Remote working is here to stay, and we think that’s a great thing!
Although many businesses began bringing their teams back into the office shortly after the pandemic, with the advancements in technology and the rise of virtual meetings and video conferencing software, smaller businesses have been able to opt for full time remote working or a hybrid style of working.
This has of course reduced costs such as office rents and utilities – and as more businesses move towards remote working, the idea of a virtual receptionist is becoming increasingly popular.
A virtual receptionist will handle incoming calls, messages, and enquiries for your business remotely, usually through the use of technology like phone systems, messaging platforms, and email.
There are some huge benefits to hiring a virtual receptionist for your business, including…
Lower costs
Virtual receptionists are truly cost-effective when compared with hiring a full-time, in-house receptionist. In addition to salary, you also have to factor in benefits, taxes, and the cost of office space and equipment when hiring an in-house team member.
By contrast, a virtual receptionist is typically paid hourly or by the minute, meaning you only pay for the time they actually spend working for you. This can be a much more cost-effective solution, especially for smaller businesses with limited resources.
Improved customer service
A virtual receptionist can help improve your customer service by providing a friendly and professional voice to answer incoming calls and respond to messages.
They can also provide basic information about your business, such as hours of operation or services offered, and direct callers to the appropriate person or department.
This can help ensure that customers and clients have a positive experience with your business, even if they don’t speak directly with you.
Flexibility
The flexibility that comes with a virtual receptionist means that you can create a package that works best for your business – so you can be sure that all incoming calls and messages are being handled, even if you’re not available to answer them yourself.
This can improve your customer experience, and ensure that important calls and messages are never missed.
Efficiency
A remote receptionist will also provide increased efficiency by handling administrative tasks such as appointment scheduling, call screening and message taking.
This can free up your time and allow you to focus on more important tasks, such as growing your business and serving your customers, and all of those other important tasks that generate a direct income.
Scalability
There is also the added scalability benefit as a virtual receptionist can be a scalable solution for your business. As your business grows, you can easily add more hours or additional virtual receptionists to handle the increased volume of calls and messages.
This can help ensure that your business is always able to handle the needs of your customers and clients, without having to hire additional in-house staff.
If you’re considering hiring a receptionist for your business, a virtual receptionist may be a great solution that provides all the benefits of an in-house receptionist, without the high costs and logistical challenges.
We have virtual receptionist packages that start from as little as £50 pm. To find out more, contact Antoinette on antoinette@virtualadministration.co.uk