Virtual Switchboard - Interactive Voice Response IVR System

What is a Virtual Switchboard?

A Virtual Switchboard allows your incoming calls to be routed directly to the relevant department or person, regardless of whether they are in the same office, working from home or on the go. In other words, callers can use this feature to direct themselves to where they want to go.

When a caller comes through the Cleartone virtual switchboard service, they will be played a message that greets them and then lists all of the available options. 

Each message that is played to callers can be uniquely recorded for your business. It might ask a caller to select the department they want to speak to by pressing ‘1’ for sales or ‘2’ for customer service, for example. The options you make available are entirely your own choice because there is no standardised format that you need to adhere to.

Even better, this optional feature is available with all of Cleartone’s business telephone numbers whether you have an 0121 number, an 0333 number or an 0800 business number.

Is a Virtual Switchboard the same as an automated attendant service?

Yes, it basically works in the same way as both IVRs and automated attendants. The difference with our Virtual Switchboard feature is that it integrates seamlessly with your business telephone number. Callers will be redirected using the feature to whichever business phone line you want them to connect to, whether that is to a mobile phone you carry about with you or the extension of a business telephone system you have in your office in another part of the country.

Does a Virtual Switchboard act like a genuine switchboard operator?

Yes, it does. For example, calls can be transferred between departments and each person or department you set up within the call routing system can have their own extension and bespoke voicemail. The difference is that you don’t have to employ a telephone receptionist or switchboard operator to handle how calls are routed because your business telephone callers will use the service to direct themselves.

What are the Virtual Switchboard Benefits for your business?

A Virtual Switchboard will give your customers a great first impression with a greeting that lets them know their call is being handled. Furthermore, using this feature will make your company sound and appear as a larger and more professional business, something that is particularly useful if you run an SME or operate as a sole trader. Please note, that we also offer a professional voiceover service to record your greetings and option messages so that they sound clear, concise and convey the right tone, too.

Can I manage the Virtual Switchboard routing?

Yes, you can. Every single option offered with the Virtual Switchboard feature can be managed through your Cleartone online dashboard at any time you choose. Just log on with your secure password and you will be able to route callers to each department to different landline or mobile business numbers as you see fit. That’s good to know if you will have one department out of action for a day or two and want to route calls elsewhere temporarily, for example. Note that you can use the online dashboard to route calls to a single business landline or a mobile phone as well as to multiple numbers. You could even direct some departments to voicemail if you wanted, as well. This will help you filter your calls to only answer the calls that you want to.

Virtual Switchboard Benefits

Virtual Switchboard Frequently Asked Questions.