Faithe J. Day, Ph.D.

Hotel phone systems help hospitality businesses manage front-desk communication, internal staff coordination, and emergency response operations from a single platform. The best systems include VoIP calling, paging, mobile apps, and integrations with property management or customer relationship management (CRM) tools. After comparing call management features, hospitality-specific tools, and overall value, GoTo Connect is my top…

Phone.com is an affordable voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) provider with flexible calling plans and virtual numbers. However, it lacks advanced unified communications (UC) features, native integrations, and built-in artificial intelligence (AI) tools that many businesses need to scale. If you need more robust functionality, switching to a Phone.com alternative can improve team collaboration, automation,…

Voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP) plays a vital role in business communication, offering flexibility and cost savings over traditional landlines. If you’re new to cloud-based calling, a free VoIP phone service is a great starting point for basic needs and a limited budget. It provides just enough to operate professionally, including voicemail, a phone number, and unlimited calls….

Every month, I search the internet for the best voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) phone system for small business owners that offers cloud-based communication features not found in traditional landlines, all at a low cost. While I prefer providers with advanced features and artificial intelligence tools, various services cater to different business needs. Specifically, the best VoIP for…

Automated phone systems are vital for effective call routing. They offer features like call queues, personalized greetings, and voicemail, helping small businesses improve communication and the caller experience. Monthly fees typically range from $15 to $40 per user, depending on the provider. To help you discover the perfect fit for your needs, I’ve put together…

Cheap VoIP services help small businesses reduce phone costs while still offering professional calling features such as voicemail, call routing, business texting, video meetings, and mobile apps. The best low-cost VoIP providers balance affordability with reliability, so you are not sacrificing call quality, support, or essential tools just to save a few dollars per user….

A vanity phone number uses a memorable word, phrase, or number pattern to make it easier for customers to remember and contact your business. Whether you’re using a toll-free number like 1-800-FLOWERS or a custom local number, vanity numbers can strengthen brand recognition, improve marketing performance, and create a more professional business presence. After comparing…

Professional voicemail greetings help businesses create a polished caller experience, even when no one is available to answer. A strong greeting should include a warm welcome, your name or company name, a brief explanation that you’re unavailable, business hours when relevant, and a clear next step, such as leaving a message or choosing another contact…

A virtual phone number helps small businesses separate personal and work calls, create a more professional presence, and manage customer communication from any device. The best virtual phone number providers offer local, toll-free, vanity, and sometimes international numbers, along with call forwarding, voicemail, business texting, routing rules, and mobile or desktop apps. After comparing pricing,…

Interactive voice response (IVR) systems help small businesses route callers to the right person, department, or self-service option without relying on a live receptionist. The best IVR systems include customizable call menus, smart routing, business-hour rules, call queues, analytics, and easy-to-use call-flow builders that improve both customer experience and team efficiency. After comparing pricing, IVR…

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) trunking lets businesses connect an existing PBX phone system to internet-based calling, making it easier to modernize communications without replacing every desk phone or system component at once. The best SIP trunking providers offer reliable call quality, high uptime, number portability, E911 support, flexible calling plans, and compatibility with a wide…

As a remote worker who frequently collaborates on projects and within teams across different locations and time zones, I am always searching for the latest tools that boost efficiency and productivity. After comparing pricing, ease of use, collaboration features, and overall value, RingCentral is my top pick for the best team collaboration tool for small…