welcome to the blog

Advice, opinions, and news from Upfirst

The Basics
March 28, 2025
March 28, 2025
What is call screening and how does it work?

Learn what call screening is, how it works, and why businesses need call screening services. Find out how you can use it in your business and save yourself time.

Deep dives
March 26, 2025
March 26, 2025
What is self service IVR, the benefits, and how to use it

Learn what self-service IVR is and how it can benefit your business. Discover how to use it to your advantage, and find out how it's evolving every year.

Deep dives
March 21, 2025
March 21, 2025
How to set up a great phone menu system and 3 common mistakes to avoid

Learn exactly what a phone menu system is, the different types, and how to set up an effective menu. Avoid three common mistakes that people make with their phone menus and improve your service.

How-to’s
March 19, 2025
March 19, 2025
How to write an effective email follow-up after phone call

Discover why follow-up emails are important for growing your business. Learn how to craft the perfect follow-up email after phone call and use them to grow your business relationships and land more clients.

Deep dives
March 17, 2025
March 17, 2025
Conversational IVR: What is it and how does it benefit small businesses?

Discover what conversational IVR is and how your small business can benefit from it. Learn how it differs from traditional IVR and implement it into your business.

How-to’s
March 8, 2025
March 8, 2025
Phone call transcription: How to get them and the 5 best apps to use

Learn how you can you transcribe your phone calls. Discover the best apps to get phone call transcriptions and see how they will help your business.

This is some text inside of a div block.
January 7, 2025
AI phone numbers: a complete guide

Learn what AI phone numbers are, how they work, and why businesses are using them. Explore benefits, use cases, and more in this comprehensive guide.

This is some text inside of a div block.
January 6, 2025
6 top Air AI competitors

Explore the top Air AI competitors and find the perfect AI-powered answering service for your business. Discover features, pricing, and more.

This is some text inside of a div block.
January 5, 2025
We tried the 11 best AI lead generation tools (2024)

Discover the best AI lead generation tools that automate tasks, boost efficiency, and drive conversions. Choose the best solution for your business.

This is some text inside of a div block.
January 5, 2025
Best prompts to train your AI receptionist

Discover the best AI prompts to train your AI receptionist for optimal performance. Learn how to craft effective prompts that improve customer experience.

This is some text inside of a div block.
March 19, 2025
How to write an effective email follow-up after phone call

Discover why follow-up emails are important for growing your business. Learn how to craft the perfect follow-up email after phone call and use them to grow your business relationships and land more clients.

This is some text inside of a div block.
March 8, 2025
Phone call transcription: How to get them and the 5 best apps to use

Learn how you can you transcribe your phone calls. Discover the best apps to get phone call transcriptions and see how they will help your business.

This is some text inside of a div block.
March 5, 2025
How to record a business call

Learn how you can record business phone calls right on your phone. Discover the different types of call recording for business, legal requirements, and benefits.

This is some text inside of a div block.
January 6, 2025
How to send voicemail to email

Find yourself missing a lot of calls? Want to transfer voicemail to email? Follow this step-by-step guide.

This is some text inside of a div block.
January 5, 2025
How to provide better customer service over the phone

Explore how to deliver outstanding customer service over the phone. Improve communication, resolve issues effectively, and build stronger customer relationships.

This is some text inside of a div block.
January 5, 2025
6 practical tips for call reduction

Explore these 6 practical tips for call reduction. Learn how to improve efficiency, and boost customer satisfaction by leveraging AI and more.

This is some text inside of a div block.
January 5, 2025
How to improve call center customer service: 17 tips for 2025

Stop measuring your call center by call times and start measuring what matters. After speaking to call center managers and reps on the floor, here are the battle-tested strategies that actually improve customer satisfaction.

This is some text inside of a div block.
January 5, 2025
How to handle high call volume

Drowning in a sea of incoming calls? Discover strategies to manage high call volumes and improve customer satisfaction.

No items found.
This is some text inside of a div block.
March 26, 2025
What is self service IVR, the benefits, and how to use it

Learn what self-service IVR is and how it can benefit your business. Discover how to use it to your advantage, and find out how it's evolving every year.

