AUTO ATTENDANT: Top 2023 Best Auto Attendant Phone Systems

AUTO ATTENDANT
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To enhance customer satisfaction in modern business communications, it is recommended to consider replacing the traditional method of addressing and controlling phone calls with an automated answering service. This approach can streamline the process and provide a more efficient means of handling customer inquiries. One way to streamline your business’s call management process is by implementing a phone system equipped with an auto attendant feature. This feature replaces the need for a human operator and efficiently handles all incoming calls by directing callers to the appropriate employee or division. Read on to learn about auto attendant for google voice phone systems and multi-level auto attendant phone system for small business.

What is Auto Attendant?

An auto-attendant is an audio telecommunications interface system that automatically routes incoming calls to designated extensions. This automated phone system, which provides virtual answering solutions and is sometimes referred to as a “virtual receptionist,” can divert incoming calls to any combination of fixed and cell phones, as well as to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones and other devices connected to your business’s phone network. Incoming callers can use their phone or wireless phone’s keypad to select from a menu of available options.

In addition, auto-Attendants are used by a wide variety of organizations, including corporations and government bodies. Interactive Voice Response (IVR) is a more advanced kind of Auto-Attendant that allows for a variety of input methods, including voice calls and tone-keypad selection. The system returns relevant responses in a variety of media types.

What Does an Auto Attendant Do? 

An automated attendant, also known as an auto attendant, or online receptionist, is a phone service feature that enables callers to be sent to an extension without the need for an operator or customer service to intervene.

Auto Attendant Phone Systems

Exceptional auto-attendant phone systems are capable of efficiently managing a range of call routing functions, including but not limited to cordially welcoming callers, providing relevant information, and seamlessly directing them to the appropriate recipient. In addition, the platform should offer many extensions and phone vegetation builders that enable users to customize their call-routing approach. This comprehensive guide delves into the top auto-attendant phone systems in the industry, evaluating them based on key factors such as expenditure, characteristics, technical assistance, and ease of use. Hence, by providing an in-depth analysis of each system, readers can make informed decisions when selecting the various best auto-attendant phone systems for their business needs. According to our ratings, the following phone systems with auto-attendant features have been identified as the best options.

#1. Community Phone

If you own a business in the United States, you should switch to Community Phone immediately. You won’t need internet or copper connections thanks to its wireless landline base, which links up with nearby cell towers. They claim to have excellent coverage and clear speech quality even in remote regions.

#2. OpenPhone

Filling out OpenPhone’s two-minute port inquiry form is all it takes to transfer your current business number and activate an auto-attendant. You can get as many local or toll-free numbers in the United States or Canada as your business need if you don’t already have one. There is one phone number associated with each user. Each additional line costs only $5 per month. Thousands of businesses throughout the world use OpenPhone’s auto-attendant capabilities, but that’s not the only reason they adore us. 

#3. Grasshopper

This is a virtual receptionist service for smaller businesses that value a predictable monthly fee. Unlike the majority of its competitors, Grasshopper doesn’t charge more per user and instead charges a fixed monthly rate regardless of how many people use the service. All of the features, such as business texting, virtual faxing, and personalized greetings, are available with any of the plans. Grasshopper is an affordable solution for a basic virtual phone system if you run a small business that values professionalism above all else. It allows users to stand out from the crowd by providing them with local, toll-free, and novelty phone numbers.

#4. Nextiva

Nextiva is a business phone system that facilitates interaction between teams, both internal and external. It has become the de facto standard for VoIP service delivery among small organizations.

#5. RingCentral

Only RingCentral has elaborate automated receptionist menus. If your company has several different divisions, you can utilize these to greet callers by name, provide your hours of operation, and provide more in-depth submenus. Callers can use RingCentral’s dial-by-name directory to be connected with staff members by either their first or last name.

Auto Attendant for Google Voice 

Google has recently announced that its Workspace and Google Voice users can now utilize their own recorded forces and greetings. This new feature enables users to have more control over the modification of their bots when answering customer calls. In addition, with the latest update, administrators are now able to upload personalized prompts and greetings. Google’s advanced technology allows for instantaneous playback and automatic documents, providing users with the ability to easily monitor and handle their uploads.  

Hence, with the introduction of a new feature, Google has expanded its text-to-speech service for setting up google voice automated attendant. This additional option provides users with more choices when configuring their system. When placing a call to a business, Google Voice predictably automated attendant functions. It plays pre-recorded messages and allows callers to navigate through various options by clicking keys on their phones. These types of bots are capable of efficiently handling initial inquiries that a caller may have, while still maintaining an acceptable level of performance. The recently launched custom message feature is now accessible to all Google Workspace and G Suite clients who possess Google Voice standard and premier licenses.

While it may not directly affect end users within a corporation, implementing this solution has the potential to enhance the responsiveness of sales teams to emerging trends. So, by categorizing calls into distinct groups, sales teams can more efficiently respond with targeted messages.

