{"id":9249,"date":"2021-03-02T13:30:25","date_gmt":"2021-03-02T13:30:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/?p=9249"},"modified":"2022-05-16T17:58:17","modified_gmt":"2022-05-16T16:58:17","slug":"choose-answering-service-small-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/answerconnect-services\/choose-answering-service-small-business\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Choose An Answering Service For Your Small Business"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>First, a definition:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What is a small business answering service?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/services\/answering-services\/small-business-answering-service\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">small business answering service<\/a> is a company that takes calls on behalf of small businesses. Think of it as an extension of your small business, in which a third party take the role of your front of house receptionist team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why do small businesses need an answering service?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Put simply, a call answering service can provide a level of coverage and customer support that would be out of reach for most small businesses trying to hire full time, in-house employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You get the same consistent support as an in-house team, without the added costs that come with hiring, training and staffing a team 24\/7.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/02\/A-Comprehensive-Guide-to-Telephone-Answering-Services_-How-to-choose-the-benefits-more-rESOURCE-4.jpg\" alt=\"Woman working as virtual receptionist for small business answering service\" class=\"wp-image-9219\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/02\/A-Comprehensive-Guide-to-Telephone-Answering-Services_-How-to-choose-the-benefits-more-rESOURCE-4.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/02\/A-Comprehensive-Guide-to-Telephone-Answering-Services_-How-to-choose-the-benefits-more-rESOURCE-4-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/02\/A-Comprehensive-Guide-to-Telephone-Answering-Services_-How-to-choose-the-benefits-more-rESOURCE-4-768x473.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I know if <em>my<\/em> small business needs an answering service?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Engaging with callers 24\/7 is a major challenge. That\u2019s especially true for small businesses that can\u2019t pay for a team to operate around the clock. There are certain workarounds &#8211; including voicemail and automated answering solutions. But none of these resolve the real issue at the heart of the problem;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/news\/is-it-time-to-hang-up-on-voicemail\/\">80% of callers<\/a> will hang up when they reach voicemail.&nbsp;<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.consumerreports.org\/cro\/magazine\/2015\/07\/the-problem-with-customer-service\/index.html\">75% of consumers report<\/a> being \u2018highly annoyed\u2019 when they can\u2019t get a live person on the phone.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Every business is built on trust, but it\u2019s particularly important for small businesses. The connection you\u2019ve built with your customers is often more personal. You know your customers like you know your friends, and maintaining that trust is paramount to your success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s why many small businesses opt to outsource their customer support to a business answering service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/03\/Smiling-man-responding-as-answering-service-for-a-small-business-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Smiling man acting as virtual receptionist at answering service for small business\" class=\"wp-image-9254\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/03\/Smiling-man-responding-as-answering-service-for-a-small-business-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/03\/Smiling-man-responding-as-answering-service-for-a-small-business-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/03\/Smiling-man-responding-as-answering-service-for-a-small-business-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/03\/Smiling-man-responding-as-answering-service-for-a-small-business.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does a small business answering service do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An answering service can encompass a variety of services. At AnswerConnect, these include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Live call answering<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/services\/call-answering-service\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Live answering<\/a> refers to a service in which a team of answering agents (otherwise known as virtual receptionists) respond to calls on behalf of your business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A live answering service enables your small business to stay open to callers 24\/7. Most importantly, they ensure callers receive a professional response every time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Live chat support<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>All the benefits of your live answering service, but on your website. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/services\/live-chatsupport\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Live Chat<\/a> is now an essential tool for businesses. Through live responses to on-site queries, businesses can guide visitors to the point of purchase and alleviate reservations as they arise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Live chat tools also come with an added advantage &#8211; with saved chats and analytics, businesses can continually adjust and optimise their responses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/03\/What-Is-Remote-Work-and-Why-Do-People-Do-It_-1.jpg\" alt=\"Customer speaking with small business answering agent\" class=\"wp-image-9231\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/03\/What-Is-Remote-Work-and-Why-Do-People-Do-It_-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/03\/What-Is-Remote-Work-and-Why-Do-People-Do-It_-1-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/03\/What-Is-Remote-Work-and-Why-Do-People-Do-It_-1-768x473.