As businesses move halfway into 2010, the financial horizon still doesn’t look as bright as many had hoped. Spending limits are still tight and businesses are using every opportunity to cut costs without affecting quality of services and customer loyalties. Fortunately, the internet offers a low cost alternative that enables businesses to operate efficiently while cutting down expenses. At the same time, businesses can also take advantage of greater customer outreach, new marketing opportunities, and technologies riding on the internet.

Internet marketing

The World Wide Web empowers businesses to expand their customer base, target niche audiences, generate sales leads, and increase profits. Social media marketing, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), search engine marketing, pay-per-click (PPC) advertisements, affiliate marketing and other techniques are used to spread brand awareness and build a credible business image. Internet marketing agencies have the skills and experience to promote your business in the right places at the right time.

VOIP

Any business that has a broadband connection can use VoIP services to enjoy the same features as expensive PBX systems. Apart from the economical calling rates, low service fees, and user friendly features, VOIP services reduce executive travel expenses with video conferencing facilities and portable VoIP phones; reduce administration costs and time as one network works for voice and data; and allow easy integration with CRM applications. Installing a hybrid system keeps businesses operational during internet outages – the one stumbling block with VoIP services.

Business phone systems

Though VoIP phone systems are cost-effective, other phone systems also work well for varying business needs and organization sizes. Key systems, KSU-less systems, PBX, and hybrid systems are some of the commonly used business phone systems.

Web conferencing

Web conferencing enables effective networking within offices. Personnel can attend meetings, presentations, and trainings from their locations. Businesses save time and travel costs, and increase the efficiency of their workforce.

Credit card processing

Faster and easier processing via the internet has brought down credit card processing rates drastically, allowing businesses of all sizes to offer customers an extra payment option. Credit card processing agencies ensure businesses have the necessary hardware and software support, merchant account, security, and processes for a better customer experience. By including a new segment to their customer base, businesses can increase sales many times over. They can also launch an e-commerce website to enable online purchases.

Fall in sales volumes have brought many stores near shutdown. E-commerce websites throw them a lifeline – products can be priced attractively for customers while maintaining good profit margins as other expenses of managing a brick-and-mortar store are eliminated.

Call center services

Businesses can use call center services for secretarial services, customer service calls, technical support, taking orders and qualifying service leads. Call center services give businesses the flexibility to scale up or down as per market demands and business plans.

All the above services provide reporting functions for businesses to monitor progress, address bottlenecks, analyze and improve services. Not just effective in reducing costs and maximizing sales, these services promise businesses the same if not better customer relationships.

Author Bio: Daljeet Sidhu. Read our small business voip advice and small business voip blog. Compare VOIP quotes.

Category: Business
Keywords: voip, voip phone, business phone system, call center, credit card processing