Multi Level Auto Attendant

The implementation of a multi-level auto attendant allows for the establishment of several tiers of customization, which can be tailored to client dimensions, location, and priority. The implementation of Multi-Level Auto Attendant enables customers to efficiently navigate through various departments, ensuring that they are directed to the appropriate personnel while minimizing wait times for operator assistance. 

The integration of your primary variety resulting and Multiple Auto Attendant can facilitate the provision of assistance in multiple languages. This feature enables your business to direct customers based on their language requirements. 

Auto Attendant Phone System Small Business

An automated phone system can offer a plethora of benefits to small businesses. A well-crafted and up-to-date platform has the potential to transform your operations, offering features such as customizable IVR and call forwarding. Affordability is a crucial consideration for many small businesses. However, compromising on distinctive and practical features is not necessary. Discover a range of phone systems that are not only user-friendly but also budget-friendly, yet come packed with an impressive array of features. Below, we will guide you through some of the top auto attendant phone system for small business available.

#1. Nextiva

This is an excellent VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology that many small businesses use. You may streamline your phone system with the help of Nextiva’s fantastic features. In addition to forwarding calls to a certain number, it can also be used to host conference calls. This auto-attendant phone system for small business removes all hassles, even if you decide to switch phone numbers. It allows its consumers to easily switch their phone numbers to another service. If the number you’re trying to reach is already in use, you can always place your call on hold.

Nextiva offers a range of programs at different price points. The essential plan, which starts at $17 per month per user, is a terrific choice for a small business. The business and enterprise packages are tailored to the needs of established businesses.

#2. RingCentral MVP

RingCentral, like Dialpad, is a popular cloud-based communications platform that includes a VoIP phone system. Their technology is based on a conventional PBX system, even though they now advertise themselves as a cloud phone service. In any case, RingCentral provides the standard means of contact, such as phone calls and text messages. However, even the most fundamental integrations, such as those with Google Workspace and Microsoft Teams, are not included in its most basic package, Essentials. 

#3. Ooma 

Another strong company that can make your corporate communications simple and trustworthy. This service provider’s monthly fee of $19.95 per user covers a ton of useful extras. It provides you with everything you may want, such as the ability to use the best virtual receptionist, additional dialing, meetings, and music on hold. Hence, with the Ooma app, you can take business calls on your mobile device even when you’re away from the office. This means that corresponding with customers is simplified regardless of location. It also provides the option of keeping your present phone number or switching to a toll-free one.

#4. Vonage

You may impress your customers with this cutting-edge auto-attendant phone system for your company. It’s packed with fantastic extras, and you’ll adore the low, low prices. You can talk to your customers by cell phone or computer, whichever is more practical. This paves the way for offices without desk phones to have a streamlined phone system. The maximum number of calls and SMS messages you can handle is unlimited. Unlimited business calls and text messages are included with all plans. You can also employ things like a multi-tiered automated attendant, video chat, file sharing, CMR integration, call recording, and much more.

#5. 8×8

This offers your company a comprehensive answer to all of its communication needs. You will have access to all of the resources that you require to communicate with your customers more quickly and efficiently if you use 8×8. so helps you do so via numerous forms like live chat choices, voice, video, etc. There are three distinct pricing plans available for this system. The Express plan, the Series plan, and the Contact Center plan all include a free trial period of fourteen days each respectively.

You can even make global phone calls with this phone calling system, reaching more than 14 different nations. In addition, you may record your calls, add the option for team chat, conduct personal call analysis, and interface your calls.

#6. Phone.com

This auto-attendant phone system is designed for use by small enterprises, and it offers both efficiency and dependability. They offer a plan that is competitively priced and suitable for companies of varying sizes. This program provides you and your customers with all of the necessary capabilities to make your calling system easy to use and hassle-free. You will also have the ability to select a personal phone number, participate in video conferences, and set your device to operate in auto-receptionist mode with this system.

A do not disturb mode can also be added to your system with this feature, in addition to the option to block or unblock a certain number. In addition, you have the option of enabling voice mails and providing your customers who are placed on hold with some pleasant music. Your callers will be informed by the call-waiting service that your line is now in use with another customer and that they can either wait or call again at a later time.

 Is Auto Attendant the Same as IVR?

The Auto-Attendant is a streamlined application of Interactive Voice Response (IVR) technology that serves as a virtual receptionist. The primary function of an automated phone system is to welcome incoming callers and direct them to specific variations or agencies within a company, all without the need for human intervention from an operator.

How Much Does an Auto Attendant Cost?

The monthly cost of an auto attendant typically ranges from $20 to $100. The cost of the service is subject to change depending on the chosen provider, the number of extensions, and the desired features.

How Do I Set up an Auto Attendant?

In the Teams administration console, under Voice, click Auto Attendants, and then click Add to set up an automated greeting. Input your desired auto attendant’s name into the top box. You can choose an operator by setting the callback URL. This label is discretionary but highly suggested.

References

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