Marlie.ai Blog

After-hours answering service for small business ensures you never miss calls evenings, weekends, or holidays. Learn how 24/7 coverage captures more revenue.

AI receptionist vs human receptionist: Compare costs, availability, and capabilities to decide which option fits your business needs and budget.

For contractors, every missed call is a missed opportunity. A potential high-value job, a burst pipe, a broken AC unit, or an emergency lockout, vanishes in seconds. In today's hyper-competitive market, a robust contractor lead gen strategy isn't just about finding new customers; it's about being available the moment they need you. The difference between […]

Staring at a missed call notification feels like watching a customer walk right out the door. It’s a modern business frustration, but a solvable one. Learning how to use call forwarding is your best bet for making sure you catch every single opportunity by automatically sending calls from one number to another. It’s the simplest […]

An answering service company is basically a remote receptionist for your business. It’s there to make sure every single call gets answered professionally, even when you can't get to the phone. Think of it as an extension of your team, one that's dedicated to grabbing leads and helping customers 24/7. They stop missed calls from […]

Think about the last time you were in the middle of something important. Maybe you were walking a client through a final inspection, negotiating a tough offer, or just trying to grab lunch between showings. Your phone buzzes. Unknown number. What do you do? Do you interrupt the client right in front of you, potentially […]

So, how much does a personal assistant actually cost? The short answer is anywhere from $15 to $75 an hour for a human, or as little as $0.25 a minute for an AI solution. The long answer? It depends entirely on what you're looking for, where they're located, and what you need them to do. […]

Every missed call isn't just a missed conversation; it's a potential missed opportunity. In a world where a staggering 85% of callers who reach a voicemail won't call back, a generic "Please leave a message" is a liability. This outdated approach creates friction, frustrates customers, and quietly pushes revenue directly to your competitors. An ineffective […]

The first 15 seconds of a phone call can define a customer relationship, yet most businesses settle for a generic "hello." This approach wastes a critical opportunity. A strategically crafted opening does more than just answer the phone; it immediately sets the tone, manages expectations, and starts solving the customer's problem. A powerful business phone […]

When we talk about "phone answering for a small business," we're really talking about how you handle inbound calls so you can capture leads, help customers, and just run your shop efficiently—all without the hefty price tag of a full-time receptionist. For most small businesses, this usually means leaning on a live answering service, a […]

So, what exactly is a virtual medical reception? Think of it as an intelligent, automated system that’s always on, managing all your clinic's incoming patient communications, 24/7. It’s essentially an AI-powered front desk that answers calls the moment they come in, schedules appointments, and handles all the routine questions that used to tie up your […]

Picture this: you're right in the middle of a career-defining showing, guiding your clients through their potential dream home, and your phone just won't stop buzzing. New leads, current clients, another agent—they all need you right now. A real estate answering service is your secret weapon here. It’s like having a dedicated receptionist on call […]

To really boost your first call resolution, the goal is simple: solve the customer's problem the first time they contact you. No follow-ups needed. This means giving your team the tools, knowledge, and authority to get things done right away. For any service business, getting this right means happier customers and lower costs. Understanding First […]

When someone says "automated phone call," what's the first thing that pops into your head? Probably the relentless spam calls we all get. It's a fair assumption. Americans are now hammered with an average of 2.56 billion robocalls every single month—a staggering figure that's hit a six-year high. For a small business owner, whether you're […]

An after-hours answering service is your secret weapon for making sure your business never truly closes. It's a strategic move to get 24/7 phone coverage, catching leads, handling urgent calls, and offering support long after your team has gone home for the day. Think of it as your virtual frontline, making sure every single opportunity […]

When your business phone rings, it’s not just a noise—it’s the sound of pure opportunity. But when that ring goes unanswered, it’s the sound of money walking out the door, a customer getting frustrated, and a competitor gaining ground. Think of a phone answering service for small business as your frontline defense, making sure every […]

If you're running an HVAC business, you know the drill. It's a constant juggle of dispatching techs, managing schedules, chasing invoices, and keeping customers happy. HVAC business management software is designed to be the central nervous system for your entire operation, pulling everything out of scattered spreadsheets and messy paper piles into one clean, digital […]

Ever called your bank and been greeted by a recorded voice asking you to "Press 1 for account balances" or "say 'customer service' to speak with a representative"? You've just used an Interactive Voice Response system, or IVR. Think of it as an automated front desk for your phone system. It's the technology that greets […]

Imagine having a sous chef who never sleeps. One who flawlessly tracks every last onion, predicts your busiest nights, and even helps personalize your regulars' favorite orders. That’s the reality of how AI can be used in a restaurant. This isn't some far-off, futuristic concept anymore—it's about practical tools you can use today to make […]

First impressions are critical, and for many businesses, the first point of contact is still the telephone. A single inbound call can be the difference between a booked appointment and a lost customer, a resolved issue and a negative review. This is where a well-crafted call in script becomes more than just a guide; it’s […]

Measuring customer experience isn't just about collecting feedback. It’s about turning feelings and interactions into hard data—numbers that tell you the real story about the health of your customer relationships. Think of it as translating conversations into a dashboard that can predict the future success of your business. This process is absolutely vital for spotting […]

Ever heard of a virtual office telephone service? It's essentially a cloud-based phone system that gives your business a professional, centralized phone presence without being chained to a physical office. It works using Voice over IP (VoIP) technology, which lets you take and make calls from pretty much any device with an internet connection—your laptop, […]

Learn how to forward cell phone calls on any device. Our guide covers iOS, Android, carrier codes, and advanced tips for a seamless setup.

What does it mean to screen calls? Discover how call screening technology works to block spam and protect you from unwanted interruptions and scams.

Learn how a telephone answering service for business can capture more leads, boost customer support, and grow your company.

Discover how conversational analytics software turns voice and chat data into actionable insights to boost customer satisfaction and agent performance.

Discover a complete lawyer lead generation system. Learn actionable strategies for SEO, PPC, referrals, and AI to attract, capture, and convert more clients.

What is a warm transfer? Discover how this simple call center technique transforms customer handoffs, boosts satisfaction, and improves business results.

Master screening a phone call with AI tools, proven scripts, and practical tips to reduce spam and boost productivity.

Confused by virtual receptionist price models? Our guide breaks down costs, plans, and hidden fees to help you find the best value for your business.