What do you think of when you hear the term MARKETING? I think of drawing prospective clients in with features, promised benefits, and catchy phrases or images. But there is a whole other facet to marketing that we often forget: Purchase Validation.
Our advertisements and websites and other marketing techniques will not only be seen by prospective VoIP clients, but also by current customers, giving us the opportunity to validate and reinforce their decision. Combat buyer’s remorse and encourage customers to take pride in their VoIP purchase, thus telling others about it, through marketing.
How do we do this? Ziff Davis brings us 5 Ways you’ll Know that VoIP was the Right Decision which we summarize below:
#1 – COST SAVINGS
You likely promised lower costs to prospective clients, so now is the time to remind them how much they’re saving. Ziff Davis shares eight areas in which business save costs with VoIP:
- Monthly Line Charges – less than Legacy costs
- Domestic Long Distance – no longer an additional cost
- International Long Distance – lower rates and/or plans
- Enhanced Features – now FREE with VoIP
- Reduced Need for Toll-Free Numbers – no longer spend on Toll-Free
- Phone Systems – no large capital investment
- Less Need for TEM – less complex, less need for management
- Trunking – shift from PRI trunks to SIP trunks
#2 – EMPLOYEES LOVE THE NEW FEATURES
Users that had been using the same Legacy system for their entire career will be impressed with the vast features available with VoIP – and the easy learning curve. Ziff Davis gives us four of the most popular features among users:
- Visual Voicemail – users can access their voicemail anywhere with an Internet connection and easily share messages with others
- Ad Hoc Conferencing – advanced conferencing features such as drag-and-drop, recording, etc.
- Click-To-Call – simply click on a contact on a PC or mobile device to call
- Customization – users can control many features from their PC including ring tones, personal greetings, call forwarding, etc.
#3 – NETWORK IS EASIER TO MANAGE
The previous two benefits of VoIP will please management and employees, but what about the IT team? The following three examples will benefit IT:
- Streamlined Operating Environment – legacy systems involve two separate networks that need IT management, but VoIP converges them in to one network
- Self-Provisioning – VoIP is more flexible and user-friendly so IT will have a lighter workload and be less dependent on the carrier
- Budget-Friendly – due to the lower costs of VoIP the IT team will no longer be under budget constraints and can freely make changes without seeking budget approval
#4 – ACCESS TO A RICH ECOSYSTEM
While Legacy Telephony is a tried & true and long-lasting solution, VoIP is dynamic and opens the door to a large ecosystem of developers and innovation. VoIP will continually benefit users over time in two ways:
- Added features & functions that go beyond Legacy’s capabilities. For example, High Definition voice.
- Integration with other communication features such as video, presence, messaging, and ultimately Unified Communications.
#5 – STEPPING STONE TO UNIFIED COMMUNICATIONS
While VoIP may be a passing trend that gives way to text or other methods of communication, it is the first step towards Unified Communications. Companies that purchase a VoIP System will be getting a foot in the door to Unified Communications and will be able to gradually add the other pieces.
In short, companies with VoIP will reap many benefits for years to come. We can use marketing to validate their decision and get them excited about the future. Want to read more? Visit Ziff Davis and 5 Ways you’ll Know that VoIP was the Right Decision.