What happens when you speak a customer’s language?
Over 41 million Americans speak Spanish at home—that’s roughly 1 in 8 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Chances are, your small business already serves a few Spanish-speaking clients. But with the right support, you can turn a few Spanish-speaking customers into many, simply by speaking their preferred language.
It’s more than just a kind gesture—it’s a competitive advantage. By offering a bilingual answering service, you immediately make your business more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to a larger audience. And with that accessibility comes the opportunity to generate more leads, deliver better service, and build lasting loyalty. Here’s how.
Editor’s note: This article was updated in May 2025 with more information about serving Spanish-speaking customers and the benefits of bilingual answering services.
Bilingual customer communication is key, the numbers don’t lie.
Research suggests that 76% of consumers prefer to buy products in their native language—and 40% won’t even consider purchasing if the service is only in English. That means if your business isn’t offering support in Spanish, you’re potentially missing out on millions of new customers.
In fact, the Hispanic population in the U.S. is over 63 million strong and growing—representing a vibrant, diverse market with enormous purchasing power. And a Spanish answering service isn’t just about checking a box; it’s about inviting more people in and giving your community a reason to stick around. It’s important to really connect with your customers, and there’s no better way than in their mother tongue.
But what else can a bilingual answering service do for your business…
Overcome language barriers and connect more deeply.
Small businesses thrive on relationships. And language barriers on phone calls can make those relationships harder to build—especially when your callers can’t comfortably express themselves, ask questions, or understand the next steps.
Let’s be real, most small business owners don’t have time to become fluent in another language. And unfortunately—lo siento—a few days of Duolingo aren’t going to cut it. That’s where bilingual and call-answering services come in.
With dedicated bilingual virtual receptionists, like those at Ruby, you can offer professional, friendly support in both English and Spanish. Whether it’s answering questions, qualifying leads, or scheduling appointments, our Spanish-speaking receptionists are trained to help your business connect with Spanish callers in their preferred language—or maybe only language. It’s simple, they quickly and easily translate Spanish to provide a concise response in English.
No more lost leads due to misunderstanding. No more customers giving up out of frustration. Just more clarity, more connection, and more opportunity. ¿Suena bien, no? Sounds good, right?
Stand out from the competition.
Imagine yourself as a customer, if you had to pick two businesses that are basically the same, except one speaks your language and the other doesn’t, which one would you choose?
In a world where every small business is trying to grab attention—through pricing, marketing, or flashy ads—customer service still wins. Offering bilingual support shows your business is committed to meeting customers where they are. Most companies don’t make that effort, with fewer than 20% of U.S. businesses providing multilingual customer support.
By investing in a bilingual answering service, you’re leveling up your current service and demonstrating that your business values inclusion, accessibility, and empathy. It’s a quiet yet powerful way to make a strong impression—especially if your competitors aren’t holding themselves to a similar standard. Show your customers that your business is excited to meet their needs by communicating with them in their language—that type of dedication to service isn’t likely to go unnoticed.
Turn first-time callers into lifelong customers.
Spanish-speaking callers may be nervous to make that first call to your business. If you think about it, a lot of people don’t even want to make phone calls in their own language—imagine having to make calls in your second language. ¡Qué pereza! What a drag!
That’s why the first impression is so important. With a reliable Spanish answering service, you provide a consistently incredible customer experience. You show bilingual callers that they’re valued, heard, and respected. That’s the kind of support that builds trust from the very first call—and keeps customers coming back again and again. When you offer bilingual support, Spanish speakers won’t hesitate when reaching out to your business because they know their call will be answered by someone who understands them every single time.
Better yet, it builds community. When your business offers high-quality, bilingual service, word spreads. You’re not just gaining one loyal customer—you’re gaining a network of referrals, reviews, and valued customers.
Grow faster with more access.
Here’s the bottom line: every missed call is a missed opportunity. With the help of a bilingual customer communication service, you can connect with countless new customers—unlocking huge growth potential. Not to mention, you’re making their day a little easier. It’s a win-win.
Ruby’s bilingual telephone answering services give you a professional team of bilingual virtual receptionists ready to answer calls and web chats 24/7/365. To recap, that means:
- No more missed calls from Spanish-speaking callers
- No more language-based roadblocks
- No more lost leads
Instead, you get:
- Warm, personalized conversations in your customer’s preferred language
- A stronger reputation for inclusive, high-quality service
- More qualified leads captured and converted on the first interaction
- Happy callers who feel heard and valued
Plus, you’ll gain time back in your day, streamline your operations, and boost your reputation for exceptional customer service support and care. Also, if you already struggle with customer service, that is one of the key signs you could use bilingual support.
Ready to welcome more customers?
Expanding your service empowers your business to cast a wider net and turn missed opportunities into long-term connections. And adding bilingual support to your business is simpler than you might think. With Ruby, you don’t need to hire in-house or overhaul your systems—we seamlessly integrate with your current workflow to start making meaningful connections right away.
Not only will the availability of bilingual telephone support assist your company in tapping new markets, but you’ll create a better experience for your customers, team, business needs, and community.
So, why wait?
Start making those connections, ahora (now).
FAQs
A bilingual answering service provides professional call support in more than one language—in the U.S. it is typically in English and Spanish. It helps businesses communicate clearly with a range of customers, capture more leads, and build trust with each interaction.
Offering bilingual support shows customers you value accessibility and inclusivity. It removes language barriers, improves customer satisfaction, makes a great first impression, and opens your business to new audiences—especially the 41+ million U.S. residents who speak Spanish at home!
By speaking your customers’ language, you reduce missed opportunities, improve customer experience, and build loyalty. A bilingual service can help convert more leads, capture referrals, and strengthen your customer base and reputation in underserved communities.
Not at all. Compared to hiring full-time staff, bilingual answering services are a cost-effective solution. With Ruby, you only pay for what you need, making it scalable, affordable, and ideal for growing small businesses.
Getting started is quick and easy. With Ruby’s onboarding process, your calls are answered promptly by Spanish-speaking receptionists who understand your business. Most businesses can begin offering bilingual support within days.
Sources:
- https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2022/12/languages-we-speak-in-united-states.html
- https://csa-research.com/Blogs-Events/CSA-in-the-Media/Press-Releases/Consumers-Prefer-their-Own-Language
- https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/09/22/key-facts-about-us-latinos-for-national-hispanic-heritage-month/
- https://www.nimdzi.com/nimdzi-100-2024/
- https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/manage-your-business/marketing-sales
