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What should I say on my business voicemail?

A good business voicemail says your business name, tells the caller when you'll ring back, and asks for the exact details you need, such as name, number, address and the job, in under 20 seconds.

What every greeting needs

Keep it short. Long greetings make people hang up before the beep.

  • Your business name, so callers know they've got the right place.
  • Why you can't answer, briefly: 'we're out on jobs'.
  • When you'll call back: 'today', 'within the hour', 'first thing tomorrow'.
  • What to leave: name, number, postcode and what they need.
  • Where else to go, if useful: your website or booking page.

Examples you can copy

Trades: "Hi, you've reached Northside Plumbing. We're out on jobs right now. Leave your name, number, postcode and what's wrong, and we'll ring you back today."

Garage: "Thanks for calling Northside Motors. We're with a customer. Leave your name, number and car registration, and say if it's an MOT, service or repair. We'll call you back within the hour while we're open."

Letting agent: "You've reached Northside Lettings. Leave your name, number and the property you're calling about, and whether you're a tenant, landlord or looking to rent. We'll call you back today."

Out of hours: "You've reached Northside Electrical. We're closed now and open from 8am Monday to Friday. Leave your name, number and the job, and we'll call you first thing."

Mistakes to avoid

  • Promising a call-back time you can't keep.
  • Reading out your website address letter by letter.
  • Background noise from the van or site.
  • Leaving an old greeting up after your hours change.

Where Pickuply fits

If you'd rather callers spoke to someone instead of a beep, Pickuply answers the calls you miss, asks for those same details in conversation, answers simple questions and emails you the result.

Free to try on a call in your browser. No card needed. Or start without a website.

Questions

How long should a voicemail greeting be?

Aim for under 20 seconds. Name, call-back time and what to leave is enough.

Should I give my mobile number on the voicemail?

Only if you want those calls. Usually it's better to point people to your website or say when you'll call back.