If you are in charge of managing a general contracting business, you probably are aware of the everyday chaos. Your workers and experts have to juggle between different job sites, while a small team at the office is likely to be responsible for handling calls. Missing calls can be a serious concern. It could be a potential lead who may want information about your services or a customer who probably wants an update. Managing incoming calls can be a real task, and with limited resources, you may not be able to scale your front desk team. An AI voice receptionist works as a perfect alternative. This website has some valuable details, but before you consider using AI for your business, here’s what you need to know.
What’s an AI voice receptionist?
An AI voice receptionist, also called an AI voice agent, is a system that helps handle and answer calls for businesses. The option is particularly lucrative for companies in the service sector that often deal with more incoming calls. AI doesn’t like to go on breaks, take holidays, and operate 24/7 without a pause – All of which makes it a great choice for small businesses.
Know Your Call Handling Needs
If you are keen on using AI to manage calls, the first thing to consider is your call volume. Ask your front desk staff about the typical questions people ask – Do they want to know about services and offerings? Do customers call to get updates? How many calls are missed after work hours? You can choose a provider accordingly to ensure everything matches your needs.
Evaluate AI Capabilities
Before you switch to an AI voice agent, consider whether it has been designed for your business type. For instance, some AI models are great for bigger businesses, while others are more geared towards the service sector. AI should be able to handle routine queries and answer common things related to your company. Also, the sound of an AI agent is worth considering. You don’t want customers to have a robotic experience.
Check for Customization Options
You should be in complete control of your AI voice receptionists. Usually, providers will ask you to update scripts and relevant information, but it should also be an easy process to update the information. AI should align with your brand voice and feel familiar. Also, it is quite possible that your in-house team has to handle day-to-day script and greeting changes. As such, customization options must be easy to manage, even when someone doesn’t have deep tech expertise.
Integration with Tools You Use
If your contracting business uses a CRM system or other tools, you should check with the provider whether you can integrate the AI voice agent with these. Also, syncing with the calendar is always a big plus. Your team should be able to track call volume, missed calls, and relevant data for further training and to help customers and leads.
Additional Features
Many AI voice agents are designed to streamline many tasks, such as marketing. Make sure you review providers based on what features they offer rather than the price. If AI cannot help a caller, they should get support from an immediate staff member, for which call routing is critical.
Pricing and Beyond
Typically, providers offer fixed packages, which include a fixed number of minutes or calls. While you can find deals for as low as $75, you should also check whether you can scale and move between tiers if there is a seasonal spike in calls.
If you choose a reliable AI receptionist, your general contracting business can offer a better customer experience without burdening the in-house staff. You can use their expertise for other critical tasks.