If your recording is vague, confusing, or drags on, customers will lose interest and hang up the phone instead of leaving a voicemail message. To help you create an effective after hours announcement, here are some best practices and sample scripts you can employ.
The bottom line is that a business’s situation is likely to change often and rapidly, each of which need a unique and applicable voicemail greeting to cover the circumstances and timeline. For example, callers shouldn’t reach a business-as-usual voicemail, and therefore expect a return call within the business day, if the subject they’re calling is out on vacation for two weeks. Such a lack of communication is a recipe to lose that caller’s trust and tarnish the brand’s reputation.

In-person service is not being provided at our campus location. The best way to connect with [insert office name] is by [insert preferred method: email, phone, other]. You should receive a reply to your inquiry within [ # ] business days.
Some providers might indicate they prefer phone calls. In some cases, the phone call will direct you to a reception line. In other cases, you will be prompted to leave a message in their confidential voicemail box. You can use the following script when leaving a message: Hi, my name is ____. I found you through (name of website or referral).