This is some text inside of a div block.
March 21, 2025
How to set up a great phone menu system and 3 common mistakes to avoid

Learn exactly what a phone menu system is, the different types, and how to set up an effective menu. Avoid three common mistakes that people make with their phone menus and improve your service.

This is some text inside of a div block.
March 17, 2025
Conversational IVR: What is it and how does it benefit small businesses?

Discover what conversational IVR is and how your small business can benefit from it. Learn how it differs from traditional IVR and implement it into your business.

This is some text inside of a div block.
January 7, 2025
40 insightful customer experience statistics (original data 2025)

Discover 40 insightful customer experience statistics that you need to know for your business. Original data from 5,000 negative customer reviews and surveys from 255 consumers.

This is some text inside of a div block.
January 7, 2025
The real reason customers leave bad reviews isn’t what you think

We analyzed 5,000 negative customer reviews to identify key pain points and surveyed 255 consumers to find solutions.

This is some text inside of a div block.
January 7, 2025
Texting vs. calling: Which is right for your business?

Discover whether calling or texting is right for your business. Learn the advantages and connect to your audience.

This is some text inside of a div block.
January 7, 2025
Answering service vs call center: a comprehensive comparison

Learn the differences between answering services and call centers, and discover which communication service is best for your business needs.

This is some text inside of a div block.
January 6, 2025
What makes a good customer service representative?

Discover the key traits and skills that make an outstanding customer service rep, ensuring superior customer experience and brand loyalty.

Test
This is some text inside of a div block.
January 5, 2025
What to know about conversational AI for customer service

Explore how conversational AI enhances customer service with generative AI, virtual agents, security, and integration capabilities.

This is some text inside of a div block.
January 4, 2025
17 online review statistics (with new data from 5,000 negative reviews)

Do online reviews actually matter? Discover 17 online review statistics that will help you see how reviews affect our business’s reputation – and show you what you can do about it.

No items found.
All
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
The Basics
March 28, 2025
What is call screening and how does it work?

Learn what call screening is, how it works, and why businesses need call screening services. Find out how you can use it in your business and save yourself time.

Deep dives
March 27, 2025
What is self service IVR, the benefits, and how to use it

Learn what self-service IVR is and how it can benefit your business. Discover how to use it to your advantage, and find out how it's evolving every year.

Deep dives
March 22, 2025
How to set up a great phone menu system and 3 common mistakes to avoid

Learn exactly what a phone menu system is, the different types, and how to set up an effective menu. Avoid three common mistakes that people make with their phone menus and improve your service.

How-to’s
March 20, 2025
How to write an effective email follow-up after phone call

Discover why follow-up emails are important for growing your business. Learn how to craft the perfect follow-up email after phone call and use them to grow your business relationships and land more clients.

Deep dives
March 18, 2025
Conversational IVR: What is it and how does it benefit small businesses?

Discover what conversational IVR is and how your small business can benefit from it. Learn how it differs from traditional IVR and implement it into your business.

How-to’s
March 11, 2025
Phone call transcription: How to get them and the 5 best apps to use

Learn how you can you transcribe your phone calls. Discover the best apps to get phone call transcriptions and see how they will help your business.

How-to’s
March 21, 2025
How to record a business call

Learn how you can record business phone calls right on your phone. Discover the different types of call recording for business, legal requirements, and benefits.

Deep dives
March 6, 2025
40 insightful customer experience statistics (original data 2025)

Discover 40 insightful customer experience statistics that you need to know for your business. Original data from 5,000 negative customer reviews and surveys from 255 consumers.

Deep dives
January 15, 2025
The real reason customers leave bad reviews isn’t what you think

We analyzed 5,000 negative customer reviews to identify key pain points and surveyed 255 consumers to find solutions.

AI tips
January 15, 2025
AI phone numbers: a complete guide

Learn what AI phone numbers are, how they work, and why businesses are using them. Explore benefits, use cases, and more in this comprehensive guide.

Deep dives
January 8, 2025
Texting vs. calling: Which is right for your business?

