How to Get a Google Phone Number for Your Business?
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There is rarely anyone who hasn’t heard about Google and has used its services directly or indirectly. Besides using its popular products such as Google Photos, Play Store, and Gmail, you can also get a Google phone number for business or personal use through its other platform, Google Voice.
Reasons to Get a Google Phone Number for Business
Google phone numbers are virtual phone numbers from Google Voice. From having security for your data, gaining access and control over it, to filtering spam, there are many reasons to get a phone number from Google Voice.
1. Security of Content
A Google Account also has built-in security to encounter and block any malware, phishing, and spam. When you use your Google phone number to message and call, all of your contents are stored safely.
Even when you send a voicemail or record a greeting, all the data is encrypted in transit, meaning all the information is protected well while moving between services.
2. Data Utilization to Improve Experience
Google Voice processes users’ content for spam filtering. It also collects performance data to improve its reliability and functioning and analyzes crashes to help during troubleshooting of the application.
3. Accessibility and Control
All should have access to their information regardless of time and place. With Google Voice, you can download all your necessary materials.
For example, you have many contacts and messages on your Google Voice but want to subscribe to another VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) provider. For that, you can download the required data and then move it to another service.
4. Spam Blockers
As stated earlier, Google Voice analyzes consumers’ content to imply spam filtering. It also uses algorithms to route known spam numbers to the spam folder directly and helps avoid unwanted messages and calls. Furthermore, you can check the spam folder, like spam mail on Gmail, and see if some numbers were misrouted.
Moreover, if you have blocked a number, and they try to reach you, the caller hears, “Number not in service.”
5. Ring Groups
Ring Groups are essential for businesses to ensure a satisfactory customer experience as it allow a team to answer from the same phone number. There are three options; ring the members randomly, simultaneously, or in a fixed order.
Let’s say a possible client wants to use your services and phones your business for queries. If one receiver is unavailable, then the call goes to another. This eliminates the risk of leaving a phone call unattended.
Steps to Get a Google Phone Number for Business
To get a Google phone number for business, simply create your Google Workspace account, subscribe to a plan, and choose your number.
Step 1: Create a Google Workspace Account
Well, before setting up a Google Voice account, you need to have a subscription to Google Workspace, starting at $6 per user/month.
By creating an account, you can access team calendars and business emails, some of Google Suite’s business features.
Here are the things needed for the signup process:
- Name of your business
- Size of your enterprise
- Country’s name
- Contact information
- Website domain
If you do not have a website domain, you must buy one.
Also, note that, at times, you may not get a Google Voice number even if you are signed up for a Google Workspace since Google Voice for business is available only for a handful of countries, including the US, the UK, Canada, and a few European nations.
Following the creation of Google Workspace, you must enable Google Voice for your business by going to the Google Workspace admin console.
Step 2: Select a Google Voice Business Plan
Another step is to choose a subscription plan. Google Voice offers three packages: Starter, Standard, and Premier, starting at $10, $20, and $30 per user/month, respectively.
Every package has its features, and the more the cost, the more the benefits. There are also some limitations, such as the fact that only consumers from the US can have unlimited texting. Plus, you have to get higher-tier plans to access more features like call recording and auto-attendant among others.
Also, make sure you are the admin in your Google Workspace account to acquire a Voice plan for a business, or else you might get a warning when signing in.
(Note: Google Voice business plan excludes the Google Workspace cost. If you subscribe to the Starter plan, you will pay $16 per user/month in total.)
Step 3: Pick a Google Phone Number for Business
After selecting the subscription plan, you have to settle on a number. Select your preferred area or city code and check the available local numbers. Search for a nearby location if you do not find any number associated with your region.
Pick the number that best suits your business to create a local presence. Google Voice provides local numbers for business subscribers per the domestic countries you listed upon signing up.
Step 4: Verify with an Existing Phone Number
One of the last steps before acquiring your Google phone number for business is verification. Link your new number and verify via an existing mobile or landline number.
If you have put a mobile number, you’ll receive a 6-digit code via message or a phone call in your provided landline number for confirmation.
Step 5: Log into the Google Voice Application
Now, you can use your Google business phone number after logging in to the Google Voice app. You can find the app on the Play Store if you are an Android user and Apple Store if you are an iOS user.
Unfortunately, Google doesn’t have any alternative for a desktop yet, and a web browser is the only option.
Pros and Cons of Using a Google Voice Number
While you can enjoy many of its perks after getting a phone number for Google from Google Voice, be mindful, that it also has some limitations.
Pros:
- Get a free Google phone number for personal use.
- Has low-cost subscription plans for business use.
- Easily integrates with other Google products such as Google Calendar, Google Drive, Google Meet, and Gmail.
- Easy to use interface.
- Free number porting.
Cons:
- Compulsory to purchase Google Workspace.
- Doesn’t have a desktop app.
- Difficult to integrate with third-party applications.
- Available only in selective countries, primarily European.
- Only provides local numbers and doesn’t offer toll-free numbers.
- Limited features for increased inflow of calls.
- Only one number can be assigned to a user.
- Texting is not available outside the US.
- Unsuitable for team collaboration.
- No custom subscription plans.
Why Add Your Business Phone Number on Google?
One of the main reasons for the users to add their business phone numbers on Google is to help them with their SEO. Alongside that, whenever a possible client searches for your business, a phone number provides a pathway for them to reach you.
Additionally, your firm listing appears higher if they search your phone number on the web specifically. Adding a business phone number also adds more legitimacy to your business profile and expands your online presence.
Other Ways to Get a Business Phone Number
Having a business phone number is an essential component to make your organization grow. Plus, as stated above, it is not that difficult to get a business phone number from Google Voice.
Even though Google Voice is economical, it has many restrictions as aforementioned. Calilio, a reputable VoIP service provider can be the best alternative to get a business phone number. Sign up today by following these simple procedures.
- 1st Step: Go to Calilio’s homepage and click “Get Started.”
- 2nd Step: Fill in your Name, Email, current Phone Number, and Password.
- 3rd Step: Verify your Email and Phone Number with the 6-digit OTP sent to your respective mail and phone number.
- 4th Step: Choose your account type (Business Account in this case).
- 5th Step: Select the use case (For example: Corporate Number, Business Calls, Customer Service, and others).
- 6th Step: Select plan; Basic, Premium, or Custom.
- 7th Step: Enter your billing information and enjoy.
- 8th Step: Select your number and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I port my phone number to Google Voice?
Yes, you can port your number to Google Voice. Go to Settings, then Account, and click on the “Port a number” under the 'Port a number to Google Voice' section.
How does a Google phone number work?
A Google phone number works using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology and transmits digitized voice signals through a data connection.
Is a Google phone number free for business?
Yes, a Google phone number is free for business but with limited features. You must subscribe to Google Voice for business and select a compatible plan to enjoy its advanced features.
How do I set up a Google phone number for my business?
Visit voice.google.com, sign in to your account, and follow the on-screen instructions to set up a Google phone number for your business.
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