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June 17, 2022

7 Best Call Center Software For 2022 (Expert Pick)

Are you looking for call center software for your business?

Many customers like to reach out to businesses by phone to get information or help. Having a call center service for your business can streamline your customer support and provide a better user experience.

In this article, we’ll share the top call center software so that you can select the best option for your business.

How to Find the Best Call Center Software

Offering customer support through phone calls is a great way of helping your users. However, it can be hard for small businesses that are quickly growing to handle a large volume of phone calls.

With the help of a call center software, you can respond to multiple phone calls at once, answer customers questions more quickly, help your sales team reach a larger audience, improve the overall support process, and increase customer satisfaction.

There are a few features you should look for when selecting a call center software for your business, such as:

Interactive Voice Responses (IRV) – You should choose a software solution that offers automated responses through IRVs, greets a customer when they call, and helps to direct them to the right department.
Cloud Contact Center – A cloud-based call center allows your remote team to attend to customers from anywhere in the world without having to be on-premises.
Multichannel Support – Also called omnichannel routing, this lets your support staff respond to customers from social, live chat, email, phone calls, and other channels, all using the same software.
Call Routing & Voicemail Option – You should look for software that allows voicemail and call routing features, so customers can share their queries even when the call center agents aren’t available.
CRM Integrations – By integrating customer relationship management (CRM) software, you can make the best use of your customer information and get a complete picture of how often they call, their support tickets, and more. Some tools also offer CTI (computer telephony integration) to identify customers through phone numbers.
Reporting and Analytics Tools – Your call center software should provide additional reporting and analytics tools to see how well your customer support is performing.
Call Recording – You can perform quality management checks and training by listening to recent call recordings.

That said, let’s take a look at some of the best call center software you can choose for your business.

1. Nextiva

Nextiva is the best virtual business phone number service in the market. It’s the perfect solution for remote teams, since Nextiva is completely cloud-based.

Your support agents can simply log in to the Nextiva desktop or mobile app to handle all incoming calls. Plus, it includes complete help desk software as well. It lets you talk with customers across multiple communication channels, be it phone, voice, SMS, live chat, video, or social media.

With the Nextiva contact center solution, you also get screen popups that can be tailored according to your brand. There’s also a speech-enabled IVR feature that helps customers when they contact you.

You can take IVR a step further and automate routine tasks. This way, you can reduce the cost of hiring more agents and efficiently handle high call volumes. It also allows support agents to focus on attending important calls while IVR solves repetitive problems.

Besides that, Nextiva offers affordable cell phone plans and more features like a toll-free number, voicemail to email option, call recording, HD video conferencing, auto-attendant, and more.

You can also easily integrate it with different CRMs and communication tools like Salesforce, Oracle Sales Cloud, Microsoft, and more. It even offers APIs and SDKs for specific uses and allows you to set up workflow automation.

Note: At WPBeginner, we use Nextiva for all our business phone needs because the software offers robust features and affordable pricing plans. As a small business, it helps our team attend to incoming customer calls from anywhere in the world without having to share their personal cell phone numbers.

Besides that, Nextiva also allows us to send text messages and connect with customers through its video conferencing features.

Expert Review: In our experience, Nextiva helps provide exceptional customer experience and offers a complete cloud-based business phone service, which makes it the best call center software.

2. RingCentral

RingCentral is a popular business VoIP service provider and lets you set up a cloud call center solution for your business. You can quickly provide customer support from anywhere in the world and at any time.

It offers an omnichannel solution where you can define rules to route calls based on capacity, availability, and more. This way, you can speed up your customer support and easily have customer interactions on multiple channels at once.

With RingCentral, you can also boost your support agent’s productivity. The software offers gamification options that can be used to provide incentives to agents. Besides that, it’s a complete workforce management software that makes it super easy to handle your team’s schedule and plan inbound calls based on traffic volumes.

Another advantage of using RingCentral is that it provides detailed analytics about your customer support performance. You can monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) in real-time, track agent performance, set up call monitoring, self-service resources, and more.

Plus, there are data visualization and root cause analysis tools that help you build custom stats dashboards for reporting. Other than that, you get an automated IVR system, seamless integrations, a predictive dialer, and more with RingCentral.

Expert Review: RingCentral offers tailored solutions based on your audience or industry. Whether you’re in the financial, healthcare, education, government, or have an eCommerce store, RingCentral is a great call center software to have.

