What is VoIP Texting, & How Does It Work?

In contemporary business operations, the transition from traditional landline telecommunication to Voice over Internet Protocol, Aka VoIP systems, is prevalent. As a result, the utilization of VoIP texting has emerged as an indispensable tool for every business proprietor.

Gone are the days when we depended solely on cellular phone services to make calls or send text messages to our business partners, colleagues, customers, or family. The rapid advancement of technology has paved the way for innovative, seamless communication methods. Today, various emerging technologies provide diverse and efficient communication options.

Small and medium-sized businesses increasingly use cloud communication solutions like VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) systems to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

Let’s get started on the topic without any further delay, which contains all your needs, including what VoIP texting is, its benefits, how it works, and more.

What is VoIP Texting?

In simple language, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a technology that enables users to make voice and video calls and send text messages over the Internet. It converts the user’s voice into a digital signal that travels over the Internet and then converts it back at the other end, allowing for communication over the Internet rather than traditional phone lines. 

VoIP can be used on computers, smartphones, and other devices with an internet connection, offering flexibility and cost savings compared to traditional phone services.

Easily exchange text messages and even multimedia messages (MMS) using your mobile phone or computer with the help of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Skype, or VoIP service providers like Dialaxy.

🔎Watch: Why virtual phone systems are more reliable?

How Does VoIP Texting Work?

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) texting operates like traditional SMS texting, but instead of relying on cellular networks, VoIP uses the Internet to send and receive messages. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how VoIP texting functions:

1. Data Connection 

VoIP texting, also known as internet protocol texting, operates by transmitting and receiving messages over an internet connection, such as Wi-Fi or mobile data.

2. VoIP Service Provider

To send texts over the internet, use a VoIP service provider or an app like WhatsApp, Skype, Google Voice, or others that support texting over VoIP.

3. Message Transmission

When you use a VoIP service to send a text message, the message is converted into data packets and then sent over the internet to the intended recipients.

4. Recipients Device

The recipient receives the message on a device with VoIP capabilities, such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer, and the VoIP application is installed.

5. Integration with Phone Number

Some VoIP services let you keep your current phone number for texting. Others will give you a new number. It all depends on the specific VoIP service and how it is set up.

6. Features

With IP texting, you can send multimedia messages (MMS), chat with groups, see when your message is read, and send messages internationally without extra charges (beyond internet data usage).

How to Setup VoIP Texting?

To start sending texts from your business phone number, follow these four steps:

Step 1: Choose a VoIP Provider

First, it is important to select a VoIP phone service provider with experience in providing VoIP phone systems and SMS capabilities. If you already have a VoIP provider, ask them if they have existing customers using the SMS feature.

If you are thinking about switching from a traditional phone system to the cloud and don’t have a VoIP provider, now is a great opportunity to transition to a single provider for your calling and texting needs.

Step 2: Get a new number or keep your existing one

Once you’ve selected a service provider, the next step is to consider phone numbers. At this stage, you have two options to choose from:

• Use a new virtual number: Receive a new phone line for your outbound campaigns.
• Port your existing phone number: If you want to keep your current phone number when switching between networks, the process may take a few weeks to set up.

When you want to keep your existing phone number while switching to a new provider, you must go through a process called number porting. This involves asking your current provider to release the number from their system and your new provider to transfer it into theirs. The speed of this process can vary depending on the history and location of your phone number. It’s important to communicate with your new provider when you’re preparing to keep your existing number.

Step 3: Complete 10DLC registration

After obtaining your new VoIP number, you can begin making calls. However, it’s important to keep in mind that in the United States, there are regulations that require an additional step before you can start sending VoIP texts to US phone numbers.

The next step is to complete the 10DLC registration. A 10-digit long code refers to a personalized 10-digit phone number designated explicitly for business communication and text messaging applications.

Step 4: Train your Team & Start using your VoIP system to send text messages

Gather your team and provide them with thorough training on how to send messages and configure custom triggers using the Workflow Automation feature. Once everyone is comfortable with the process, you can begin your messaging operations immediately.

🔍Watch out: A2P 10DLC Compliance for more.

How Businesses Use VoIP Texting?

VoIP texting has revolutionized business communication, boasting superior open rates, a wider range of features, and the potential to boost customer satisfaction significantly compared to traditional methods like email. 

But its benefits extend far beyond a single department. Let’s explore how VoIP texting can empower various teams within your organization, fostering a more streamlined and efficient operation.

