5 Great Voicemail Scripts to Make Sure They Call Back

Stumbling over what to say when leaving a voicemail? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there, trying to craft the perfect message that captures our intent and personality. Well, fret no more because we’ve got you covered!

In this article, we’ll dive into the art of voicemail scripts—those handy little guides that can make leaving voicemails a breeze.

Whether you’re reaching out to a potential client, returning a missed call, or simply leaving a friendly message, having a well-crafted script at your fingertips can boost your confidence and ensure you convey your message effectively.

Mailarrow Logo
Send cold emails that get responses
Start Free Trial

We’ll explore practical tips, creative ideas, and even share some real-life examples to help you create voicemail scripts that are genuine, relatable, and easy to understand.

So, let’s get started on transforming your voicemail game!

The Importance of a Professional Voicemail Greeting

What is a Professional Voicemail Greeting?

A professional voicemail greeting serves as your personal ambassador during your business day, hours and beyond. It’s a brief message that greets callers when you’re unavailable to take their call. A good voicemail greeting can create a positive impression that enhances your personal brand or the reputation of your company.

Voicemail greetings can range from general information about your availability, such as “Hi, you’ve reached [your name]. I can’t take your call right now, but if you leave your name, number, and message, I or contact so and so’ll get back to you as soon as possible” to more professional voicemail greetings that include more specific details about business hours or other inquiries.

Why is a Professional Voicemail Greeting Important?

First impressions matter, especially in the world of business. Missed calls can often lead to voicemail, and the message your callers hear can leave a lasting impression. A professional voicemail greeting reassures the caller that their message will be received and attended to promptly.

Not only does a good voicemail greeting keep communication lines open, but it also helps maintain a professional tone, contributing to your business’s image. It can provide essential information to your callers, such as your business hours, your company’s website, or the best time to reach you.

Types of Professional Voicemail Greetings

Professional voicemail greetings can be tailored to fit different situations and purposes. Below are some examples:

  • Standard Professional Voicemail Greetings: These are common in most business settings and usually include an introduction (“Hello, you’ve reached [Company Name]”), a reason for absence (“We can’t take your call at the moment”), and a prompt to leave a message (“Please leave your name, contact number, and a brief message, and we’ll return your call as soon as possible”).
  • Out-of-Office or Vacation Voicemail Greetings: These greetings are helpful when you’re on vacation or away for an extended period. Vacation voicemail greetings might include the dates you’re away and who to contact for immediate assistance.
  • After Business Hours Voicemail Greeting: For businesses operating within certain hours, this voicemail message informs callers they’ve reached you outside of these times. It should include your typical business hours and an invitation to leave a message.
  • Sales Voicemail Greetings: As a sales representative, your voicemail greeting plays a crucial role in your job. It should sound professional, mention your role, and encourage the caller to leave their name, phone number, and a short message for a prompt response.

Crafting a Good Voicemail Greeting

A well-crafted voicemail greeting should be clear, concise, and professional. It should give callers all the information they need, including your name (or your company name), your position, and instructions for leaving a message.

For instance:

“Hello, you’ve reached [Your Name] at [Company Name]. I’m currently unable to take your call. Please leave your name, contact number, and a brief message, and I’ll call you back as soon as possible. Thank you for calling.”

Be sure to record your greeting in a quiet place to avoid background noise. Speak clearly and at a moderate pace so callers can understand your message.

A great voicemail greeting balances professionalism with personality. It’s essential to maintain a professional tone, but don’t be afraid to let a bit of your personality shine through.

Mailarrow Logo
Send cold emails that get responses
Start Free Trial

Remember, your voicemail greeting could be the first interaction a potential customer has with your business. By ensuring your voicemail greeting is professional and informative, you can start off on the right foot, even if you can’t personally answer the call.

Tips and Examples for Different Voicemail Greetings

Business Voicemail Greetings

A business voicemail greeting should reflect your brand’s personality while still being professional. Here are a few business voicemail greeting samples:

  • “Hi, you’ve reached [Company Name]. We’re unable to take your call at the moment, but your business is important to us. Please leave your name, number, and a short message, and one of our team members will return your call as soon as possible.”
  • “Hello, you’ve reached [Company Name’s Customer Support Department]. We’re currently assisting other customers. Please leave your name, contact number, and the reason for your call, and we’ll get back to you shortly.”