3. Ooma

Ooma is an all-in-one virtual phone solution for businesses of all sizes. Whether you have a startup, small business, or running an enterprise, Ooma offers lots of features to keep your remote teams and customers connected.

Ooma makes it very easy for you to set up a cloud call center and provide exceptional customer support. It provides intelligent call routing functionality and lowers long call queues by helping customers find the right agent without going through repetitive or redundant steps.

You can also create customized call flows for your support team. The service offers a drag and drop call flow designer that helps you build a call sequence in a few minutes.

Other than that, Ooma also offers features like multi-level IVR and automatic call distribution based on caller data, business hours, and agent skills. You can even match callers to the right agent with intelligent reconnect, where the customer is automatically connected with the person they were speaking to before the call dropped.

Ooma also lets you monitor your customer support performance. However, it doesn’t match the 45 different reporting features and reports that Nextiva has to offer for measuring your VoIP call center efficiency.

Expert Review: Ooma is a great solution for small to medium-sized businesses looking to add a call center solution.

4. FreshDesk

FreshDesk is a famous software that offers a complete contact center solution for businesses. Over 50,000 companies use FreshDesk to provide customer support.

FreshDesk Contact Center software, previously known as Freshcaller, is easy to use and helps you set up the software in just a few clicks. It also offers many features like setting up automated voice responses using artificial intelligence.

With FreshDesk, there’s an option to create a global contact center. You can use bring your own phone (BYOC) or purchase phone numbers from over 90 countries. Plus, it offers affordable pricing plans that you can scale as your business grows.

Other than that, it’s a complete omnichannel solution for your customer support. You can convert a call to a ticket and offer support to users from multiple channels in a single place while lowering wait time.

More features offered by FreshDesk include call recordings, call transcripts, call lifecycle information, voice bots, speech-enabled IVR, reporting tools to monitor agent performance and improve customer support, and more.

Expert Review: FreshDesk is a beginner-friendly call center solution. However, if you’re looking for more powerful features, then we recommend checking out Nextiva.

5. LiveAgent

LiveAgent is the next call center software on our list, and it offers a lot of features like other services we’ve covered. However, what makes this service different is that you get a 14-day free trial to try the software before committing to a premium plan.

With LiveAgent, you get a cloud-based call center solution. The VoIP phone system helps your support agents to connect with customers from anywhere.

Plus, you get features like IVR, call back requests, call transfers, unlimited call recording, smart call routing, video conference calling functionality, in-app push notifications, chatbot, and automatic call distribution (ACD).

The software also integrates with popular CRMs like Salesforce and HubSpot. It also works seamlessly with email marketing tools like AWeber and Mailchimp. You can even integrate it with your WordPress website and add a live chat button.

Expert Review: If you’re looking for affordable pricing plans along with a free trial to test the software, then LiveAgent is the perfect tool for you.

6. 8×8

8×8 is a cloud communication platform that offers a secure call center solution. The service is loaded with features and offers 99.99% uptime across UCaaS and CCaaS.

What this means is that the service is reliable and guarantees faster performance without any delays or downtime. Besides, it has 35 data centers located globally to provide great quality of service.

It has a simple user interface and offers a detailed knowledge base, expert connect, and a complete communication hub to help you get started.

8×8 call center also provides features to handle inbound and outbound calls. For instance, you get easy call routing, call recording, speed and text analytics, omnichannel support, IVR, agent workspace management, click to call option, and more. However, you’ll find more features in other software we’ve covered, like Nextiva and RingCentral.

The service also easily integrates with CRMs such as Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Azure, and Zendesk. You can also improve your customer support through contact center analytics and even conduct surveys to get customer feedback.

8×8 call center pricing plans are on the expensive side, as they start from $85 per user per month. If you want a more affordable solution, then you’ll get more value for money using Nextiva.

Expert Review: 8×8 is a powerful virtual phone platform that offers a robust call center solution. It is great for SaaS enterprises and large organizations.

7. CloudTal k

CloudTalk is the last call center solution on our list. It’s a popular virtual call center platform and powers over 2,500 call centers, including companies like DHL, Mercedes Benz, Fujitsu, and GoStudent.

The service offers 140 national phone numbers that you can use for your business or select a toll-free number. CloudTalk has also partnered with multiple telcos across the globe to provide a strong network and ensure crystal clear calls and reliable performance.

Other features offered by CloudTalk include call queuing, call recording, voicemail, adding extensions, fax to email, business hours, conference calls, call masking, 3-way calling, smart outbound auto dialer, and more.

