Imagine missing an important call because your voicemail greeting sounds unprofessional or confusing.
It happens more often than you think! A great voicemail greeting can make a lasting impression, whether for work, personal use, or small business.
Knowing what to say in voicemail greeting is key to sounding approachable and clear.
This guide will help you craft the perfect message that invites callers to leave their details while showcasing your personality or brand.
From professional tips to fun examples, we’ll cover everything you need to create a greeting that works for you.
Let’s dive in and make your voicemail shine!
Why Your Voicemail Greeting Matters
Your voicemail is often the first impression someone gets when they can’t reach you. A clear, friendly greeting builds trust and encourages callers to leave a message. For example, a job recruiter might skip leaving a callback if your greeting is too casual or unclear.
What to say: “Hi, you’ve reached Sarah. I’m unavailable right now, but please leave your name, number, and message, and I’ll call you back soon!”
What not to say: “Yo, it’s Sarah, just drop a message or whatever.” This sounds unprofessional and vague.
Keep it short, include your name, and state when you’ll return the call to set expectations.
Crafting a Professional Voicemail Greeting
A professional greeting is essential for work-related calls. It shows you’re serious and reliable. Think of a client calling your business—your greeting should reflect your brand’s values.
What to say: “Hello, this is John at ABC Solutions. I’m currently assisting another client. Please leave your name, number, and a brief message, and I’ll return your call by the end of the day.”
What not to say: “Hey, it’s John, I’m probably busy, so just talk after the beep.” This lacks structure and professionalism.
Include your name, company, and a promise to follow up. Keep it under 20 seconds to respect the caller’s time.
Adding Personality to Personal Voicemail Greetings
For personal voicemails, you can let your personality shine while staying clear. A friendly tone makes callers feel comfortable leaving a message. Imagine a friend calling to plan a meetup—they’ll appreciate a warm greeting.
What to say: “Hi, it’s Lisa! I’m out and about, but I’d love to hear from you. Leave your name and number, and I’ll get back to you soon!”
What not to say: “This is Lisa’s phone, beep’s coming, you know what to do.” It’s too abrupt and impersonal.
Use a cheerful tone, mention your name, and invite a message to keep it engaging.
Voicemail Greetings for Small Business Owners
As a small business owner, your voicemail is a chance to reinforce your brand. A polished greeting can turn a missed call into a new customer. Picture a potential client calling your bakery—they’ll want confidence in your service.
What to say: “Thank you for calling Sweet Treats Bakery! This is Emma. We’re busy baking today, so please leave your name, number, and order details, and I’ll call you back within 24 hours.”
What not to say: “Sweet Treats, leave a message.” This misses a chance to connect and lacks detail.
Mention your business name, thank the caller, and give a timeframe for a callback to build trust.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Voicemail Greetings
Even a well-meaning greeting can flop if it’s too long, unclear, or outdated. Avoid mistakes that frustrate callers, like a greeting from last year’s vacation. For instance, a client might hang up if your message rambles.
What to say: “Hi, this is Mark. I’m unavailable right now. Please leave your name and number, and I’ll call you back soon.”
What not to say: “Hey, it’s Mark, I’m on vacation till next month, but maybe leave a message, I might check it…” This is too vague and unhelpful.
Avoid background noise, keep it concise, and update your greeting regularly to stay relevant.
How to Record a Clear and Confident Voicemail
Recording a great voicemail takes practice. Speak slowly, smile to sound friendly, and record in a quiet space. Imagine you’re leaving a message for a new boss—you’d want to sound confident.
What to say: “Hello, you’ve reached Kate. I’m not available right now, but please leave your name, number, and message, and I’ll return your call promptly.”
What not to say: Mumbled “Uh, it’s Kate, I guess leave a message?” This sounds unsure and hard to hear.
Practice your script, test the recording, and ensure your voice is clear to make a strong impression.
Conclusion
Crafting the perfect voicemail greeting doesn’t have to be hard.
By knowing what to say in voicemail greeting, you can create a message that’s clear, professional, and true to you.
Whether for work, personal use, or your small business, a great greeting builds trust and invites callers to connect.
Keep it short, include your name, and promise a callback to set expectations.
Avoid common pitfalls like long messages or outdated recordings. With these tips, your voicemail will leave a lasting impression every time.
Ready to update yours? Grab your phone and make it happen today!