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lead qualification<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As part of the small business live answering service, answering agents take messages and pass them to key members of your team. But they can also do much more, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/services\/lead-qualification-service\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">capture caller details<\/a> and qualify their needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Think of them as the frontline for your prospects, ready to pass the best leads directly to your sales team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Appointment scheduling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For small businesses offering recurring payment services or high-value single-purchases, sales don\u2019t happen overnight. That\u2019s why the best small business phone answering service offers an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/services\/appointment-scheduling\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">appointment scheduling service<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By scheduling demos, consultations, or even just quick chats, you can engage with prospects on a one-to-one basis and make the case for your product\/service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Answering agents can help callers self-schedule appointments or book appointments on behalf of your customers based on your availability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/02\/Your-Guide-to-Understanding-Virtual-Assistants-Resource-2-.jpg\" alt=\"Smiling woman writing down details for small business call answering service\" class=\"wp-image-9141\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/02\/Your-Guide-to-Understanding-Virtual-Assistants-Resource-2-.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/02\/Your-Guide-to-Understanding-Virtual-Assistants-Resource-2--300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/02\/Your-Guide-to-Understanding-Virtual-Assistants-Resource-2--768x473.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Outbound dialling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The majority of answering services are focused on (surprise surprise) answering calls for your business. But some companies can also make calls on your behalf. Outbound dialling allows you to make the first move and proactively engage with warm leads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alternatively, they can follow up with a caller if they\u2019re cut off. If you want this option, it\u2019s important you specify a new call-flow to ensure your virtual receptionists gather the necessary information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Accessibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>An answering service covers just one aspect of your business. You still have to capitalise on the opportunities gathered by your answering agents. Before choosing your answering service, check out the platforms you\u2019ll be using.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/02\/Your-Guide-to-Understanding-Virtual-Assistants-Resource-3-1.jpg\" alt=\"Woman browsing platforms ofr use with her call answering service for small business\" class=\"wp-image-9144\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/02\/Your-Guide-to-Understanding-Virtual-Assistants-Resource-3-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/02\/Your-Guide-to-Understanding-Virtual-Assistants-Resource-3-1-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/02\/Your-Guide-to-Understanding-Virtual-Assistants-Resource-3-1-768x473.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>These platforms usually include dedicated dashboards in which you can view the latest messages and respond or transfer them to a team member. But you won&#8217;t always have access to a desktop &#8211; that&#8217;s why it&#8217;s important you ask about mobile accessibility, be it through a mobile-friendly browser, or a dedicated <a href=\"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/mobile-app\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">mobile app<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ask yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>How easily can you adjust scripts and call-flows?<\/li><li>How easily can you change contact details?<\/li><li>Can you change your billing information through the platform?<\/li><li>How will you check your messages?&nbsp;<\/li><li>How will you stay up-to-date on how your answering agents are handling calls?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to consider when choosing an answering service for your small business<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">ROI<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cost is a major factor in choosing your answering service for businesses of any size. It might seem like the ROI on an answering service would be relatively easy to measure;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>How many additional sales will you have to make to offset the cost of the service?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s also important to consider other less direct factors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>How much time will your team save by not having to answer calls?<\/li><li>How many additional leads will you gather?<\/li><li>What impact will your answering service have on your customers&#8217; perception of your brand?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>But how do you gauge the impact of an answering service on your brand? The simplest is to conduct monthly check-ins with a cross-section of your customer base. Try to be clear and concise in your questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/03\/What-Is-Remote-Work-and-Why-Do-People-Do-It_-3.jpg\" alt=\"Man checking updates for his small business answering service\" class=\"wp-image-9233\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/03\/What-Is-Remote-Work-and-Why-Do-People-Do-It_-3.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/03\/What-Is-Remote-Work-and-Why-Do-People-Do-It_-3-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/03\/What-Is-Remote-Work-and-Why-Do-People-Do-It_-3-768x473.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve opted for an out-of-hours or overflow plan, try to gather responses from both callers who have interacted with your in-house team and callers who engaged with your answering agents.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ask:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Will you be billed by the hour, by the minute, or by calls taken?&nbsp;<\/li><li>Are there any hidden extra costs (ie set-up fees, overages, etc.)?&nbsp;<\/li><li>Are there cancellation fees?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These questions can be difficult to answer before you actually sign up. You can look for services that offer free trials. But it can be challenging to gain a detailed insight into how the service will work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/02\/A-Comprehensive-Guide-to-Telephone-Answering-Services_-How-to-choose-the-benefits-more-rESOURCE-2.jpg\" alt=\"Woman using her phone to talk with a small business call answering service\" class=\"wp-image-9217\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/02\/A-Comprehensive-Guide-to-Telephone-Answering-Services_-How-to-choose-the-benefits-more-rESOURCE-2.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/02\/A-Comprehensive-Guide-to-Telephone-Answering-Services_-How-to-choose-the-benefits-more-rESOURCE-2-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/02\/A-Comprehensive-Guide-to-Telephone-Answering-Services_-How-to-choose-the-benefits-more-rESOURCE-2-768x473.