You also get intelligent routing features like a complete call flow designer to create automated workflows, IVR, ACD, skill-based call routing, set a preferred agent for clients, call forwarding, VIP queues, auto-answer functionality, and more.

Expert Review: CloudTalk is a dedicated call center software. You can use it to provide inbound support, outbound sales, and easily collaborate with remote teams.

Which is the Best Call Center Software?

If you’re looking for a complete cloud-based call center, then we highly recommend Nextiva. The software ticks all the boxes for what you should look for in a call center solution.

It offers powerful features that go beyond simply creating a call center. Nextiva is a complete virtual phone solution for businesses that want to take their customer support to the next level.

You get IVR, call recording, video conferencing, mobile and desktop apps, detailed reports and metrics to track performance, and so much more with Nextiva. Plus, it easily integrates different CRMs and marketing tools.

We hope this article helped you find the best call center software. You may also want to see our guide on how to choose the best blogging platform and the best WordPress plugins.

If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for WordPress video tutorials. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.

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November 12, 2019

7 Ways to Get a 800 Toll-Free Number for Your Business in 2019

Do you want to get a 800 toll-free number for your business?

Toll-free numbers help new and existing customers reach out to your business directly. Many customers also prefer to call a business phone number instead of writing an email.

A toll-free number encourages them to do so because they’re free for the caller. It also helps you win new customers and build lasting relationships with your existing customers.

In the past, toll-free numbers were used by large businesses only. But now they’re extremely affordable, so even small business owners can get a 800 toll-free number for their business.

In this guide, we’ll share 7 ways to easily get an 800 toll-free number for your business. You wouldn’t need to install expensive phone sets, purchase new hardware, or even hire new staff.

Sounds good? Let’s get started.

Why Get a Toll-Free Number for Your Business?

Toll-free numbers are the phone numbers that can be dialed without any charge to the person placing the call.

They start with a unique 3 digit code as a prefix. 800 is the most commonly used prefix for toll-free numbers, but you can also get one with the following toll free prefixes 888, 877, 866, 855, 844 or 833.

These toll-free codes are well recognized and customers know that they will not be charged for the call by their phone company.

Apart from the free call, talking to a human feels more natural and offers better customer satisfaction.

Toll-free numbers are not restricted to a particular geographic location. Your customers across the world can use the same number to reach you.

It looks more professional and gives credibility to your business. It is also easier to promote because you can select a memorable phone number and use it in all your marketing campaigns. Some companies even buy vanity phone numbers which are available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

They are not too expensive and using a VoIP service provider also allows you to make cheaper calls. You don’t need any special hardware, in fact, you can use a computer or even your phone to receive calls.

That being said, let’s take a look at the best ways to get a 800 toll-free number for your business.

1. Nextiva

Nextiva is the best business phone service provider on the market. They offer the easiest way to get a toll free number for your small business.

You get a free toll-free number with each Nextiva plan. You can also get a local number from anywhere in the United States.

Nextiva offers a simple dashboard to monitor your calls, set up voicemail greeting, set caller ID for outbound calls, call routing, caller ID, logs, and more. This enables you to efficiently manage your business calls and make the most out of them.

You can get calls on your toll-free number via laptop, a desk phone set, or even on cell phone using their app. This reduces the dependency on specific hardware and gives you the flexibility to take your business phone with you.

Pricing: Starting from $20 / month per user.

2. RingCentral

RingCentral is another excellent way to get a toll-free number for your business. They offer all popular toll-free codes including 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, and 844.

You can forward the calls to an existing number or use an existing toll-free number with RingCentral. They offer an extensive set of features like call routing, voicemail, call analytics, message alerts, answering rules, and more.

They have an easy to use dashboard that you can manage from your browser, desktop app, or use mobile apps to receive calls on the go.

Pricing Starting from $15.99 / month

3. Grasshopper

Grasshopper is a leading provider of virtual phone number for small business with toll-free, local, and vanity numbers.

You get all the usual features of a VoIP service like call management, extensions, call forwarding, voicemail transcript, and more. You can use your business number to send and receive texts.

Call management tools like call waiting, custom greetings, simultaneous call handling, allow small businesses to easily manage more calls with limited staff.

Pricing: Starting from $26 per month with 1 number and 3 extensions.

4. Ooma Office Phone

Ooma is a popular business VOIP phone provider that offers 1-800 toll free phone numbers at affordable prices. You can add a toll free number to any Ooma office plan. By default they will pre-select a toll-free phone number for you, but you also have the option to choose a new one.

