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A virtual phone number is a phone number that isn't tied to any specific device or physical SIM card. Although these numbers only exist virtually, calls to these phone numbers can be routed to existing landlines, mobile phones, or even web browsers, allowing users to receive calls anywhere without being restricted by geographical boundaries or the need for

specific hardware. This flexibility makes virtual phone numbers an ideal solution for businesses that need to stay connected regardless of their location.

Let's paint a picture – nudged by the increasing number of layoffs, stories of ambitious businesses by enterprising individuals are emerging around the globe. Many of these small enterprises are on the cusp of expanding their business beyond their geographical boundary. Still, it takes a sober investment  to build offices in new markets.

In the latest era of digital customer service, many businesses are seeking to scale their operations globally. Virtual numbers play a major role in meeting that objective without a hitch due to the inexpensive call costs and localizing the business for increased affinity with prospects. And what better way to connect with your customers than the most widely used

messaging app in the world – WhatsApp?

How to use WhatsApp Business with a Virtual Number

As you may have guessed virtual numbers play a very important role when it comes to marketing products and services or designing customer experience on WhatsApp Business. Businesses can broadcast messages, automate responses, or offer customer support to their customers using a virtual number without using a personal phone number, which in turn provides an added layer of privacy and anonymity.

1. Promote your products without being flagged for spam

Using virtual number for WhatsApp communication provides your business with a verified number.

Using this legitimate number, a business can easily send WhatsApp notifications, automate FAQs, match customers with the right experts with intelligent routing rules, without the fear of being flagged for spam or banned by WhatsApp.

2. Receive business calls without compromising the privacy

Businesses can safeguard their customers’ identity by masking calls or numbers when connecting customers with a third party on WhatsApp.

For example, if your business uses a 3PL (third party logistics) partner for shipping and deliveries, you can set the 3PL as the call destination to allow customers to track their shipment without worrying about revealing their personal number.

3. Round-the-clock virtual call centre with remote agents

By using virtual number and linking it to a cloud based CX solution, you can easily enable agents from different countries to work cohesively using the same phone number to provide consistent localised, support services to your customers without having to worry about the time difference.

All things better with a Unified Communications Platform!

Combining your virtual numbers with a unified communications platform takes your customer engagement and team collaboration to the next level.

When multiple communication channels, telecom and digital, are brought to a single dashboard, businesses can easily streamline all conversations, and easily match customers with the right experts using intelligent routing rules in an intuitive user interface. Supervisors can also have a centralised and real-time visibility of all enquiries and monitor agent activity with call reports.

International Toll Free Numbers and DID numbers can be good additions to omnichannel marketing campaigns, as businesses use a unified communications platform to coordinate their marketing channels. Assign a virtual number to a campaign segment and gauge which channel performs better by the number of calls coming in through different numbers. Businesses can also benefit from an informed marketing strategy with real-time call reports.