25. Hello, you’ve reached [your name], [job title] at [business name]. I’m sorry to have missed your call. Please leave your name, contact information, and reason for calling so I can get back to you promptly.
If you don’t know what to say in your voicemail, here’s a few pointers to get you started: Make sure that you’re not yelling into the phone and the message is recorded in a somewhat quiet area. If the message is for work, try to keep it professional and avoid mistakes, if possible. If you’re working in retail, apologize for not picking up and note that you will call them back. Regardless of your occupation, try to keep the message short. It shouldn’t be longer than 25 seconds. If the voicemail is personal, feel free to leave a silly, short message that lets the caller know it’s you.

Keep in mind that regulations for use of email and text messaging may require clients to opt-in—meaning they give permission for you to contact them in this way. So, you’ll need to be clear if you plan only to use email or text messages for one-on-one communication during active casework or if you may also use it for other reasons as well, including reminders or promotions for your products or services.
When recording your greeting, speak a little more slowly and clearly than you normally would so there’s no danger of your callers misunderstanding you.