Your voicemail greeting is one of the first impressions you leave on a caller, so it’s crucial to get it right. One of the most common mistakes I hear people make is using the default, auto-voice greeting that comes standard with their cell phone. Trust me, you want to avoid that!
Tip 1: Record Your Own Greeting
This is non-negotiable. The caller wants to make sure they’ve reached the right person, and hearing your voice gives them that confirmation. I’ve had clients tell me they don’t know what to say, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a simple script you can use:
“Hi, you have reached the voicemail of [state your full name]. Please leave your name and phone number, and I will return your call as soon as possible. Have a great day!”
That’s it. Short, sweet, and to the point. Don’t try to sell anything in your greeting—this isn’t a sales pitch, it’s simply an invitation for the caller to leave their information.
Tip 2: Sound Engaging and Personable
I’ve often been told, “Ed, you’ve got a great voice.” But let me tell you—it’s not because I was born with a golden vocal cord. My voice is effective because I bring life to my words. Speak clearly, resonate with warmth, add a smile to my tone, and pace what I say for listener comfort. You want to sound like someone the caller actually wants to talk to. That energy can make a big difference in how your message is received.
Tip 3: Don’t Worry About How You Sound
Many people hate the sound of their own voice, but here’s a reality check: you’re not paid for the information you give in your voicemail, you’re paid for the information you receive. If your voice was that unbearable, the person wouldn’t be calling you in the first place! What puts people off isn’t your voice—it’s long, cheesy, or half-hearted attempts at voicemail humor. Keep your greeting simple, and let the caller talk.
Your voicemail is a gateway to business success. Be authentic, be concise, and let your greeting work for you.
While we encourage all our clients to record their own voicemail greeting, sometimes it makes more sense to have a professional voice actor handle it for you. I offer affordable voice recordings for cell phone greetings and full telephone system auto attendant messaging. If you need help with scripting, I can assist with that too! To discuss your specific business needs, give me a call at (208) 209-7170. Let’s make sure your voicemail leaves the right impression!
