With the onset of COVID-19, businesses and individuals alike are looking for the right conferencing services to say in touch with clients, colleagues, family, and friends. The virus has changed the way we communicate, and with social distancing guidelines still in place, it’s unlikely we’ll be gathering in large groups anytime soon. Conference calling services have experienced record surges in use and profits since early 2020, and they continue to rise as the virus rages on.

Even before COVID-19, many businesses were already adopting online conference call services over landlines. Why? Because online conferencing is more convenient, inclusive, versatile, and grants the host far more control over the call. Plus, you can screen share, record calls, and even host HD video conference calls.

If you’re looking for the right conferencing service for your business, this guide is for you. We’ll cover the basics of conference call services and what to look for in a brand. Follow this guide closely for a more informed and confident purchase decision.

What You Need Vs. What You Want

It’s easy to get caught up in fancy bells and whistles, but when you’re running a business, separating needs from wants is a matter of necessity. You only want to pay for the features and services you absolutely need; otherwise, you’re throwing away money. Conference call services of today offer several bonus features, but many offer free or discounted plans for the most basic features like unlimited calls and limited participants. 

What does your business need from a conference calling service? Unlimited calls? Hundreds of participant slots? Operator-assisted calling? Call recording features? Screen sharing capabilities? Make two lists: the features you can live without and the ones you can’t. Once you’ve found a service with everything you need, you can see if there’s room in the budget for a few of the less important but desirable features you want.

Does It Fit My Budget?

Speaking of budgets, hopefully, you’ve got one in place to cover the cost of your conferencing services. If you can’t afford one, there are plenty of free options available, but again, you’ll only have access to limited features with these service plans.

A good budget is strictly followed. If you only have $100 per month dedicated to this expense, then try to remain within that $100 limit—preferably below it. That being said, good communication should definitely be a priority for the business. If this means spending a bit more on conferencing services or better equipment, it’s worth it in the end.

You’re not just buying a better conferencing service, you’re buying an all-in-one communication tool. You can host sales calls, client calls, meetings, webinars, and more with the right conference service. Don’t underestimate the versatility of these awesome online tools!

You’ll Need Customer Support

Many of today’s conference services offer 24/7 customer support. No matter where you are or what time of day it is, your issue will be handled promptly. This is great for remote teams and international businesses. Sometimes, an issue occurs in a different time zone that’s outside of operation hours. It’s nice to know that despite the time of day, a professional will be waiting on the other end of the line to help you.

Pay Attention To Feedback

This applies to both previous customer reviews and the feedback your team or clients provide. They’ll let you know everything they dislike about the new service, so you can make a better decision based on the trial version. Don’t forget to look at those reviews on social media and the company’s website, as well. A previous or current customer can tell you a lot about a product or service—information you may not have been able to acquire otherwise.

Don’t Choose A Service For Its Popularity

It’s a habit for most people to go for the most popular services. The ones you see advertised or hear about are usually your first choice, but that doesn’t always mean they’re the best choice. Just because a service is popular, that doesn’t mean it’s the best match for your business. It might be popular because of its free plans, or because it has a mobile app. Check the features, reviews, and costs, and don’t settle for the first thing that comes your way. A better-informed decision will always benefit you later on when you’re happy with your investment instead of regretting it.

Conclusion

Choosing a conferencing service for your business takes some effort, but the more time you spend on the details, the more satisfied you’ll be down the road. Remember to look for features you need and save the wants for when you have extra money to spend. Don’t settle for the first thing that comes along, and remember that all conferencing services should at least have a customer support line.