Discover whether calling or texting is right for your business. Learn the advantages and connect to your audience.

Deep dives
January 8, 2025
Answering service vs call center: a comprehensive comparison

Learn the differences between answering services and call centers, and discover which communication service is best for your business needs.

AI tips
January 8, 2025
6 top Air AI competitors

Explore the top Air AI competitors and find the perfect AI-powered answering service for your business. Discover features, pricing, and more.

Deep dives
January 8, 2025
What makes a good customer service representative?

Discover the key traits and skills that make an outstanding customer service rep, ensuring superior customer experience and brand loyalty.

How-to’s
January 20, 2025
How to send voicemail to email

Find yourself missing a lot of calls? Want to transfer voicemail to email? Follow this step-by-step guide.

Test
Deep dives
January 8, 2025
What to know about conversational AI for customer service

Explore how conversational AI enhances customer service with generative AI, virtual agents, security, and integration capabilities.

How-to’s
January 8, 2025
How to provide better customer service over the phone

Explore how to deliver outstanding customer service over the phone. Improve communication, resolve issues effectively, and build stronger customer relationships.

AI tips
January 15, 2025
We tried the 11 best AI lead generation tools (2024)

Discover the best AI lead generation tools that automate tasks, boost efficiency, and drive conversions. Choose the best solution for your business.

AI tips
January 8, 2025
Best prompts to train your AI receptionist

Discover the best AI prompts to train your AI receptionist for optimal performance. Learn how to craft effective prompts that improve customer experience.

The Basics
January 8, 2025
12 best AI tools for small businesses

Discover the best AI tools for small businesses to boost productivity, optimize marketing, and enhance customer service.

How-to’s
January 8, 2025
6 practical tips for call reduction

Explore these 6 practical tips for call reduction. Learn how to improve efficiency, and boost customer satisfaction by leveraging AI and more.

The Basics
January 8, 2025
Virtual call centers: everything you need to know

What is a virtual call center? Discover how this service operates, the technology that powers them, and the advantages they bring to your business.

January 8, 2025
How to connect with your customers: strategies and tips

Discover strategies to build meaningful connections with customers through empathy, personalization, and diverse communication channels.

The Basics
January 8, 2025
Boost efficiency with outsourced phone answering services

Explore the advantages of using an outsourced phone answering service, including real-time resolution, 24/7 availability, and cost savings.

The Basics
January 8, 2025
What is call forwarding? Meaning, benefits, and how it works

What is call forwarding and how can it benefit you? Understand how call forwarding works and why it’s essential in modern communication.

The Basics
January 8, 2025
Best business voicemail greetings (according to customers)

Keep your business voicemail greetings fresh and effective! Explore scripts and helpful tips for after-hours messages, holiday messages, and more.

How-to’s
January 21, 2025
How to improve call center customer service: 17 tips for 2025

Stop measuring your call center by call times and start measuring what matters. After speaking to call center managers and reps on the floor, here are the battle-tested strategies that actually improve customer satisfaction.

How-to’s
January 8, 2025
How to handle high call volume

Drowning in a sea of incoming calls? Discover strategies to manage high call volumes and improve customer satisfaction.

The Basics
January 20, 2025
What is a virtual receptionist? And should you hire one?

Can't keep up with all the calls your business gets but can't afford to hire someone either? A virtual receptionist is the answer.

The Basics
January 8, 2025
What to know about an outsourced phone answering service

Learn what an outsourced phone answering service is, and how businesses are benefiting from them.

Deep dives
February 17, 2025
17 online review statistics (with new data from 5,000 negative reviews)

Do online reviews actually matter? Discover 17 online review statistics that will help you see how reviews affect our business’s reputation – and show you what you can do about it.

The Basics
February 18, 2025
Inbound calls explained: what you need to know

Learn what inbound calls are, their significance in customer service, and essential metrics for effective call center management.

Try our restaurant
answering service for free

Be one of the first to try Upfirst — an AI-powered virtual answering service that 
picks up the phone for you. Sign up for our waitlist today.

Try for free