Sales Voicemail Greetings

When you’re in sales, your friendly voicemail greeting message can be an essential tool for cultivating potential customers and inbound leads. Here are a few professional voicemail greeting examples:

  • “Hello! You’ve reached [Your Name], Sales Representative at [Company Name]. I’m currently on the phone helping another customer. Please leave your name, contact details, and the best time to return your call. Thanks for calling!”
  • “Hi, you’ve reached [Your Name], [Company Name’s Sales Department]. I’m either on a call or out meeting clients. Please leave a message with your name and number, and I’ll call you back as soon as possible.”

Professional Voicemail Greetings for Different Scenarios

  • Away Voicemail: “Hi, you’ve reached [Your Name]. I’m away from my desk right now but will return soon. Please leave your name, contact details, and a brief message, and I’ll return your call as soon as I can.”
  • Vacation Voicemail: “Hello, this is [Your Name]. I’m currently out of the office on vacation and will be back on [date]. If you need assistance during my absence, please contact [Name of colleague] at [their contact number]. Otherwise, leave your name and number, and I’ll return your call when I’m back.”
  • Holiday Voicemail: “Hello! You’ve reached [Your Name] at [Company Name]. Our office is currently closed for the holiday. We will return on [date]. Please leave your name and number, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we return. Happy holidays!”

Short Voicemail Greetings

Sometimes thanks for calling, less is more. A short voicemail greeting can still be effective:

  • “Hi, you’ve reached [Your Name]. I can’t take your call right now, but leave your name, number, and a short message, and I’ll get back to you.”
  • “You’ve reached [Your Name]. Sorry to miss your call. Please leave your name and number, and I’ll return your call soon.”

Funny Voicemail Greetings

While maintaining a professional voicemail greeting is crucial, sometimes a touch of humor can leave a memorable impression. Here are a couple of funny professional voicemail greeting examples below:

  • “Hi, you’ve reached [Your Name]. I’m probably doing something amazing right now, so leave a message, and I’ll call you back when I’m less amazing.”
  • “Hello, you’ve reached [Your Name]. I’m unable to take your call, probably because I’m saving the world. So, leave your name, number, and heroic message, and I’ll come to your rescue as soon as I can.”

While creating your voicemail greeting, remember that the goal is to assure your callers that they’ve reached the right person and that their message will be received and acted upon.

Ensure to sign up for Mailarrow, our cold email outreach software, to automate and streamline your email campaigns for more significant and better results. Sign up today!

Crafting an Effective Voicemail Script

The Essential Elements of a Voicemail Script

Every last professional voicemail recording script should contain the following elements:

  1. Greeting: Begin with a pleasant and professional greeting. “Hi, you’ve reached [Your Name]” or “Hello, this is [Company Name]” are excellent starts.
  2. Availability Status:Inform the caller about your availability. Are you on another call, out of office, or on vacation?
  3. Instructions for Leaving a Message: Guide the caller to leave their name, contact number, and a brief message. This is crucial for your return call.
  4. Closing and Thanks: End the voicemail script by thanking the caller and assuring them that you will return their call.

Good Voicemail Scripts

Below are good voicemail script examples for different scenarios:

  • Work Voicemail: “Hi, you’ve reached [Your Name]. I’m currently away from my desk or on another call. Please leave your name, number, and a brief message, and I’ll return your call as soon as possible. Thanks for calling!”
  • Sales Voicemail: “Hello, you’ve reached [Your Name], [Company Name’s Sales Representative]. I’m either on another call or out meeting clients. Please leave your name, contact number, and a brief message about your inquiry. I promise to return your call soon. Thank you!”

