A few days ago as early adopters anxiously awaited seeing FedEx trucks arrive at their doorsteps with a shiny new iPhone 4, Google announced that Google Voice was now out of beta and readily available to the masses.
Even though I requested an invite many moons ago, I never was granted access to see how their technology would fit into my lifestyle. Call me paranoid but maybe it’s due to my loyalty to 1 Infinite Loop. 
Regardless, now that Google Voice is out of beta, I’m a proud owner of a Google Voice phone number and have had some time to test out some of its features.
But, before I highlight these, I recommend that you watch the following video:
What is Google Voice?
To watch more videos about Google Voice, head on over to the Google Voice’s Channel on YouTube.
By the way, when you’re there notice how slick their channel looks. I really wished YouTube allowed customization of channels to the level that they’re demonstrating. But since Google owns YouTube it just makes sense that they’d add more professionalism to their channel than what we mere paupers are allowed to do.
Okay, I’ll get off my bandwagon but think the above options should be available to the general public. Don’t you?
Anyway, some of the features I’d like to point out are as follows:
Easily Customize Special Greetings for Each Designated Group
With today’s technology, you’d think someone else like, ahem … cough … Apple … ahem … cough, cough, would’ve thought of this great feature. Through one single phone line, I not only can customize which phones ring but also what special greeting I’d like used for each group I manage within my Google account.
That is a sweet deal!
I can set a special greeting for family members which would be more casual and fun while at the same time set a more professional one for business partners.
Matter of fact, the customization doesn’t stop there. Depending on the group you setup, its designated greeting could more accurately match the intended group.
For example, I could setup a special greeting just for Next Generation Chiropractor readers.
To understand how this would work, see the Call Widget mentioned later in today’s post.
Pretty cool, huh?
The screen to activate this feature looks like this …
Add Google Voice to Your Chiropractic Blog
Even though there are many features associated with Google Voice, I simply don’t have the time or space to elaborate on each one of them within a single blog post.
However, one that I think needs to be brought to the forefront is the Google Voice Call Widget.
This nifty feature allows chiropractors to add a Call Me widget to their existing chiropractic blog. In addition, you can control which phone the call is actually routed to as well as if you want the call to go directly into voicemail.
My head’s spinning with the number of ways chiropractors could use this!
Just off the cuff, why not use it on a particular landing page that gives prospects the ability to leave their name and number in response to some offer, event, or product you’re marketing. Then, take the headache out of listening to all of those messages by allowing Google Voice to send you either a transcribed text message or email with all the pertinent information intact.
Do you think that’d speed up your marketing followup? I think so!
Stolen thunder?
Even though Apple has made the majority of noise over the last few days with the release of its iPhone 4, a former member of Apple’s Board of Directors, better known as Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google, had to try and still some thunder by releasing Google Voice to the general public.
I don’t think the announcement softened Apple’s thunder; however, I can’t think of a more perfect time to utilize this unique tool than now with a shiny new iPhone 4 in hand.
Question: What ways do you see Google Voice impacting your chiropractic business?
Let us know by leaving your thoughts in the {comments} section below.
About Dr. Patrick MacNamara
Doc, I’ve been using Google Voice for my new practice, started in January. I was able to secure a number ending in 2225 (BACK), but I haven’t exploited that much. I use it as my main business line.
However, Google Voice has had some hiccups. Imagine my horror when one day I received a voice mail from a new patient wanting to make an appointment and I missed the call! It makes me wonder how many other calls I’ve missed, and how much of my marketing was squandered.
I hope not much…
Todd
Yes, I’m aware of the hiccups (see here and here) but have full faith in Google to rectify them as this technology develops.
With any new technology, there will be an early adopter period where the kinks need to be ironed out. Since you grabbed an invite in January and their beta product ended this week, I’m sure improvements have been made within that timeframe.
Regardless, as a business owner it’s always good to have backups and check them regularly just in case something goes awry like happened to you.
Forgot to mention. It was actually this week that I had that glitch happen. Public release jitters I hope!
Todd
I’ve been using Google Voice for 6 months. My experience mirrors Dr. Lloyds. I have all the faith Google will eventually get it right, but until then dropped calls, missed calls and bad connections should be expected.
Even though I had Google voice I chose to pay $4 per month for a number through phone.com. Very reliable service and I forwarded it to my office number. NOTE: Do not forward to your Google number, it will not work properly.
My favorite features on Google Voice (that I believe have direct benefit to chiropractors):
Voice-mail to e-mail: listen to your voicemail directly in your e-mail. Can’t always get to the phone to check messages, but glancing at and listening to an e-mail between patients is convenient.
Google contacts- integration of contacts into the Google voice has been beneficial in having other business related contacts all in one place and handy to reference. “Now where did I put that new x-ray service mans number and what did we talk about last time?” is a thing of the past.
Listen to voice-mail live feature- An excellent feature in Google voice allows me to listen to a caller leaving a voice-mail and if i want to take the call I can. This is helpful in screening out the numerous solicitation calls a doctor gets. But, every once and a while you may have placed a call to a company and forgot about them because of their turn around time on calls.
I give Google Voice a 10 out of 10 for vision, but a 7 out of 10 for reliability. Features get an 8 out of 10. If you have a Droid phone, then Google Voice should be even better to use and I’d bump up the feature score to a 9 out of 10.
Man, if Dr. Doughty got an invite before me then I KNOW Google has it out for me!
LOL, perhaps they DO have it out for you. simply made the request and 2 weeks later voila’ I had the number. My wife had the number 1 week after making the request.
By the way, I would’ve given you an invite. Should have asked!
Todd
Even if I asked I’m sure Google would’ve blocked it since I’m such an Apple fanboy!
This technology looks exciting. It appears to be in direct competition with Skype. I’ve used Skype for over a year in my business to make and receive calls, and have to admit it has been almost without problem. I’m looking forward to see Google develop this. Keep us updated Dr. Mac.
Skype has been my choice over the last few years for VoIP as well. I’m very pleased with it and use both its telephone and video capabilities often.
However, I wished Skype had greater video capabilities like tokbox and UStream. Then I wouldn’t have to switch between services when doing group video conferences.
Dr. MacNamara,
I was lucky enough to get a Google Voice invite two months ago and for the most part I love Google Voice. Although I have only used it for my personal cell phone, I love the fact that it automatically transcribes the message and puts it in an text and/or email. I have noticed that unless the message is clear the transcription can be a bit off.
I have not explored the the different group settings but that is a great feature. I will have to explore that aspect and think about how I will use it for my business.
Thanks,
Todd P. Sullivan, DC
Man, everyone got an invite except me! Boy do I feel left out!
In all seriousness, the transcription feature is wonderful. But, you are correct, their technology needs to advance to more easily accommodate everyday speech.
Regardless, since it is free I plan to test the heck out of it to see whatever ways it can be used.
By the way, I came right through Springfield two weeks ago during vacation as we traveled to Alexandria and Washington, D.C. I wished I would’ve remembered you lived there so that I could’ve swung by to meet you in person. Plus, after all that driving, I could’ve used an adjustment!