Ooma office platform comes with all powerful features that you would expect such as virtual receptionist, extension dialing, music-on-hold, smart mobile phone apps, and more. Best of all the setup is very easy, and you can do it within minutes.

Pricing: Their plan starts at $19.95 per month which comes with a free toll-free number and 500 minutes included for free. They also allow you to purchase additional minutes at discounted rates.

5. Phone.com

Phone.com is another easy way to get a toll free number. It allows you to easily manage your businness calls using your computers and mobile apps.

They offer vanity and toll-free numbers that you can use with your existing number. It comes with all the usual features you may expect from a cloud phone service.

Pricing: Pay per minute plans start from $12.99 per month and Unlimited plans start from $29.99 per month.

6. 8×8

8×8 is another easy option to get a toll-free number for your small business. They offer toll-free and local numbers for several countries which makes them a good choice if your target customers are in multiple regions.

You also get all the usual call management features plus integrations with G Suite and Office 365.

Pricing: Starting from $12 per month per user.

7. Vonage

Vonage is another business phone service offering toll-free and local numbers. You can choose from the popular 888, 877 or 866 codes and it will ring on your existing business phone number.

They have an easy to use web-based control panel to manage your calls. It includes all the additional features you may expect from a VoIP service provider including voicemail, auto-attendant, forwarding and routing, simultaneous call ring on multiple devices, and more.

Pricing: Their mobile plan starts from $19.99 / month per user with limited features. The premium plan starts at $29.99 / month per user and unlocks advanced features.

FAQs about 800 Toll Free Numbers

Many beginners who are just starting their first business are quite unfamiliar with how toll-free number works. Here are some frequently asked questions about toll-free numbers and how they work.

1. What are toll-free numbers?

Toll-free numbers are telephone numbers where a person or business receiving the call is charged for it instead of the caller. Mostly, these numbers are used for customer services by businesses and organizations.

To distinguish them from regular landline numbers, toll-free numbers start with specific codes like 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844 and 833.

The rules for toll-free numbers are controlled by the FCC, but they don’t assign the specific phone numbers.

The toll-free numbers registry database is maintained by a company called Somos, Inc. This company then gives permission to other companies called RespOrgs (Responsible Organizations) to assign toll-free numbers.

This allows any small business owner to get a toll-free number for their WordPress website or online store.

2. Is there a difference between a toll-free number and vanity number?

A vanity phone number is the industry term used to describe numbers that spell a business name or a more memorable phrase, for example, 800-FLOWERS.

If a vanity number starts with a toll-free code, then it is not different than any other toll-free number in terms of functionality and purpose.

3. Can I get a vanity number that spells a business name and then sell it?

No, FCC rules prohibit hoarding or purchasing toll-free numbers for the purpose of reselling them.

4. Can I transfer my toll-free number to another company?

Yes, toll-free numbers are portable ,and you can use the same number with any business phone service provider of your choice.

5. Can I receive international calls on a US toll-free number?

Yes, you can. However, those calls will not be free for the caller, and they will be charged by their phone company for an international call.

Most toll-free numbers are considered local calls in the US and Canada. Customers calling from Canada will not be charged for an international call.

If your customers are located in different countries, then many of the toll-free number providers mentioned above offer toll-free numbers for other countries as well.

6. Can I forward toll-free calls to my existing number?

Yes, you can forward toll-free calls to your existing phone numbers. Many of the phone companies above also allow you to set forwarding rules for inbound calls based on business hours, availability, and other factors.

7. How do I add the toll-free phone number on my website?

You can easily add your toll-free number to any of the popular website builders or blogging platforms.

If you’re using WordPress for your website, then you can follow our step by step guide on how to add a click to call button in WordPress.

Which is The Best Toll-Free Number Service?

The basic service which assigns you the toll-free number is offered by almost all virtual phone service providers.

However, call management tools, costs, and integrations are equally crucial for growing your business by using a toll-free number.

Keeping these factors in mind, we believe Nextiva to be the best toll-free number for small businesses. They offer competitive rates, an extensive set of features, and integrations to take full advantage of a business phone system.

We use Nextiva for our own business.

RingCentral comes as the close second in terms of features, ease of use, and simplicity of adding toll-free number to your plan.

We hope this article helped you get a 800 toll-free number for your business. You may also want to see our guide on how to get a free business email address and our comparison of the best email marketing services for small business.

If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for WordPress video tutorials. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.

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