How to Get a VoIP Number – Complete Guide 2024

A VoIP phone number is no longer a luxury for established corporations. In recent years it has become an affordable tool and one that is essential for everyone who wants to succeed in a competitive market.

In fact, it is especially appealing to small and mid-size businesses (SMBs). By 2025, SMBs are likely to grow by more than 15% in the VoIP market.

A report from Blueface shows that 61% of companies switched to VoIP-based systems after their contract with landline carriers expired. 

If you are thinking about getting a VoIP number, searching for a functional solution, or simply wishing to change your current provider, keep reading. 

Esta guía responde cualquier duda que te surja sobre los números de teléfono virtuales.

Key Takeaways

• A report from Blueface shows that 61% of companies switched to VoIP-based systems after their contract with landline carriers expired.
• VoIP numbers offer helpful features like IVR, which guides callers through menu options to reach the right department, and Skill-based Routing, which automatically directs calls to the most suitable agent based on their expertise. These features streamline communication, ensuring callers are efficiently assisted and enhancing overall customer satisfaction.
• Free business phone numbers provide a cost-free option for a separate virtual line, but come with limited features like Voicemail and Call Forwarding. Ideal for small businesses or startups, they serve as a temporary solution until growth demands upgrading to paid plans for more advanced features and scalability.
• VoIP Number Porting allows businesses to keep their essential phone numbers when changing providers, avoiding the inconvenience of updating materials and informing clients. This process is crucial in high costs or inadequate service quality with the current provider.

What’s a VoIP Number: Essential or Optional?

First, let’s give a brief definition of what a VoIP number is. You may also know it as a Voice over IP number. It is a real telephone number assigned to a specific user, yet not to a specific phone line.

Of course, there are other options for how you can handle phone calls. Old-fashioned hardware phones, while familiar to most, have more disadvantages than advantages. They’re usually more expensive than VoIP numbers, require more maintenance, and restrict your mobility. 

You can also use free VoIP numbers, but as we will explore later, those are not sustainable for businesses with more than 5 to 10 employees. 

So VoIP numbers seem like a pretty good idea, right? We can’t decide for you, but generally, IP phone numbers have much more benefits than drawbacks.

A continuación mostramos una visión general de las ventajas del número VoIP por tamaño de negocio:

• Small Businesses: If you own a “young” start-up, it’s possible you don’t have an office yet. Being able to take and make calls from anywhere at a minimal cost is, therefore a huge advantage.
• Enterprises: For big companies that need many phones and phone numbers, VoIP is a huge help. You can configure and assign virtual phone numbers to any device from a central control panel. 
• Call Centers: This type of business has a huge database of phone numbers. With VoIP, they can be easily assigned to various devices or even different users – including agents. 

También puedes consultar nuestra guía breve en video sobre los fundamentos del VoIP:

Dónde puedes conseguir un número VoIP

Para adquirir un número virtual, puedes utilizar un panel de control online. Existen muchos proveedores de servicios VoIP disponibles, por lo que es importante especificar tus necesidades. Determina exactamente qué estas buscando, e intenta elegir un proveedor que cumple con las necesidades de tu negocio.

Si no quieres utilizar el enfoque acierto/error, te recomendamos que explores todas las opciones del mercado y elijas las opciones que el mercado ofrece basadas en tus requisitos.

Principales atributos en tu lista de comprobación:

• Customer reviews 
• Level of customer support
• Available plans
• Range of features
• Pricing 

Solo una visión general detallada de las opciones te permitirá obtener las herramientas que cumplan con la mayoría de tus requisitos.

Elige una solución de confianza

Según las necesidades de tu negocio, puedes acortar las opciones que parecen ser las que mejor se ajustan a ti.

Pero hay un sistema que definitivamente debe estar en la lista: CloudTalk.

We offer one of the best virtual phone services. We’re also one of the best-rated SaaS providers. Together with your new VoIP number, you will get 40+ integrations and almost 70 advanced features. 

Our software is currently powering more than 2,500 call centers and phone systems around the world. The trust we’ve earned from our loyal clients serves as proof that CloudTalk is a safe, reliable software for obtaining your VoIP number. 

