Top Ringcentral Alternatives for Call Tracking

by

Darrell Tyler
October 6, 2023

When it comes to digital marketing, call tracking isn't just a "nice-to-have"; it's a necessity. Whether you're a small business or a large corporation, understanding your customer's journey is crucial — up to and including calls and SMS text messages.

RingCentral is a popular calling platform, but today we're going to introduce you to CallRail, an excellent alternative for your call tracking needs. If you've experienced hiccups or limitations with RingCentral, read on. This might just be the solution you've been looking for.

The need for a reliable call tracking solution

Before diving into the specifics, let's explore why a robust call tracking solution is so important. 

Call tracking helps you understand your customers better, from how they found you to why they called. Not all solutions are created equal, however, and common challenges include unreliable data, high costs, and complicated setups. This is where an alternative like CallRail comes into the picture.

What sets CallRail apart as the premier call tracking solution?

CallRail isn't just another call tracking platform; it provides call handling capabilities, AI-powered analytics, and more. With its advanced analytics and user-friendly dashboard, you get a high level of control and insight. CallRail's flexibility in call routing options is unmatched, and it integrates effortlessly with platforms like Google Analytics, Hubspot, and Salesforce.

When it comes to call tracking solutions, you may feel overwhelmed by the plethora of choices. But not all options provide the same value. Here's why CallRail emerges as a premier choice, setting itself apart from competitors like RingCentral in several key ways:

1. Advanced analytics and user-friendly dashboard

In the realm of call tracking, analytics is king. What differentiates CallRail is its advanced analytics engine that offers a treasure trove of data right at your fingertips. From tracking the customer's initial interaction point—be it a social media ad, email, or organic search—to following their journey through the sales funnel, CallRail’s analytics are both comprehensive and easy to understand. Coupled with a user-friendly dashboard, even a non-marketer can navigate the wealth of information available, making data-driven decisions simpler and more effective.

2. Flexibility in call routing options

Call routing is more than just sending an incoming call to a particular agent or department. With CallRail, you get dynamic and flexible call routing options that adapt to your business needs. Whether you want to route calls based on the caller’s geographic location, the time of day, or the marketing channel that drove the call, CallRail allows for a level of customization that is rarely matched in the industry. This means you can better manage your team's workflow and optimize customer satisfaction simultaneously.

3. Seamless integrations with major platforms

Having a standalone tool in your marketing stack that doesn’t communicate with your other tools can often be more of a burden than a blessing. CallRail shines in its ability to seamlessly integrate with major platforms like Google Analytics, Salesforce, HubSpot, and many others. This means you can easily import CallRail data into your existing systems, allowing for a more holistic view of your customer interactions and marketing performance.

4. Robust API for custom needs

For businesses that have unique requirements or operate with customized software ecosystems, CallRail offers a robust API. This allows for adaptability, letting you tailor CallRail’s functionalities to meet your specific business needs. Instead of being boxed into a one-size-fits-all solution, you have the freedom to innovate and integrate as you see fit.

5. Unparalleled customer support

Switching platforms or adopting new solutions often comes with a learning curve. What makes CallRail stand out is its commitment to customer support. With a team that’s not only knowledgeable but also incredibly responsive, any challenges you face are addressed promptly, ensuring that your operations run smoothly.

By excelling in these areas, CallRail doesn't just offer an alternative to RingCentral; it offers an upgrade. Whether you're a small business looking for a cost-effective solution or a larger enterprise seeking advanced functionalities, CallRail provides a compelling and comprehensive offering that truly sets it apart.

RingCentral vs. CallRail: Features and benefits

When deciding on a call tracking solution, you'll want more than just the basics. CallRail goes beyond the norm to offer a myriad of features that make it an exceptional choice. Here are some of the compelling features and benefits that give CallRail the edge over its alternatives:

Multi-channel attribution

Understanding the customer journey means tracking more than just phone calls. CallRail offers multi-channel attribution that gives you a panoramic view of how your marketing channels are working together. Whether it's organic search, paid ads, or social media, you can attribute each interaction to its respective channel.

