It’s worth noting that BrightLocal did not include an option for messaging these businesses directly from the search results page. Google My Business rolled out a feature that lets text-enabled businesses prominently display this option within search results, and the survey would’ve been a lot more valuable if they included that. However, the feature is still relatively new, and it’s not very common to see text-enabled businesses taking advantage of this functionality yet. As it continues to normalize, texting will likely become the go-to way people reach out to businesses they find online.
Check the Enable extension dialing without requiring a menu item check box to allow callers to directly dial an extension at any time.

Combine with a Business Intro Message to provide menu options and assist in telephone navigation. As opposed to the passive nature of Messages On Hold, voice prompts are interactive. They are designed to bring out a physical reaction from the caller, a call to action. And because voice prompts are directive, it’s important they’re concise, well written, and recorded by a professional voice artist.
To provide as much helpful insight to businesses as possible, we've compiled the top must-have information that should be included in your office's temporary voicemail greeting. 1. Your voicemail should be timely and relevant to the situation at hand. 2. Indicate if you’re working remotely or changing office hours temporarily. 3. Set clear, reasonable expectations for your callers about when they should expect to hear back from someone. 4. State clearly what types of matters are urgent and give examples of issues that are not. This way, patients and callers can have a good understanding of what to expect about call-backs and reduce unnecessary follow-up calls. 5. If you have made disruptions to existing appointments, you should note this, as well as how you plan to reach people to reschedule.