We suggest you create a script beforehand with the text of your message, and then read it while recording. Be sure to record away from background noises or distractions.
Context does matter here. If the caller would reasonably expect you to answer the phone (such as if they were calling a store or other place of business), an apology for not being able to get to the phone makes the most sense.

-(Very long pause) Wait! Please don’t hang up! I want to hear what you have to say.
JS Hello Me Community Experts in Multifamily Property Management, Apartment Investment, Apartment Marketing, Apartment Leasing, and Apartment Jobs HomeAbout Multifamily InsidersMultifamily NewsCulture and MissionContact UsMy MFIEdit ProfileInboxCommunityAll InsidersSearch InsidersEventsWebinar WednesdaysMastering MaintenanceSpeaker LineupInsiders' Choice Award WinnersWebinars On DemandSocial Multifamily ShareSpaceLinkedIn Multifamily HubDiscuss!Recent PostsPopular DiscussionsInsider BlogsMy BlogsMy Blog DashboardFile BankUpload FilesDealsResearchResident Events Listen to your Voicemail Greeting 10 years 5 months ago #6148 We all know how hard it is to answer the phone every single time it rings. The reality is, sometimes you just miss a call. Have you listened to your voicemail greeting recently? Being a marketing partner, and currently an apartment shopper, I call apartment communities just about every day. I definitely get plenty of voicemail greetings, especially if I call close to the lunch hour, that wouldn't encourage me whatsoever to call back if I were a prospect! I'm going to start working with my clients on their voicemail greetings - what do the seasoned experts out there think they should include and sound like? Are there any guidelines you would suggest? My industry mentor tells me that properties tend to take on the personality of their managers; how do we apply that belief to even the smallest things like voicemail? Colin Hagan Topic Author Posts: 10 Thank you received: 0 Re:Listen to your Voicemail Greeting 10 years 5 months ago #6149 You know, I'm not a big fan of having a voice mail message picking up for the property when the office staff is busy or not there. I think it's a good idea to consider using an answering service or perhaps a third party service that can answer questions, send info, or maybe set appointments. I can understand where a prospective rent may not be inclined to visit a community they call and do not get a live person on the phone. My company does use an answering service and the service is usually successful at getting the name, number, floor plan, and lead source when we are not able to answer. Denny Humphrey Posts: 16 Thank you received: 0 Re:Listen to your Voicemail Greeting 10 years 5 months ago #6152 This is completely personal but I CANNOT stand when I call a place and there voicemail message is longer than 30 seconds... If it's too long I'm hanging up or if someone sounds overly cheerful or bored... Chrissy Surprenant Posts: 118 Thank you received: 1 Re:Listen to your Voicemail Greeting 10 years 5 months ago #6160 I have shopped many properties over the years. Some VM messages are good, some are less than good and some are just plain BAD!! Maybe it's just me, but if the message sends me to the property web site, I get annoyed! I was just on the web site!!Now I'm ready to talk to a real live person!! I have used call centers who answer after so many rings with good and bad results. I am not a fan of the Auto-Systems that answer and give you 20 other choices and when you make a choice, you hear another message! We have about 10 seconds or less to capture a callers attention, sound different from the competition, and make yourself sound interesting enough for them to want to leave a message. The message should be clear, quick and concise. Gerry Hunt Re:Listen to your Voicemail Greeting 10 years 5 months ago #6167 Great points Gerry and Chrissy, I agree totally. Messages should be no more than 30 seconds and even getting close to that mark is too much. Make your point, don't be sales pitch-y and then let them leave the message. For me when I hear an answering machine message I'm just waiting for the tone so I can start talking... I'm really not paying much attention to what they are saying. If voice mail messages were a closing tool we'd have a source code for them. Ha! Bill Szczytko Posts: 64 Thank you received: 0 Re:Listen to your Voicemail Greeting 10 years 5 months ago #6169 Re:Listen to your Voicemail Greeting 10 years 5 months ago #6172 I hate the VM's that start with "press 1 if this is a maintenance emergency." If you are calling to inquire about leasing, the first thing you think is "this place needs maintenance. Danny Soule Posts: 19 Thank you received: 0 Re:Listen to your Voicemail Greeting 10 years 5 months ago #6185 Chrissy, you make me smile!! When a property has a website it should be on all advertising, flyers, and correspondence. The company paid big bucks to have the web site developed; we want to direct folks to it!! It is also a great tool to use when talking to a prospect on the phone. The leasing person can direct the prospect to the site and talk about floor plans and amenities WITH the prospect! In my opinion VM tend to be to long and boring. By the time I call the property, I just want to talk with a PERSON! I have been to the web site, and I don’t want to be directed back to it! Of course, I am also in the business and maybe just a little impatient!! Re:Listen to your Voicemail Greeting 10 years 5 months ago #6188 At least I made you smile... I'm still right though hahaha!! Sorry I had to tease you a little ;)