In previous blogs, I’ve mentioned the importance of making a good first impression on a potential client. Most of the time, the first contact will be over the telephone. Since we are often in session, it is very likely that the first time a client hears our voice is on our voicemail greeting. This is why a professional greeting is so important. Identify yourself because you need to reassure the client that they have called the correct number. Clients will be a lot less likely to leave a message if they wonder who will get it. Use a warm friendly voice to say something like, “You have reached xxxx, licensed mental health counselor.” Tell clients what to do if they are in crisis. Although it seems obvious to us, clients may not realize that it could be several hours until we can return their call. I suggest something like, “If you require immediate assistance, please dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.” Ask for what information you need. Yes, the obvious name and number, but if it would be helpful to get their insurance information, ask for that, too. Give clients an idea about when you’ll return their call. Common business practice is within 24 business hours. Any extra messages or information you’d like clients to know. For example, if you are no longer accepting a particular insurance plan, the end of your voicemail greeting is a great place to convey that information.
Business owners and everyday customers know that there will be times — like the holidays — when things get busy. When you’re transparent about why you weren’t able to come to the phone, people typically understand and are much more willing to be patient with your business. If the goal is to encourage more people to leave a voicemail, your greetings have to be actionable and clearly dictate what you want the caller to do. Having a caller go to voicemail is not the end of the world; it’s going to happen, so you have to make the most of it.

Just Now In closing, this guide should highlight that the options for professional, friendly, interesting, impressive, and concise voicemail greetings are as broad as the imagination. Remember, the best business voicemail greetings are those that are equal parts useful to both the caller wanting a service and the recipient wanting to offer a service.
Vacation Business Voicemail Example Templates. As a small business, it’s not uncommon for the whole business to go on vacation, especially if you are the sole service provider. If this is the case for your company, or if you get a lot of business calls on your personal phone, it is wise to let potential customers know.