A. Sales & Marketing: Texting Your Way to Success

Using IP texting is an effective way for sales and marketing teams to engage potential customers. It enables easy nurturing of leads with tailored messages, ultimately boosting conversion rates. Confirming appointments quickly through text helps reduce no-shows, leading to more accurate scheduling. 

Seamless communication throughout the sales cycle, from quotes to follow-ups, fosters a natural and convenient channel with potential customers.

B. Custom Support: Building Stronger Relationships Through Text

IP texting improves customer service by ensuring quick responses and easy access. Proactive engagement through automated reminders and walkthroughs demonstrates a commitment to customer success. Additionally, collecting feedback via text helps identify areas for improvement and continuously refine service offerings.

C. Recruitment & Research

Human Resources can use VoIP texting just as efficiently as their customer-facing counterparts to target, reach out to, schedule appointments, and keep up with potential candidates based on external sources. 

Outside of recruitment, VoIP SMS can also leverage its 98% open rate to guarantee people see your calls to action for various information-gathering and feedback initiatives, which are vital for improving performance.

Limitations of using VoIP texting

Like all technologies, there are some limitations you must be aware of.

Here are five things to consider when deciding whether VoIP texting is right for your small business or enterprise:

• Limits while texting: “You are restricted from sending an unlimited number of text messages.”
• Text messaging capability: Not all Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers can send and receive SMS messages. 
• File sizes: Images or videos exceeding high MB in file size are incompatible with the system and cannot be uploaded or shared.

🗒️Note: File size may vary from different providers’ packages.

• SMS shortcodes: Please be advised that certain mobile carriers may not always support SMS shortcodes.
• Recipient authorization: When companies send text messages for commercial purposes, such as marketing campaigns, they must maintain thorough documentation of recipients’ consent. This may involve explicit opt-in agreements or other documented evidence confirming that individuals have been granted permission to receive such messages.

Benefits of VoIP Texting

Some limitations exist to using SMS messaging with VoIP numbers, but the benefits prevail over them.

Implementing this approach can enhance the customer experience by tailoring it to their specific needs. It also allows you to streamline your sales and support processes across various channels. Additionally, this method can help improve productivity by delivering comparable or superior results with fewer interactions.

I. Save Money:

VoIP Texting allows you to send more messages at a far cheaper rate by sending texts over the user’s Internet connection. Sometimes, it is completely free, allowing for more extensive use.

II. Message at Mass:

Since VoIP SMS only requires an internet connection and software platform, it allows users to communicate effectively across devices, making it perfect for commercial use.

III. Leverage Multimedia:

VoIP phone texting allows users to easily share multimedia like images, videos, audio files, and documents for even better communication. Thus, companies can engage their customers at a deeper level.

IV. Improved Sales Engagement:

Start your outbound prospecting efforts by focusing on reaching out to potential leads with a strategy that maximizes engagement.

V. Higher customer satisfaction:

By implementing a written format in addition to verbal communication, we can enhance and simplify support, sales, and appointment procedures through which customers will be satisfied.

VI. Enhances productivity:

With VoIP SMS, you can easily communicate with your team members, regardless of their location. This enhances team collaboration and productivity.

Why choose Dialaxy for your Business?

Now, I think you know all about VoIP texting and how it can be beneficial for business. Well, we’ve got you covered.

If you’re searching for a reliable VoIP texting provider, you can trust Dialaxy. They have long-standing experience in the field and strong relationships with major phone service providers to ensure reliable message delivery.

With Dialaxy, businesses can expe­ct:

• A quick and easy way to obtain VoIP texting.

• A variety of configurable options to meet various business demands.

• Reliable and precise text quality ensures a successful connection.

• Good customer service.

FAQs

How does VoIP texting work?

VoIP texting allows you to send and receive SMS messages using your VoIP phone number, a landline, or a toll-free number. You can use your VoIP service for texts and business phone calls.

Can VoIP texts be traced?

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) calls and texts are encrypted using advanced security protocols. This means that even if someone is able to intercept the communication and access the ID information or IP address associated with the communication, they won’t be able to decipher or eavesdrop on the actual content of the messages or calls. Encryption ensures that the privacy and confidentiality of the communication are maintained, protecting the sensitive information being transmitted.

What happens when you text a VoIP number?

A VoIP text message is like a standard SMS but uses the internet to send and receive messages. It’s a cost-effective and convenient way to communicate, especially if you have access to Wi-Fi or data connections.