After helping tens of thousands of companies set up voicemail systems, we’ve learned that there is no set of rules defining what makes a great business voicemail, but there are definitely some key points that you should aim to hit. Before you hit the record button for your voicemail message, take some of these tips into account:
Here is the classic template – adjust and adapt it to fit your product or service. In this and all examples, leave your phone number SLOWLY:
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On-hold music or a custom message keeps your callers engaged while they are being forward or transferred to an extension. You can also upload a recording advertising your business's products and services.
On the other hand, a stellar professional voicemail is more than just a way to ensure callers are heard. It’s actually a gateway to encourage recruiters, clients, connections, venders, and other callers to continue forward with the first step in developing a business relationship, which is them making contact. The power of the right voicemail greeting is the caller actually staying on the line to leave that contact information or gain access to an alternative contact point.
I am not in the office today; I may not be in tomorrow. I may be in to work sooner, if you gave me your car to borrow.
1. "Hi, you've reached [your name] at [your company]. I'm unavailable right now — probably helping [type of company] get [X results, e.g. ‘ double their leads in 60 days,' ‘hire the best and brightest engineers,' ‘convert 40% more customers.']
The voice mails I receive in response to this greeting allow me to use my time most productively. I learn the purpose of the call and when they are available for a return call. This allows me to prioritize when I need to return calls and helps me be better prepared for the ensuing conversation.
While phones and other devices are getting better all the time, there are frequently problems with audio recorded on low-quality equipment. Static pops, grainy voice quality, and background noise interference are all common with audio recorded on non-professional equipment.
05You have reached the offices of [your company/business]. Unfortunately, we are currently closed. We are usually open between [hours] [days] and closed on [days]. Please leave us a message with your details and we will get back to you when the office opens. You may hang up after leaving your message or press the [key] for other options. Thank you for your call. This after-hours voicemail greeting lets callers know how to do business or communicate with you outside normal business hours. You may also like 6 How to Ask for a Raise Email Templates to Get Your Point Across
Hi. This is Hayley at Clever Cakes. Thanks for calling. I'm sorry that I’m not able to take your call at the moment. However, if you would like to leave me a message including your name and phone number, I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. Looking forward to talking to you soon.
Maybe I sparked a little creativity in you. Or maybe you already have the world’s greatest voicemail greeting. Either way, please share in the comments below:
Thank you for calling Auto Express, your trusted 5-star transport solution, making your transport needs as simple as 1-2-3! Friendly, dependable, and professional service. Let us make your transport easy! If you know your parties extension, please enter it now. For an Auto Express customer service representative, press 1, for dispatch, press 2, for billing, press 3.
Reassuring the caller that they contacted the correct number or reached the person they intended helps reduce the number of hang-ups and wasted messages you’ll receive. Here are a few notes on how to leave the best greeting possible, along with some voicemail message examples you can use in your own company!
4.) Herzlich willkommen bei der Mustermann GmbH. Persönlich erreichen Sie uns während unserer Bürozeiten Montag bis Donnerstag von 09 bis 12 und 14 bis 16 Uhr, sowie Freitag von 09 bis 12 Uhr. Gerne können Sie uns Ihr Anliegen per Mail an [email protected] mitteilen und wir werden uns umgehend bei Ihnen melden - Vielen Dank.
Thank you for calling [LinkedPhone – Where Freedom Rings!]. You’ve reached us outside of business hours. Please select from one of the following options: [for business hours press 1; to leave a message press 2; if this is an emergency, press 0 to be directed to our 24-hour customer success team.] We are grateful for your call and we look forward to speaking with you soon!
If you’re planning on doing a sales call sprint via phone – so, possibly via voicemail – trust the scripts crafted by close.io’s Steli Efti on this one . Finally, since it tends to come out of people nearly automatically whenever they leave VMs on phones: Please don’t say “I tried calling you” or “I wasn’t able to reach you.”
Really think about it – You’re out of the office, it’s after business hours, or you’re otherwise indisposed, whatever the case may be, your voicemail is now tasked with representing you (and/or your company). No pressure, right? Your voicemail message is a platform that represents you to callers; therefore it’s ABSOLUTELY crucial that your message is perfect.