Compruébalo tú mismo con las reseñas de nuestros clientes:

Capterra: 4.4 / 5

G2:4.3 / 5

Por supuesto, no queremos que elijas CloudTalk sin probarlo primero.

5 Razones para obtener un número VoIP

Comencemos por reseñar lo que otros negocios consideran las razones más sólidas para comprar un número de teléfono IP.

Estos son los 5 mayores factores para la migración a un número VoIP según el informe de Blueface:

Fiabilidad: 69.5%

Precio: 19%

Funciones: 5%

Flexibilidad: 4%

Escalabilidad: 2.5%

Ahora, que ya sabes lo que otras compañías valoran, vamos a analizar más en profundidad a las 5 razones por las que obtener un número VoIP hará tu trabajo más fácil.

Nº1 Ahorra dinero

VoIP numbers work over the internet, which eliminates costly phone bills for long-distance and international calls. According to TechCo, making international calls via virtual phone numbers can save you up to 90% of expenses and up to 40% in the case of local calls. 

Here’s another advantage: by purchasing a VoIP number, you subscribe to a precise virtual number plan with a service provider. You, therefore, know exactly how much you will pay each month. That makes your costs predictable and steady unless you want to upgrade. 

La mayoría de los proveedores no requieren un contrato al comienzo de la relación comercial. Lo que te permite finalizar el servicio sin ningún obstáculo.

Nº2 Proporciona movilidad y fiabilidad

Los mejores servicios de teléfono virtuales ofrecen una experiencia de llamadas consistente.

If you consider how expensive basic international calls can be, voice-over IP phone numbers offer an efficient and affordable way to connect with customers worldwide. That helps you to expand and create a multinational network. Put simply, if you want your business to cross borders, a VoIP number is a great choice for you. 

Having a VoIP number also means you need little more than a headset to conduct business. You are no longer tied down to a single location. VoIP allows you to communicate with clients from wherever you are, as long as that place has a stable internet connection. 

Por lo tanto, puedes contratar empleados a distancia o permitir el teletrabajo al 100% que puede ahorrarte una gran cantidad de dinero. Tarifas de alquiler, facturas eléctricas se quedarán en el pasado.

Nº3 Es flexible

Cuando utilizar una red interna, posees una cantidad limitada de teléfonos que añadir al sistema existente. Con las redes VoIP, la única limitación es el ancho de banda (La máxima cantidad de datos transmitidos en la conexión de internet en un momento específico). Las soluciones de VoIP generalmente no utilizan demasiada banda ancha. Por ejemplo, una mera conexión de 10 MB puede gestionar 100 llamadas de una vez.

You’re also able to use one virtual phone number on multiple devices. Since you can assign a VoIP number to a person instead of a location, you are able to access it from any device — a laptop, tablet or whatever else. Some VoIP providers also offer smartphone applications. In CloudTalk, we have the CloudTalk Go app that serves as a remote-ready pocket-sized call center. 

Con un número de teléfono virtual, también puedes reenviar llamadas a otros números de tu elección.

Another flexibility aspect of VoIP numbers comes with SIP (Session Initiation Protocol)trunking. It allows you to store and manage all communication from a single platform, providing you with a practical overview of all customer interactions. 

Nº4 Incrementa la productividad

With VoIP phone systems, businesses can save around 32 minutes on calls per day per team. Portal FinancesOnline claims that 77% of small companies report improved productivity levels due to VoIP features.

Estas herramientas hacen que la comunicación y la gestión de llamadas sea más fácil, principalmente gracias a una disponibilidad mayor de los agentes, un nivel avanzado de automatización y la eliminación de tareas repetitivas. Por lo tanto, puedes proporcionar un servicio mejor al cliente y lograr una puntuación CSAT más alta (satisfacción del cliente).

Nº5 Mejor calidad de voz

Assuming you have a stable internet connection and enough bandwidth space, calling through an IP phone number provides better voice quality than analog phones. That is because VoIP uses advanced compression technology – codecs – that digitally convert sound.

