Smart 800 Voicemail - How To Create A Greeting That Gets Results
Everybody hates voicemail (AKA 'voice-jail'). But when you sign up for a smart 800 voicemail service, it's important to have a good outgoing message. This is what people hear on the rare occasion when they get your smart 800 voicemail and not a real person. New technology makes this incredibly easy.
The advantage is that you don't need to use a boring automated system anymore. People hate calling and hearing the standard voice. You can infuse some personality into your voicemail and this can make a serious difference in how people see your company. But it's a little challenging. Here's how you create a smart 800 voicemail message that gets people to leave their messages.
Keep It Short
Have you ever listened to a long, rambling voicemail greeting? The real question is - Have you ever listened to the whole thing and actually left a message? Few people do. When you make a message that's long and boring, you're just setting up one more obstacle to keep people from giving you their business. Keep it as short as possible while making sure that all the details they need to know are there.Eliminate Distractions
Record your message in a quiet place. You might not think that the airplane flying overhead or the sound of the TV on in the background is going to cost you mega-bucks, but it can make your company look unprofessional, and this can cost you business. They'll be wondering if they called the airport by mistake.Remind Them Why They're Calling
You might've noticed that some outgoing messages sound almost like advertisements, saying something like, 'Thanks for calling Jimbo's bait and tackle shop, your local destination for all your fishing needs.' This is actually an important sales technique. What they're doing is reminding the person why they called. By mentioning your caller's problem, concern or question, you remind them that your business provides the solution. They'll be more likely to stick with you.Use a Script, But...
Don't read it straight off the paper. This might take some practice, but if you read word for word, you'll sound dull and robotic. Use the script as just a basic plan. Hold your head up as you read; if you're looking downward at the paper, your delivery will reflect it. Make your voice sound warm and personable with natural intonation. When your customers hear a real, human voice (albeit a recorded one), they'll be more likely to leave a message.Easy on the Options
Don't give them too many options. Make it as simple as possible, something like, 'please leave a message.' If you give them too many options, it overwhelms them and they may have a minor meltdown. Try to direct all calls to one place and have your staff deal with it there.Remember that your outgoing smart 800 voicemail message is your customers' first impression with your company, and these impressions really count. Put yourself in their shoes and ask yourself, 'Would I want to leave a message?'