Using Google Voice for Your Business

Google Voice, one of Google's most recent services, offers a phone number and options for voice over IP service for free. While the service has not taken off tremendously - the service is still invite-only - it offers advantages for small business owners everywhere.

Get Your Invitation
The first step is to sign up for an invitation. This process takes only a moment, but it may take quite a while to finally be invited.

VoIP? Get Ready
During the wait, order a head set for use of VoIP, make sure your computer is capable of handling it, and be sure your Internet service is also quick enough to handle it (Broadband is a minimum requirement in most cases).

Choose: Skype or Gizmo?
Skype offers a chance to use Google Voice to make VoIP calls for cheap (Only about $3 per month), and Gizmo offers a free service. Life Hacker has a detailed guide to setting up Gizmo. Be forewarned: because of the two services and the conversion of computer data to land line or cell phone conversation, there will probably be a delay in the conversation - sometimes bad enough to make the call impossible. This is why a fast Internet connection is necessary. I have also heard connecting through wireless makes it worse.

Use with a regular phone service
To use Google Voice through a land line or cell phone, all you will need is a phone number. Google's instructions when you sign up are fairly simple to understand. Basically, any time somebody calls your Google Voice number, you will receive a call on whatever phone number you provide.

Recommendations
I, personally, recommend using Google Voice in conjunction with Skype. It provides calls on your computer, which keeps your Google number separate from your phone number - and therefore, can keep business calls separate from personal ones, which can often be a problem, especially for those truly small business owners out there without land lines or separate cell phones.

If your Internet or computer are too slow for comfort, though, the land line or cell phone method are your only options.

Advantages
Beyond keeping your business and personal life separate, if you already have a separate phone for business, you can place your two numbers in separate places and use the call rate as a form of market research. Which phone number is receiving more calls? Expand your advertising wherever it appeared.

Additionally, especially using Skype, one can completely replace a phone with a VoIP service, which could save a substantial amount of money on phone bills every month.

The most apparent and best savings feature is that of free long distance calls within the United States, which can be especially beneficial for those running national businesses or with family elsewhere and using a land line.

Finally, if you are providing a local service to people in another place, you can choose a phone number in quite a few cities, even if you are not a resident. People may trust service businesses, especially, more if they have local numbers, rather than from other places.

What are your tips for using Google Voice? Have you noticed any advantages or disadvantages I didn't point out? Share in the comments.