Set Up Google Voicemail on WordPress - Easy Guide
Enhancing Reader Engagement on Your Blog
Numerous methods exist for fostering interaction with your blog's audience. A simple comment section, utilizing platforms like Disqus, can be adequate. Alternatively, integrating contact forms allows for direct, though one-directional, feedback from site visitors.
However, occasions arise where a greater degree of engagement is necessary. For instance, if your website is geared towards lead generation, you might prioritize immediate phone calls from prospective clients.
Some website owners simply value the personal touch of a voice conversation over the detachment of online forms.
The Evolution of Free Voicemail Solutions
Historically, a wide array of free voicemail services were available. Systems like Voicememe, previously discussed, and K7 were popular choices.
Over time, many of these "free" options have either ceased operation or transitioned to subscription-based models.
Google Voice: The Remaining Free Option
Currently, Google Voice remains the sole consistently free and reliable service in this space.
It has successfully endured where others have faltered, providing a valuable tool for website owners seeking enhanced communication with their audience.
This makes it a particularly useful resource for those prioritizing direct, verbal interaction with potential customers or readers.
Configuring Voicemail with Google Voice
Google Voice is frequently utilized as a dedicated voicemail solution by many individuals. It presents a cost-effective method for obtaining a phone number without incurring recurring charges – a significant benefit for students who relocate often and prefer avoiding frequent number changes. You can configure Google Voice to either ring your mobile device or direct calls to your voicemail.
The voicemail functionality is surprisingly versatile, enabling website and blog administrators to seamlessly integrate voicemail directly onto their sites. A quick way to achieve this is by navigating to the "Call Widgets" section within Google Voice and selecting the option to generate a new widget.
A key advantage lies in the ability to create numerous widgets, each with distinct call handling behaviors. For instance, one widget on your blog could be set to automatically route callers to voicemail, as demonstrated in the configuration shown. Alternatively, you could establish another widget for inclusion in your email signature, directing those callers directly to your cell phone.
Upon completing the widget configuration, Google Voice furnishes you with an Embed code. This code can then be copied and pasted into the HTML of any webpage.
The resulting widget appears as illustrated. In this example, the Google Voicemail system has been integrated into the Contact page of a blog. When a user clicks the provided link, they are prompted to input the phone number Google Voice should use to call them.
Users are also given the option to conceal their phone number within a text box, addressing privacy concerns. Selecting "Connect" initiates a call from Google Voice to the entered number. Upon answering, Google Voice will either connect the call to you or forward it to your voicemail system, based on the widget’s defined settings.
Integrating Google Voice with WordPress
While utilizing the standard Google Voice embedded widget provides a functional solution, suitable for placement on any webpage or sidebar, consider the enhanced capabilities offered by the Google Voice CallMe WordPress plugin. This plugin expands upon the widget’s core functionality.
Remember that initial setup of a Google Voice widget, as previously detailed, is still necessary. The embed code generated from this setup will then be required for configuration within the plugin.
Access the plugin’s configuration settings through the “CallMe” link located within the Settings menu in your WordPress dashboard. Paste the obtained embed code into the designated field and save your changes.
Further customization is available, allowing you to modify the appearance of the “Do Not Disturb” image if desired. Formatted text can be added around the image to personalize its presentation.
Upon adding the new widget to your website’s sidebar, you’ll be able to define specific “Do Not Disturb” timeframes for each day of the week. During these scheduled periods, the widget will automatically change the Google Voice icon from its standard green state to a red “Do Not Disturb” indicator.
This functionality is particularly useful when you are unavailable to answer calls, such as during off-hours or periods of absence.
This integration presents an effective solution for websites offering services like computer technical support or customer assistance, where visitors may require access to a live representative. By configuring the embedded Google Voice widget to direct calls to voicemail, the plugin allows you to effectively disable voicemail access during specified times.
This feature proves beneficial if you receive notifications for each new Google Voicemail message and wish to avoid interruptions during non-working hours.
The decline of many other free voicemail services is regrettable, but Google Voice’s continued availability, and its inherent flexibility – allowing for embed code placement across various online platforms – is a significant advantage.
Do you currently utilize Google Voicemail? We invite you to share any innovative applications of your embed code in the comments section below. Your insights are welcome!