Ads and SEO search keyword tracking

Keyword tracking allows you to understand which keywords are driving calls to your business. This enables more precise SEO and PPC campaigns. Knowing which keywords are effective can lead to cost savings and improved ROI.

Automated call scoring

Not all calls are equally important. Automated call scoring helps you identify the most qualified leads, letting you focus your efforts where it counts. Utilize machine learning algorithms to categorize and score your calls based on criteria that matter to your business.

Local and toll-free numbers

Depending on your business needs, you might require a local presence, a national scope, or both. CallRail offers a range of local and toll-free numbers, giving you the flexibility to choose what fits your brand image and customer expectations.

Call monitoring and whisper messages

Ensure your team's performance is up to par with live call monitoring. Use whisper messages to provide real-time feedback to agents during a call, improving customer interactions as they happen.

Text message tracking

In an age where texting is as prevalent as calling, understanding text interactions is crucial. CallRail offers text message tracking to give you insights into this often overlooked communication channel.

Simultaneous call handling

Never miss a lead because your line is busy. CallRail allows for simultaneous call handling, directing incoming calls to available team members when the main line is occupied.

Call recording searchability

With CallRail, your call recordings are not just files gathering digital dust. They become searchable data points. Tag, categorize, and search through your recordings to glean valuable insights for training or quality assurance.

Advanced reporting features

Data is only useful if it can be understood. CallRail's advanced reporting tools allow you to visualize your data in various formats, whether it’s line graphs, pie charts, or detailed spreadsheets.

Third-party integrations for ecommerce

For ecommerce businesses, CallRail's integration with platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce means that you can track customer interactions all the way through to purchase, combining your call data with ecommerce analytics.

Web visitor tracking

Unlike aggregate tracking that simply provides general metrics, visitor-level tracking offered by CallRail lets you dig deeper. This feature allows you to track the behavior of individual visitors to your website, from the initial click to the final conversion. By understanding each visitor's unique journey, you can better tailor your marketing efforts, improve customer experience, and heighten personalization. It's like having a magnifying glass that provides a detailed view into your customer interactions.

Source tracking

Knowing where your calls are coming from is invaluable in allocating your marketing budget wisely. Source tracking in CallRail does just that. Whether it's a PPC campaign, a social media ad, or even offline sources like a billboard or radio ad, source tracking helps you attribute each call to its originating source. This granular data empowers you to refine your marketing strategies and gives you a clearer picture of your ROI for each channel.

Comparing apples to apples: how CallRail stacks up

Significant differences between RingCentral vs. CallRail

Cost-effectiveness: While RingCentral offers various features, CallRail gives you more bang for your buck, especially in analytics and call routing.

Ease of Use: CallRail's intuitive design makes it a breeze for beginners, unlike the often cumbersome interface of RingCentral.  

Customer Support: A crucial differentiator, CallRail’s customer service is quick, knowledgeable, and more personal.

While CallRail is a star player, it's only fair to mention other options too:

  • Grasshopper: Known for a robust virtual phone system but lacks advanced tracking features.
  • Nextiva: Offers comprehensive VoIP services but needs more specific call tracking capabilities.
  • 8x8: A good unified communications platform, but not specialized in call tracking.

Conclusion

If you need more support with your current call tracking setup and are looking for a reliable, cost-effective alternative, CallRail deserves your attention. It offers a plethora of features designed to give you deep insights into your customer interactions while being user-friendly and budget-friendly.

Ready to make the switch and elevate your call tracking game? [Click here to sign up for CallRail]() or request a free demo today! Take advantage of any ongoing promotions and get the most out of your marketing efforts.

Meet the author

Darrell Tyler
Darrell Tyler, Senior Manager, Organic Growth at CallRail, is a seasoned pro in SEO. He guides teams toward innovation and success, turning strategies into million-dollar wins for businesses.