The advantages of having a virtual PBX with IVR
Call center software is well known in large companies and with customer services. However, this type of software is very useful in any enterprise and one of the reasons is precisely the IVR. This well-known but effective manager is one of those systems that contribute to business success.
In its beginnings, the IVR only fulfilled the function of guiding the users through the departments when they communicated via telephone with the company. Nowadays, the installation of this system brings many other implicit benefits. Below, we will explain the advantages that businesses acquire by installing an IVR.
What is an IVR?
The IVR is an interaction system inspired by the first call center menu options. However, while these simply consisted of a recorder that told the customer which number to dial to contact a department, the IVR interacts, requesting data from users and facilitating telephone service.
The IVR is automated and that is why it can interact with all customers who call a company’s telephone numbers. Although it is a system that is a few years old, its results are still very positive so it has maintained its validity.
Those who do not know what IVR stands for, should know that it is Interactive Voice Response. In Spanish it translates as Interactive Voice Response. An example of this system is the operator who asks for our ID when we call a bank and with whom we interact. Of course, this type of system can operate and be useful in any type of company, even without the need for a call center.
What are the advantages of using IVR?
The IVR is more than a call manager for customers contacting a company. Its usefulness in call centers is much more important than many businessmen and traders think. In principle, the most visible task of this interactive system is to guide users who call the company through the menu of options. However, this is only the beginning.
The IVR is a useful telephone manager for the customer and also for companies. But beyond this function that will now be explained, this automated system has been used to perform other functions. Therefore, it is understood that the IVR has many advantages that go beyond the usual.
The scope and use of the IVR is quite broad. The best thing is that this is a very inexpensive module that is usually part of the call center software. Even so, its benefits are several and that is why many companies implement it.
Managing calls: basic function of the IVR
The IVR allows callers to be routed to the appropriate departments according to their requirements. Many believe that this is just a method of assisting users, but its work is much more comprehensive. In fact, interactive voice response helps companies keep their call waiting queue at bay. This tends to be very positive, especially for firms with a high call volume.
IVR gives call center operators time at times when a lot of calls are coming in. In this way, they avoid tedious call waiting, which is not a good reputation for any company. Basically, this automation module improves customer service.
In addition, just helping customers to enter the right phone options is very positive. In fact, this saves the user the inconvenience of having to call several times to find the right department. Undoubtedly, with the IVR system, the user wins and so do the companies. However, this is just the beginning of the advantages of this module.
The IVR is part of the marketing of companies
Companies that configure their IVR using branding elements gain a lot from this system. Interactive voice response welcomes the customer and allows the company’s image to be created and projected at the beginning of calls.
When we call some companies that use this module, we can notice that institutional messages and offers are conveyed in the module. This is because companies use the IVR system as a marketing element. They do it because it is very effective and at the same time cheap.
The IVR also serves as a permanent advertising space that costs nothing and is very effective. Companies pay for it when they purchase call center software. The best thing is that the messages displayed in this module can be changed from time to time. All those customers who call the company will hear the advertisements broadcasted there. This is one of the main reasons why firms of all types acquire the virtual PBX.
Some companies additionally invest in professional voice-over services. This is how they achieve real voices for the IVR, which humanizes the message much more. In some cases, even public personalities are hired for this job.
The IVR provides useful information
The IVR is much more than a menu of options voiced by an operator. Because it is interactive, it prompts customers for information necessary for their service. This, in turn, makes it easier for the operator to serve each individual customer. Once again, the IVR becomes an element that facilitates both the customer and the telephone agents.
In fact, through the IVR, fundamental data are requested to manage the companies’ customer service systems. For example, a cable TV company can request in advance the ID card of each calling customer. Most of the time, this type of information is usually needed to look up the user’s profile in the CRM or database.
Next, the operator receives the customer’s ID from the moment the call comes in. While the customer is talking, the telephone agent can explore the user’s profile in the system and verify the problem, and even solve it. With the IVR system, everything becomes easier, promoting a fluid conversation between the company’s representative and the company’s callers.
Telemarketing survey: another reason to have IVR system
In its common operation, the IVR asks customers for information before passing the call to a telemarketer. However, this is not the only data that companies can collect from this automated system. In fact, there is a great deal of business-relevant information that can be learned from this module.
The IVR allows the introduction of telemarketing surveys for any type of customer inquiries. From here, queries can be made about favorite products, age data and other information that allows the company to generate better offers and products. The customer will simply listen to the question and the options, dialing with the telephone keypad the answer of his preference.
The telephone survey is one of the sources of information used by the most prestigious companies. In general, it yields useful information to create increasingly successful business strategies that generate more revenue. This is a complement to the IVR that some companies are not aware of.
Formalize your business
The problem for many people who have small businesses or are self-employed is that they struggle to build prestige and credibility. Just using only social networks or personal phones to make sales will always generate some doubt in any customer. Having IVR and beyond this, a call center call software allows to give more formality to any economic activity.
IVR allows incoming calls to be initiated with a professional voice and presentation. This type of system is usually associated with large, experienced and prestigious companies. Customers will be greeted by an operator every time they call.
The best thing about call center software is that you no longer need to have an office with tele-operators or expensive facilities. You can have an innovative program with advanced telemarketing and customer service features for a very low cost. At Neotel, there are virtual PBX plans for freelancers and SMEs.
Neotel has the most stable and economical IVR and virtual switchboard.
At Neotel we have several plans that adjust to the size, budget and requirements of each company. In addition, our customers can build their own plans and request the modules they want to use in a customized way. Even a freelancer who is just starting his business could afford the virtual PBX.
Serve your customers in a professional way, with the right tools and the formality that gives prestige. At Neotel you will find a wide range of technological solutions for business communication.