Customizing Your Voicemail Script

Customizing your voicemail script allows you to meet specific needs:

  • Vacation Voicemail Scripts: “Hello, this is [Your Name]. I’m currently out of the office and will be back on [date]. Please leave your name, contact details, and a brief message, and I’ll get back to you when I return. Thanks for understanding.”
  • Holiday Voicemail Scripts: “Hello, you’ve reached [Company Name]. We’re currently closed for the holiday and will resume business on [date]. Please leave your name, number, and a brief message, and we’ll get back to you when we reopen. Thank you!”

Fun and Engaging Voicemail Scripts

Sometimes, you may want to infuse a bit of fun into general voicemail greeting examples of your professional voicemail greeting. Here are a few funny voicemail greeting examples:

  • “Hi there, you’ve reached [Your Name]. I’m off making my coffee stronger than a superhero right now. But don’t fret, leave your name, number, and an entertaining message, and I’ll fly to your rescue as soon as I finish my cup.”
  • “Hello! You’ve dialed [Your Name], your friendly neighborhood [Your Role]. I’m out being a hero at the moment. So, please leave your name, number, and your mission for me, and I’ll swoop in to save the day as soon as I can.”

Remember, the objective of a great voicemail script is to encourage your caller to leave a message confidently, knowing their concerns will be addressed promptly.

Don’t forget to sign up for Mailarrow, our cold email outreach software, to ensure your email outreach is as effective and efficient as your best voicemail greetings. Sign up today!

Tips to Enhance Your Voicemail Greetings and Scripts

Emphasize a Professional Tone

To make a good voicemail message, always keep a professional tone. It helps to sound professional and business-like yet friendly and approachable. Remember, your voicemail greeting is often the first point of contact, so you want to make a positive impression.

Be Brief but Informative

Brevity is essential in a good voicemail greeting. Aim for a message that’s about 20-25 seconds long. Ensure it includes necessary information like your name or company name, your availability status, instructions for leaving a message, and when they can expect a return call.

Mailarrow Logo
Send cold emails that get responses
Start Free Trial

Update Regularly

Change your professional voicemail greeting to match your availability. If you’re out on vacation, update your vacation call voicemail template and greeting. If it’s a holiday, update your holiday voicemail greeting. Regular updates can help manage caller expectations and avoid unnecessary follow-ups.

Consider Time Zones and Business Hours

If you’re dealing with international clients or callers from different time zones, include your business hours and time zone in your professional voicemail message. This way, they’ll know the best times to reach you.

Use Professional Voicemail Greetings for Different Departments

In a business setting, consider having different voicemail greetings for various departments. For example, the sales department’s sales voicemail may be different from the customer support department’s funny voicemail greetings. It adds a level of professionalism and caters to specific caller needs.

Guide Callers to Other Inquiries

Sometimes, a caller may need immediate assistance. Guide them towards immediate help sources, like your company website or customer support email. Example:

“For more information, you can visit our company website at [insert company website] or send an email to [insert email address].”

An effective voicemail greeting and script make your callers feel valued and assure them that their message will be addressed promptly.

Are you looking for more ways to connect with your audience? Don’t forget to sign up for Mailarrow, our powerful cold email outreach software, for automated, efficient, and effective email campaigns. Sign up today!

Turning Missed Calls into Opportunities

In business, every touchpoint matters, and voicemails are no exception. Turning missed phone calls into opportunities is an art that requires a well-crafted professional voicemail greeting.

Capitalize on Sales Calls

If you’re in sales, every voicemail left by a potential customer is a gold mine. Make your sales voicemail engaging and easy-to-understand. Include a call-to-action, like asking them to leave their name, contact number, and the best time to reach them. This information will help your sales representatives to follow up and turn leads into sales.

Address Inbound Leads Effectively

Inbound leads are potential customers who’ve shown interest in your company. To engage them effectively, ensure your voicemail greetings sound professional and are updated regularly. Your callers should know when to expect a return call, boosting their confidence in your business.

Make Your Contact Details Clear

Provide clear instructions in your voicemail greeting for leaving contact details. “Please leave your name, contact and phone number below, and a brief message, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible” is a clear and direct request. The clearer the instructions, the more likely callers will leave their contact details, enabling you to return their call.

