possibly overwhelming sphere. Why Benefits Are Important Offering employee benefits as a business owner is important for a few different reasons. It’s the Law When you work for yourself or get family members to work for you, you can count on them to work for you no matter the …

Aircall vs Dialpad: Features, Price, and Which One to Choose

Trying to decide between Aircall and Dialpad? Both are popular phone systems that help businesses handle calls, messages, and meetings. But which one’s better for your team? The truth is they each have their strengths. Some businesses may prefer Aircall’s call center tools, while others might like Dialpad’s AI-powered features. In this guide, we’ll break down what each one offers, how much they cost, and their pros and cons to see what they can offer your business. Perhaps you can even find a better business phone system than these two while reading. Let’s dive in! What is Aircall? Source: aircall.io Aircall is a phone system that works on any device, making it easy for businesses to stay connected. Since it doesn’t require hardware, users can start making calls in just a few minutes. Aircall connects with over 50 apps, including CRM tools, helpdesk platforms, and eCommerce software. This makes it …

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