Voicemail and voice messages are among the top ways every professional business can use to enhance their customer services. Though this idea may sound strange to many in the internet age, this kind of mail is a proven source of solutions for business communications and customer service.
Ideally, a business should have a complete set of messages for every phase of their call flow from beginning to end. While voicemail greetings are an important part of the phone system, there need to be recordings for everything leading up to the voicemail as well (assuming there are other steps in the call flow).
.
KEEP PHONE GREETINGS SHORT: If someone is listening to your voicemail greeting it's only because they intend to leave you a message. Don't make them listen to 3 minutes of rambling in order to do so. Plus, you're more likely to deliver a clean, professional read if you stick to shorter greetings. If more specific information is needed, direct
In an ideal world, voicemail would be unnecessary. There would always be someone available to take customer calls and no one would complain about their calls not being returned and/or rejected. But of course, this perfect world isn’t possible. That’s why it’s important to give your callers options when you are unavailable. For example, aside from leaving a message, callers can also choose to listen to some relevant information about your business (such as a list of your services, your address, directions, hours of operation, and more).
“Good afternoon. You have reached the office of [your name]. I will be out of the office beginning on [date] and will be returning on [date]. Please leave a brief message with your contact information, and I’ll be sure to get back to you as soon as I return on [date]. If this is an emergency or you need to speak with someone before I return, please contact [name of colleague/supervisor], [their job title], at [their phone number].”
You want this experience to be a positive one for the caller. Make sure your voicemail provides information such as your hours for operation and additional contact information. You’ll also want to address when the caller can expect your call or list other ways they can get in touch should you not answer.
Your voicemail greeting can make a positive or negative impression on people. By considering your target audience and tone, you should be able to keep it positive. Length: Don’t make people wait minutes to leave a message. Apologies: If people expect your to be available, apologize for missing their call. Set expectations: Let people know when they may receive a callback, but be realistic. Accuracy: If you change your voicemail for things like holidays, be sure to update it when needed. How do You Set Up a Business Voicemail?
To save voicemails on most Android phones: Open your Voicemail app. Tap, or tap and hold the message you want to save. In the menu that appears, tap the one that says “save”, “export” or “archive.”
State your name clearly so the caller knows they have the right number. 3 of the messages I heard last month were missing his/her name.
Provide as much useful information in your business voicemail greeting. However, be sure to keep it short and concise. An excessively lengthy voicemail can be damaging rather than helpful. Keep your voicemail to around 20-25 seconds maximum.
When was the last time you checked your voicemail for missed messages and paid attention to your greeting? If you’ve activated your Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone’s voicemail transcription feature for convenience, chances are it’s been ages since you last listened to your voicemail greeting. So it's probably time that you took the time to update it for your callers.
Your clients don’t have a lot of time, and neither do you. Use the following short voicemail greetings to get to the point quickly and invite them to leave a message.
Do you speak a second language and serve customers in an area that primarily uses a language other than English? Make it known that you speak both languages. Start the voicemail with the most dominant language spoken in your market followed by the same message spoken in the secondary language:
Your clients don’t have a lot of time, and neither do you. Use the following short voicemail greetings to get to the point quickly and invite them to leave a message.
A quick search for "voicemail" found dozens of actors who will professionally record your script for anywhere from $10 to $50 or more. Remember to take your time and listen to the various samples each actor has to offer-- this recording will be the "voice" of your business! 3. Use a VOIP Business Phone Solution
31. Hello, you’ve reached [your name]. I’ll be out of the office from [start date] to [end date]. Please leave a message and I’ll return your call upon my return. Alternatively, you can email me at [email address] or call [name] at [phone number] for immediate assistance. Thanks for calling!
A relatively unprofessional one — like mine, for instance — does the opposite: It encourages prospects, recruiters, and potential connections to run in the other direction.