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, look for services with rolling monthly contracts, allowing you to adjust your plan according to need. If, after a few months, you\u2019re not satisfied with the ROI, you can always look for a different solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, some answering service providers charge to add more of your team to the call transfer list. Likewise, some will charge extra to customise your script. Your service requirements will likely change over time, so it\u2019s essential to factor in these extra costs before making a decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Which leads us nicely to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Capacity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The capacity of your answering service will be essential to scalability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ask:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>How many people can you add to your contact list? That means both return callers and your own team.<\/li><li>How many calls can the service handle?&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Most answering services offer tiered plans, based on minutes used. Before settling on a service, try to identify your typical monthly call usage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s also worth considering if you need a full-time answering service, or just for out-of-hours. Some answering services even offer overflow, in which they only answer the calls your team can\u2019t reach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/02\/Copy-of-Copy-of-Blog-Body-Images-2.jpg\" alt=\"Answering agent for small business live answering service\" class=\"wp-image-9210\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/02\/Copy-of-Copy-of-Blog-Body-Images-2.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/02\/Copy-of-Copy-of-Blog-Body-Images-2-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/02\/Copy-of-Copy-of-Blog-Body-Images-2-768x473.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Implementation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As a small business, you need a service that can be easily implemented into your existing systems. Work doesn\u2019t stop. That means you need a service that won\u2019t disrupt your existing support and sales processes. Above all, you need a system that can adapt <em>with<\/em> your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Which leads us to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Versatility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Every business is unique, so your answering service should be too. Ask:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>How much can you customise your answering service?&nbsp;<\/li><li>How many alterations can you make to your call flows?<\/li><li>Can you update your scripts yourself? Or are you subject to a certain number of changes each month?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>As a small business, you\u2019ve built your model around being able to scale up according to need. The right answering service for you will offer that same scalability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Integrations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Integrations are an essential part of modern business. The modern small business uses anywhere between eight to 30 different platforms. So, when considering an answering service, it\u2019s essential you ask: \u201cDoes the service plug in with the tools I use every day?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And those integrations should extend beyond just plugging into your CRM. Consider all aspects of your customer\/lead outreach, and how the answering service will affect these.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/02\/MacIntyre-Design-Body-5.jpg\" alt=\"Man with headset responding as small business live answering agent\" class=\"wp-image-9182\" srcset=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/02\/MacIntyre-Design-Body-5.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/02\/MacIntyre-Design-Body-5-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/02\/MacIntyre-Design-Body-5-768x473.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Choosing an answering service for your small business is no easy task. There\u2019s a wealth of options out there &#8211; each with their own advantages and pitfalls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s important to consider the services they offer. Above all, it&#8217;s vital to consider how they respond to your unique business objectives.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Services like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Live call answering<\/li><li>Live chat support<\/li><li>Lead qualification<\/li><li>Appointment scheduling<\/li><li>Outbound dialling<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Likewise, take time to consider how each answering service measures up in terms of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Cost<\/li><li>Capacity<\/li><li>Implementation<\/li><li>Versatility<\/li><li>Integrations<\/li><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Your business is built on trust. But to build trust, you need to respond to leads and customers. And for that, you need an answering service for your small business.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":9218,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[73,74,75,76,56],"class_list":["post-9249","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-answerconnect-services","tag-answering-service-for-small-business","tag-call-answering","tag-live-call-answering","tag-live-web-chat","tag-small-business"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How To Choose An Answering Service For Your Small Business<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Business is built on interaction. But to interact, you need to reply to calls. For that, you need an answering service for small business.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/answerconnect-services\/choose-answering-service-small-business\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How To Choose An Answering Service For Your Small Business\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Business is built on interaction. But to interact, you need to reply to calls. For that, you need an answering service for small business.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/answerconnect-services\/choose-answering-service-small-business\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"AnswerConnect UK Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2021-03-02T13:30:25+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2022-05-16T16:58:17+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/02\/A-Comprehensive-Guide-to-Telephone-Answering-Services_-How-to-choose-the-benefits-more-rESOURCE-3.