Yet, of course, nothing is spotless. Issues may occur, so make sure your provider has you covered. For example, with us, if a call quality drops below a certain level, CloudTalk automatically changes the call route in real time. That eliminates latency and jitter.

10 funciones que puedes conseguir con un número VoIP

VoIP systems offer more than just an efficient way of calling. Together with your virtual phone number, you get plenty of automatized features that make your everyday work easier. 

A continuación te mostramos 10 ejemplos de herramientas que podrías encontrar útiles:

• ACD (Automated Call Distribution): Efficient queue distribution of inbound calls based on all available data makes sure that callers are always directed to the most qualified agent or agent group.
• IVR (Interactive Voice Response): A menu that guides the caller through different options and makes sure they are always directed to the right department, agent or group of agents. 
• Ring groups: Makes sure that customer calls ring multiple or all agents at once. 
• Skill-based routing: Inbound calls are automatically routed to a specific agent based on their fit and skills required by the caller. 
• VIP Queues: Always give priority to customers of your choice.  
• Call recording: Automatically records all virtual phone calls.
• Call forwarding: Automatically forward your incoming calls to external mobile or landline phone numbers each time your agents are busy or unavailable during business hours.
• 3-way calling: You can easily add a third person to the line when circumstances call for it. 
• Voicemail: A storage of all unanswered phone calls. With CloudTalk, you can listen to them directly from the internet browser.
• Personalized greetings: Greetings that are played to the caller based on specific situations (outside business hours, on hold, etc.)

How to Get a VoIP Number? Your Go-To Guide

Just follow these 6 simple steps to get your virtual phone number easily:

Step 1: Identify Your Service Needs

Understand your business priorities and select features based on criteria such as price, security, reliability, and quality of service. Make sure to look for reliable customer support to help you when you need it the most.

Step 2: Choose the Right Provider and Plan

Select the best provider for your business needs; CloudTalk offers 4 plans — Starter, Essential, Expert, and Custom. The Custom Plan allows you to tailor your experience and adjust for specific preferences and requirements, ensuring you get what you need.

Step 3: Get your VoIP number

Once you’ve chosen a provider, a CSM will help you obtain your VoIP number.

This usually happens right after signing up for your chosen VoIP plan.

You can choose a local, toll-free, or international number when getting your VoIP number, or even transfer your existing phone number. Once you pick a provider, a Customer Service Manager (CSM) will assist you in getting your VoIP number.

Step 4: Configure Your VoIP System

Get started by setting up your voice-over IP phone number and configuring VoIP devices for seamless call-making and receiving. This involves tasks such as creating user extensions and setting up voicemail. Don’t worry, it’s simpler than it sounds, and you can usually handle these tasks conveniently from the dashboard.

Step 5: Deploy VoIP Software or Hardware

After configuring your VoIP system, the next step is to deploy the necessary software on your devices or set up VoIP-enabled phones based on your intended usage. Some providers may also offer convenient mobile apps, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your VoIP service with your smartphone.

Step 6: Validate Your VoIP Number

Conduct thorough testing of your VoIP number to ensure its functionality. Place a few test calls to assess sound quality and confirm that all the configured features are operating as expected. This step is crucial to guarantee a smooth and reliable communication experience for your business

Consigue complementos avanzados para los números VoIP avanzados con CloudTalk

Our telephony solution offers plenty of useful additions to your default VoIP number. These tools give your company a competitive advantage over other businesses, save you money and help you acquire new customers. 

• International numbers: If your company operates in several countries, you can have a phone number for each of them. That is a huge advantage. 
• First reason: it allows customers from abroad to call you at standard local rates or free of charge. 
• Second reason: With a local phone number, you appear more trustworthy. People often don’t pick up foreign numbers.  

Consejo útil

Revisa nuestra lista de códigos de área para las llamadas internacionales gratuitas.

• Toll-free numbers: This type of virtual phone number enables your customers to call you for free or split the price of the call between you and the caller. With CloudTalk, you can get a green toll-free number (0800) or a blue number (0850).
• Short numbers: This tool allows you to have a five-digit phone number – 16 xxx, 17 xxx, or 18 xxx. You can use short phone numbers for customer support, special information services, transport services, and more.

