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After hours voicemail script

Cliff Weitzman

Cliff Weitzman

CEO/Founder of Speechify

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When your business operates outside of regular business hours, having a well-crafted after hours voicemail message is essential. It ensures that callers receive the necessary information and feel informed and supported, even when they reach your answering service. In this article, we will discuss the purpose of an after hours voicemail message and provide guidelines for creating an effective script. We will also explore other important after hours voicemail messages and the benefits of using voice over talent, such as Speechify, to create professional voicemail greetings.

After Hours Voicemail Script: Creating a Professional and Informative Message

Creating an effective after-hours voicemail script is crucial for businesses to provide a professional voicemail greeting that leaves a positive first impression on potential customers. The script should include important elements such as the company name, phone number, and business hours, ensuring callers have the necessary contact information and know when they can expect a return call. A brief message is key, conveying clear instructions for leaving a voicemail and emphasizing that their call is important. Consider using voicemail greeting examples or templates as a starting point, tailoring them to suit your small business's needs. Including alternative contact methods like social media or an emergency contact for urgent matters can further enhance customer support. A well-crafted voicemail greeting, recorded with a professional voice-over, reflects the commitment to customer experience and ensures that even after-hours, callers feel valued and supported. When crafting a professional voicemail greeting for your small business, ensure it includes your company name, phone number, and business hours. Deliver a brief message that assures callers their call is important and you will return their call during the next business day. Consider using voicemail greeting examples or templates as a starting point to create a polished and effective voicemail greeting. Include alternative contact methods such as social media or an emergency contact for after-hours situations. A well-crafted voicemail greeting leaves a positive first impression on potential customers and ensures excellent customer support, even outside of regular office hours.

What is the purpose of an after hours voicemail message?

The purpose of an after hours voicemail message is to provide callers with relevant information on your business phone when your business is closed. It allows you to communicate your business hours, offer alternative contact methods, and guide callers on what to do next. An effective after hours voicemail message can leave a positive impression on callers, ensuring they feel acknowledged and informed.

Guidelines for creating your after hours voicemail message:

  1. State Your Business Name: Begin your business voicemail greeting by clearly stating your business name. This helps callers confirm that they've reached the correct company and assures them that they're leaving a message in the right place.
  2. Mention Hours of Operation Upfront: Immediately after stating your business name, your auto attendant should inform callers of your regular business hours. This ensures they are aware of when they can expect a return call or when your business will be open again.
  3. Offer Clear Next Steps: Provide clear instructions on what callers should do next. For example, you can ask them to leave a detailed message with their contact information or direct them to visit your website for self-service options. This helps manage call back expectations and provides a clear path for communication in your after-hours greeting.
  4. Include Other Contact Methods: In addition to leaving a voicemail, a good voicemail greeting should offer alternative contact methods outside your phone system, such as an email address or a link to your social media accounts. This allows callers to explore other avenues for reaching your business or accessing support.
  5. Be Brief: Keep your after hours voicemail message concise and to the point. While it's important to provide necessary information, a brief message ensures callers can leave their message without feeling overwhelmed or frustrated due to long phone calls.
  6. Keep Your Recording Up to Date: Business owners should regularly review and update your after hours voicemail message to reflect any changes in your business hours, contact information, or alternative methods of communication. This helps maintain accurate and relevant information for callers.

Other important after hours voicemail messages:

  1. Company Holiday Schedules: During the holiday season, it's important to inform callers about any changes to your business hours or closures. Create specific holiday voicemail greetings to ensure callers are aware of the timeframe during which your business will be unavailable.
  2. General Business Closures: If your business needs to close unexpectedly due to unforeseen circumstances, such as inclement weather or emergencies, create an after-hours voicemail message that notifies callers about the closure and provides alternative contact options if necessary.

Using voice over talent to create after hours voicemail messages

To create a professional voicemail greeting, consider utilizing voice over talent. Voice actors can deliver your message with clarity, warmth, and professionalism. This leaves a positive first impression on callers and ensures that your voicemail sounds polished and well-crafted.

Explore Speechify as an AI voice over alternative

Speechify offers an AI-powered voice over solution that allows you to generate natural-sounding voice recordings quickly and easily. With a variety of voices and accents to choose from, Speechify enables you to create professional voicemail greetings that align with your brand image and cater to your target audience. In conclusion, crafting an effective after hours voicemail message is crucial for providing excellent customer support and leaving a positive impression on callers. By following the guidelines outlined above, you can create a brief, informative, and professional voicemail greeting that keeps callers informed and provides clear next steps. Additionally, consider utilizing voice over talent or AI voice over solutions like Speechify to elevate the quality and professionalism of your after hours voicemail messages. Remember, a well-crafted voicemail greeting reflects your commitment to customer experience and helps maintain effective communication even outside of regular business hours.

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Cliff Weitzman

Cliff Weitzman

CEO/Founder of Speechify

Cliff Weitzman is a dyslexia advocate and the CEO and founder of Speechify, the #1 text-to-speech app in the world, totaling over 100,000 5-star reviews and ranking first place in the App Store for the News & Magazines category. In 2017, Weitzman was named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list for his work making the internet more accessible to people with learning disabilities. Cliff Weitzman has been featured in EdSurge, Inc., PC Mag, Entrepreneur, Mashable, among other leading outlets.

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