In this blog post, we'll cover how to set up several voicemail greetings: a name recording for your voicemail box, a default greeting, and a temporary (for holidays and vacations) greeting.
A good voicemail greeting is short and professional, lets people know that you’ll get back to them, and invites callers to continue engaging with a call-to-action. You should also show your personality if you’re in an industry or role that allows that. If your industry is more conservative, however, you’ll want to keep humor and personal touches to a minimum. A greeting Your name Your company A simple explanation for missing the call (e.g. you’re away from the phone or are on holiday) A rough estimate of when you’ll get back to the person An alternative person to reach out to (if you’re out of office) An alternative mode of communication (if you prefer email or text) A call-to-action such as “Leave a message” or “Send me an email at [email protected]”
.
If they don’t leave a message, you’ll never know who called. Some people may assume they should just call back later. But if you prefer to get back to them at your leisure, encourage them to leave a message.
It’s important that your voicemail makes a good impression and conveys professionalism to anyone who calls. Here at UniTel Voice, we specialize in helping business owners set up a virtual voicemail system that not only helps them sound professional but also keeps them connected with voicemail-to-email and voicemail transcription (voice-to-text) technology.
Before you record your professional voicemail message, take a quick peek through these examples for some inspiration:
7. “Hi, this is [your name]. I’m either on a call or away from my desk. Please leave your name, number, and a brief message and I’ll get back to you. Thank you.”
5. You have reached [your business]. We are currently closed. Our normal hours of operations are from [hours] [days]. We are closed on [days]. Please leave us a message with your name and number and we will return your call when the office reopens. You may hang up after leaving your message or press the [key] for additional options. Thank you for calling.
Keep in mind that to enjoy the full benefits of your professional greeting system, you must routinely check and delete messages. If your voicemail fills up, you won’t be able to receive new messages, meaning your customers will become frustrated.
Select Set-up Voice Mail from the menu that appears. Note: The first time you call the Voice Mail system, you are asked to create a Voice Mail PIN. Listen to Voice Mail in Skype for Business. To listen to voice mail in Skype for Business (SFB): Click .
13. “Hello, you’ve reached the [Department name] at [your company]. We can’t take your call right now, but please leave your name, contact information, and the reason for reaching out. One of our team members will be in touch within the day. To ensure we don’t miss you again, you can also let us know the best time to call you back. Thanks and have a great day.” This greeting lets your caller know your Customer Service team is just as efficient as you are.Voicemail greetings for calls received after business hours
Set-up and Listen to Voice Mail - Skype for Business (SFB) for Mac. For instructions on setting-up and listening to voicemail on Skype for Business (SFB) for Mac select the following options: Listen to Voice Mail in Outlook; SFB Voice Access Commands; Reset Your Voice Mail PIN; Using Your Skype for Business Phone
Have you ever stopped to hear the following, ‘’Hi, this is [your name] of [your business]. I’m currently unable to take your call. Please leave your name, phone number, and a brief message, and I will contact you as soon as possible. Thanks.
So, I finally did it. Here’s my process for developing a professional voicemail message in 10 steps:
The unavailable message is the standard greeting callers hear when they reach your voicemail box. It is the greeting that you can use consistently throughout the work year.
If you aren’t sure, have a friend listen to it and give you pointers. It’s always disorienting listening to your own voice, so you might not be able to catch if you sound weird because you’re hearing your voice or because you are actually speaking in a strange manner, but someone who knows you well will be able to clear it right up.
Your call is important to us and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Please leave your full name, contact details, phone number, and availability after the beep and we will call you back straight away. Thank you!”
“Thanks for calling the desk of (insert your name) at (insert your company name). I’m either on a call or away from my desk but if you leave your name, phone number, and the reason for calling, I’ll return your call as soon as possible. Thank You.”