How To Prep Your Business For Online Communications

Online communication is growing in popularity as a business tool . Many companies - large and small - are signing up for services and using it to talk to their customers. It could be via chat services, video conferences, or VoIP systems. However, before you plunge in head first, there are some things you will need to do. Let's take a look at what they are.

Prep your Broadband

A good broadband connection is vital, and the more people you have using the service, the more bandwidth you will need to run it. Small-to-midsize businesses shouldn't have much to worry about. But, larger companies will need to keep a close eye on things if you have a cap on your usage. And, of course, that your network can handle the extra workload.

Get an Analog Phone Adapter

nalog Adaptor is essential if you are using an ordinary phone to make Internet calls. But, remember that you won't be able to use many of the more technologically advanced features that you can with a smartphone or computer. Depending on which company you buy from, it is connected either between your modem and computer or router or directly into the router.

Invest in Headsets:

A simple headset plugged into your computer or laptop is recommended for any communication online. It gives you far more privacy and helps your voice sound clearer than it would by just using the built in mic on your PC.

Find a Host:

There are a vast number of communication providers out there. So, choosing the best for your business is going to take some research. Your choice will depend on various factors, including how much you intend to use the service, how many employees you have, and what you want to do with it. And, of course, whether you are a large or small business.

Small Businesses

For small businesses, it may be worth using popular products such as or Google Voice and Hangouts. These calls are free, and charges to mobiles and landlines are small if you don't use them too much. You can also get paying accounts, and these still tend to be far cheaper than standard phone line costs.

Large Businesses

Larger companies will probably find better value elsewhere, though, as they are more likely to make more calls. There are various solutions available to you, and some critical questions to ask before you choose. Let's take a look at those now.

Access

There are three areas to look at when you are trying to find an online comms provider or hosted VoIP service. Access should be your first port of call. If something goes wrong, then you need to know there will be somebody there to fix it - 24/7, as preference.

Size

The size of the provider you choose is another issue. A large company at full capacity could struggle to back to you when you need them. So, a smaller company working at half capacity might be a better fit. It's something that you will need to keep tabs on, too. If your service starts to get poorer, it's a sign that the provider is overstretching.

Response Rates

Finally, you need to find out their rate of response. Every hour that goes by is money down the drain for you, so choose a provider with an excellent response rate.

There you go - are you ready to embrace online communications technology now? Good luck!

* Contributed Post *