Leverage Voicemail for Customer Support

Your customer support department can utilize voicemails to enhance the customer experience. Make sure to mention the department’s working hours in the voicemail greeting.

“Thank you for calling our customer support department, available from 9 am to 5 pm ET. Please leave your name, contact number, and a brief description of your issue, and we’ll return your call as soon as we can.”

Don’t Overlook Other Inquiries

Every voicemail counts. Even if a caller is not a lead or a customer but has other inquiries, treat their message with importance. This will leave a positive impression on them and could lead to future business opportunities.

Missed calls don’t have to be missed opportunities. With professional voicemail greetings and effective management, you can turn every voicemail into a chance for growth.

Maximize your communication strategies even further with Mailarrow, the reliable cold email outreach software that streamlines your email marketing campaigns. Sign up today!

The Fun Side of Voicemail Greetings

While maintaining professionalism is crucial, there’s always a place for humor and creativity in your voicemail greetings. Humor can be an excellent tool for building a unique and memorable brand image.

Mailarrow Logo
Send cold emails that get responses
Start Free Trial

Bring in a Little Humor

A funny voicemail greeting might just be what you need to differentiate your brand. If it aligns with your company’s culture and brand image, why not? Here are some funny voicemail greeting examples:

  1. “Hello, you’ve reached [Company Name]. We can’t take your call right now as we’re probably saving the world. But don’t worry, leave your name and number after the beep and we’ll be sure to call you back once we’re done.”
  2. “Hi, you’ve reached [Company Name]. We can’t answer the phone right now as we’re currently brainstorming how to take over the world. Leave your name, number, and if you have any world domination ideas, feel free to share!”

Please use these types of greetings sparingly and appropriately as some contexts may require a more professional greeting.

Customize for Holidays and Vacations

During holidays or vacations, lighten up your voicemail greetings with a bit of season’s cheer. Holiday short voicemail greetings greeting examples or vacation voicemail greetings can bring a smile to your caller’s face, enhancing their calling experience. Remember to keep the greeting short, upbeat, and professional while conveying the holiday spirit.

Use Custom Voicemail Greetings

Adding personal touches to your business voicemail greetings can make callers feel special. A custom voicemail greeting that recognizes the caller’s effort to reach you and assures them that their message will be attended to is an effective way to communicate value.

While voicemails are often seen as merely functional, there’s room for creativity and humor. A unique and engaging voicemail greeting can turn a routine interaction into a memorable one.

Looking to amplify your communication and outreach strategies? Sign up for Mailarrow, our superior cold email outreach software, to connect with your audience in a personalized and effective way. Don’t miss out, sign up today!

With that, we’ve concluded our comprehensive guide to mastering the art of voicemail greetings and scripts. We hope this guide helps you create your voicemail messages and greetings that are professional, engaging, and leave a lasting positive impression on every caller. Happy recording!

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you say in a voicemail script?

In a professional voicemail script, begin by greeting the caller, then introduce yourself or the company. Mention that you’re unable to take the call right now and request for their name, phone number, and a brief message. Assure them that you’ll get back to them as soon as possible. Always end with a full thank you for calling you.

What is the best greeting for voicemail?

The best greeting for a voicemail is professional, concise, and respectful. It should include your name or company name, an apology for missing the call, a request for the caller’s details, and a promise to return the call.

What is the voicemail script for recruiting?

A recruiting voicemail script should include a professional greeting, your name, and role in the company. Explain why you’re calling and request the candidate to call back or leave a message with a suitable time for a call back.

What do you say in an away voicemail?

In an away voicemail, you should also record voicemail and mention that you’re currently unavailable and when you’ll be back. Request the caller to leave their name, phone number, and a brief message, and assure them that you will return their call as soon as you’re back.

Serge Shlykov is the founder of Mailarrow. Rotterdam Business School graduate and a long-time software engineer he has been running his own agency and SaaS business before realizing how many people are struggling with cold email outreach. This made him create Mailarrow, the cold email outreach software that helps you build great relationships at scale. Find him on Twitter and LinkedIn