28. Hello, you’ve reached [your name]. I can’t come to the phone right now, probably because I’ve just stepped away from my desk, but possibly because I’m trapped under something heavy. Leave a message and I’ll call you back within one business day — and if I don’t, please send help.
For many, a voicemail greeting is the first impression a customer gets for a business. You need to make sure your company’s message matches your company’s image, so putting some thought and effort into your voicemail greeting is imperative. Wondering what it takes to come up with a proper business voicemail greeting? Here are 8 keys to creating the perfect voicemail recording. Click To Tweet
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4. Voicemail greetings for calls received after business hours. You don’t want to answer calls 24/7 (unless you’re serving clients globally and there’s an expectation of 24/7 support).
A virtual business phone system like Grasshopper can help you create a professional, reliable voicemail greeting. It includes instant response and custom greetings, as well as access to the Grasshopper Voice Studio and professional voice talent for a one-time fee of $75.
If you are family/friends, press 1. If you are someone looking to give me a job, press 2. If you are one of the multiple out-of-area code numbers that constantly insist upon calling me, even though you should know by now im never going to answer, press the end button. This is the voicemail box of The Goddess.
By using a VoIP small business phone service, you equip employees with the right tools. It makes it easier to deliver “daily details” during every interaction. As a result, you will see success.
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
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!
One significant way in which a business voicemail service differs from personal voicemail is in its replication across the organization.
YOD, or Bring Your Own Device, allows users to connect existing devices (smartphones, tablets, analog phones, desktop computers) to their virtual phone system, adding portability and eliminating the need to purchase an excessive amount of new equipment.
No matter how hard you try to have all of your calls answered each time the phone rings, such an ideal situation may not happen all the time. There are some days in business that are busier than others, and the calls will be left on the line. Hence, you can also use your voicemail for reaching out to clients and marketing activities like cold calling.
RingCentral pricing starts at $19.99 monthly per user for their “Essentials” plan which allows for up to 20 users. For more than 20 users you can choose from their “Standard” plan at $24.99 monthly per user or their “Premium” or “Ultimate” plans which offer advanced features such as automatic call recording, single sign-on, and CRM integrations. Learn more about RingCentral’s plans and pricing here.
You can get the Plus plan for a monthly price of $39. This plan includes two virtual phone numbers, unlimited text messages, 10 extensions, three voicemail inboxes, email and chat support, caller ID, call blasting, users and permissions, call menus, live-call transfer, call analytics, and hours of operation. This plan is best suited for a growing team on a budget.
You might also consider giving them the option to skip your voicemail message completely by pressing another key (again, check with IT). You also want to make callers aware what you will return their call, instead of telling them that you will try to return their call--and let them know when you are likely to do it, if possible. If necessary, provide additional or emergency information in your voicemail greetings. My dentist, for example, lists his cell phone number for emergencies.
The VirtualPBX Feature Codes, for instance, let users dial *97 to reach their personal voicemail boxes.
With this system, you also have the ability for employees with smartphones to download an app to have an extension on the phone system for intercom and call transfer, even if they never set foot in the office! You can call clients back through the mobile app with the office Caller ID instead of the ID of their personal cell phone. And with the call recording option, you can monitor and review conversations at any time. Some phone models include built-in support to use a Bluetooth wireless earpiece headset or your favorite stereo noise-canceling headphones. Snom includes a standard 3-year warranty with the option for up to 5 years. “Our best customers come from our competition — it seems low price alone, isn’t the bargain they thought.
The advantages of this solution multiply as your business grows. Your employees don’t have to be in the office to answer in-house calls. Moreover, you can use the software to route calls to the team member who can best address a caller’s concerns.