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"630\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Ben Graham\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Ben Graham\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/answerconnect-services\/choose-answering-service-small-business\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/answerconnect-services\/choose-answering-service-small-business\/\",\"name\":\"How To Choose An Answering Service For Your Small Business\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/answerconnect-services\/choose-answering-service-small-business\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/answerconnect-services\/choose-answering-service-small-business\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/02\/A-Comprehensive-Guide-to-Telephone-Answering-Services_-How-to-choose-the-benefits-more-rESOURCE-3.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2021-03-02T13:30:25+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2022-05-16T16:58:17+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/867099749447b9a134aa448a91833a7b\"},\"description\":\"Business is built on interaction. But to interact, you need to reply to calls. For that, you need an answering service for small business.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/answerconnect-services\/choose-answering-service-small-business\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/answerconnect-services\/choose-answering-service-small-business\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/answerconnect-services\/choose-answering-service-small-business\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/02\/A-Comprehensive-Guide-to-Telephone-Answering-Services_-How-to-choose-the-benefits-more-rESOURCE-3.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/02\/A-Comprehensive-Guide-to-Telephone-Answering-Services_-How-to-choose-the-benefits-more-rESOURCE-3.jpg\",\"width\":1024,\"height\":630,\"caption\":\"Woman answering call as part of answering service for small business\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/answerconnect-services\/choose-answering-service-small-business\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"How To Choose An Answering Service For Your Small Business\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"AnswerConnect UK Blog\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/867099749447b9a134aa448a91833a7b\",\"name\":\"Ben Graham\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ded63a59e83a4fdd2a2d75462c5151f9?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ded63a59e83a4fdd2a2d75462c5151f9?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Ben Graham\"},\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/author\/ben-graham\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How To Choose An Answering Service For Your Small Business","description":"Business is built on interaction. But to interact, you need to reply to calls. For that, you need an answering service for small business.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/answerconnect-services\/choose-answering-service-small-business\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"How To Choose An Answering Service For Your Small Business","og_description":"Business is built on interaction. But to interact, you need to reply to calls. For that, you need an answering service for small business.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/answerconnect-services\/choose-answering-service-small-business\/","og_site_name":"AnswerConnect UK Blog","article_published_time":"2021-03-02T13:30:25+00:00","article_modified_time":"2022-05-16T16:58:17+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1024,"height":630,"url":"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/02\/A-Comprehensive-Guide-to-Telephone-Answering-Services_-How-to-choose-the-benefits-more-rESOURCE-3.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Ben Graham","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Ben Graham","Est. reading time":"9 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/answerconnect-services\/choose-answering-service-small-business\/","url":"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/answerconnect-services\/choose-answering-service-small-business\/","name":"How To Choose An Answering Service For Your Small Business","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/answerconnect-services\/choose-answering-service-small-business\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/answerconnect-services\/choose-answering-service-small-business\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/02\/A-Comprehensive-Guide-to-Telephone-Answering-Services_-How-to-choose-the-benefits-more-rESOURCE-3.jpg","datePublished":"2021-03-02T13:30:25+00:00","dateModified":"2022-05-16T16:58:17+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/867099749447b9a134aa448a91833a7b"},"description":"Business is built on interaction. But to interact, you need to reply to calls. For that, you need an answering service for small business.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/answerconnect-services\/choose-answering-service-small-business\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/answerconnect-services\/choose-answering-service-small-business\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/answerconnect-services\/choose-answering-service-small-business\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/02\/A-Comprehensive-Guide-to-Telephone-Answering-Services_-How-to-choose-the-benefits-more-rESOURCE-3.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/answerconnectbloguk\/1\/2021\/02\/A-Comprehensive-Guide-to-Telephone-Answering-Services_-How-to-choose-the-benefits-more-rESOURCE-3.jpg","width":1024,"height":630,"caption":"Woman answering call as part of answering service for small business"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/answerconnect-services\/choose-answering-service-small-business\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How To Choose An Answering Service For Your Small Business"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/","name":"AnswerConnect UK Blog","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/867099749447b9a134aa448a91833a7b","name":"Ben Graham","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ded63a59e83a4fdd2a2d75462c5151f9?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ded63a59e83a4fdd2a2d75462c5151f9?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Ben Graham"},"url":"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/author\/ben-graham\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9249"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9249"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9249\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9869,"href":"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9249\/revisions\/9869"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9218"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9249"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9249"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9249"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}