Números de teléfono gratuitos para los negocios: ¿Qué son?

Free business phone numbers are another option to get a virtual number. This type of VoIP service gives you an additional number that is separate from your personal one and completely free of charge.

It surely does have advantages. For example, it eliminates the process of signing up for a paid VoIP plan. Yet the benefit of free service comes with its price. Free virtual phone numbers include a limited number of features. Such as text messaging over WiFi, Voicemail, Call blocking, Call forwarding, or Caller ID.  

Free business phone numbers are, therefore a good deal for small companies, start-ups, and teams of 10 or fewer people. If you fit the description, a free number may be a good temporary solution until your business grows bigger. 

Un número gratuito puede ser también una alternativa a las líneas principales de la compañía.

Pros y contras de los números de teléfono gratuitos para negocios

Ahora, vamos a repasar los aspectos positivos y negativos que proporcionan los números gratuitos para empresas.

Pros:

A continuación presentamos una tabla de las mayores ventajas de los números gratuitos para compañías.

Contras:

Ahora, veamos cuales son las desventajas más significativas de los números de teléfono gratuitos para empresas.

Portabilidad de los números VoIP

El número de teléfono de tu compañía es crucial para que los clientes se pongan en contacto contigo. Muchos de tus clientes más fieles podrían sabérselo de memoria.

Aquí es donde la portabilidad del número demuestra ser una herramienta útil. Te permite cambiar tu número de teléfono ya consolidado de un proveedor de servicio VoIP antiguo a uno nuevo. Sin necesidad de cambiar el número. Por lo tanto, no tienes que pasar por el penoso proceso de tener que actualizar todo tu material, formularios de contacto, informar a tus clientes, etc.

Existen muchas situaciones donde tal vez necesites cambiar el proveedor, y, por lo tanto, tener que utilizar la portabilidad del número.

Por ejemplo:

• Your current VoIP solution is too expensive
• Your current VoIP system lacks features vital for your business
• Your business is overgrowing the current VoIP service capabilities
• Your current VoIP solution is of an insufficient quality (e.g. lacking audio)
• There is a lack of support from customer service
• You are experiencing an unfair treatment from the side of your current VoIP provider (e.g. hidden fees)

¿Cómo trasferir un número antiugo a un nuevo sistema VoIP?

Primero, ponte en contacto con tu nuevo proveedor VoIP. Después, ambos proveedores de servicios VoIP trabajarán juntos para realizar la portabilidad del número de teléfono, asegurándose de que todo el proceso ocurra satisfactoriamente.

Importante:

Ponte siempre en contacto con antelación con tu proveedor actual e infórmales que estás planeando hacer una portabilidad de tu número de teléfono. En algunas ocasiones, los agentes rechazan una solicitud de portabilidad antes de que el proceso haya sido completado, lo que podría causar retrasos o un corte temporal.

Además, espera que la transición se haya realizado con éxito al nuevo proveedor antes de finalizar el contrato con el actual.

Check out how VoIP Portability works within CloudTalk.

Guía paso a paso para configurar un número de teléfono VoIP con CloudTalk

Configurar nuestro número de teléfono virtual solo lleva unos minutos.

A continuación, explicamos cómo hacerlo:

First of all, contact us and choose your VoIP subscription plan. Decide which one fits your business needs the best. 

Después, pasaremos a los pasos siguientes:

Nº1 Crear una cuenta CloudTalk

#2 Installing CloudTalk application

#3 Activating 14-day free trial 

Nº4 Configuración de la gestión de llamadas

Nº5 Números entrantes

Nº6 Verificación

Nº7 Elegir un número VoIP

Una vez que se hayan realizado estos pasos, puedes empezar a utilizar tu nuevo sistema VoIP en tu portátil o smartphone directamente.

If you feel like you would like to discover CloudTalk in greater depth, you can request a 1-on-1 demo with one of our customer success specialists.