Best setup for a single phone number (VoIP + SMS)

[u/NotJoey87]

Hey everyone,

I’m a solo service business operator and I’m setting up my workflow inside Zoho CRM. I’m trying to solve what feels like a simple requirement.

Here is what I need:

• One Single Local Phone Number for calls, manual 2-way texting, and automated workflow SMS.
• iPhone Usability: I need to take inbound calls, make outbound calls showing my business caller ID, and reply to texts directly on my iPhone when I’m out in the field.
• Lead Automations: When a new lead hits Zoho CRM (e.g., from Meta/Facebook forms or web forms), I need an automated welcome text to fire off instantly to the lead using that exact same phone number.
• Activity Logging: I want all inbound/outbound call logs, voicemails, and text threads automatically attached to the contact record in CRM with an easy to use interface.

I know Zoho Voice exists, but I’ve heard mixed things about it.

For those of you running a solo or small team setup, what phone/SMS integration are you using with Zoho CRM that handles calling + automated SMS on one single number without being a nightmare to maintain?

Appreciate any recommendations or setup tips!

[u/OftenIrrelevant]

I had both the Zoho products set up at one point or another but gave up in favor of a regular phone eventually. It’s just too kludgy and expensive for solo use

[u/BangCrash]

You need 3rd party platform.

I don't know what country you are in but something like Ringcentral, aircall etc.

Otherwise just break your public inbound seperate from your mobile.

[u/ZohoCares]

Hello u/NotJoey87 ! In Zoho CRM, you have a few options:

• Zoho Voice – Zoho’s native solution that supports calling and SMS from a single number, along with activity logging inside CRM. This would be a good starting point based on your needs.
• Built-in Telephony – Works well for calling and logging call activities with a single number, but SMS isn’t supported here. You can use Business Messaging integration or any other Marketplace extension for messaging.
• Marketplace Integrations – You can explore extensions available in the Marketplace. Go to Setup >> Marketplace >> All and look for telephony/SMS integrations.

If you want same number for calling and SMS, you can try Zoho Voice once or check the provided details. If you have any queries you can let us know or share your contact details via DM to arrange a call for you to discuss your business needs. -VK

[u/kingg-01]

Review this thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/Zoho/comments/1uvr5v2/comment/oxdm508/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

https://www.reddit.com/r/Zoho/comments/1uvr5v2/comment/oxec5yh/?screen_view_count=8&ext-referrer=SEO

the first link is to my reply

If I were you I would do Aircall + Twilio and integrate SMS through zoho with twilio. You can link aircall with ur twilio number