Voicemail greeting examples you can copy today
A good voicemail greeting says who the caller reached, what to leave (name, number and a short message), and when they'll hear back. Keep it to 15 to 25 seconds, give an alternative for urgent calls, and update it for holidays. The voicemail greeting examples below cover business, after-hours, out of office and industry messages.
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What is a good professional voicemail greeting?
Short, clear and specific. These work for a direct line, a desk phone or a work cell.
Standard professional greeting
Hi, you've reached [Name] at [Company]. I'm away from the phone right now. Please leave your name, number and a brief message, and I'll return your call by the end of the day.
Brief greeting
You've reached [Name] with [Company]. Leave a message and I'll call you back as soon as I can.
Greeting with an alternate contact
Hello, this is [Name], [Title] at [Company]. I'm unable to take your call. Please leave a message after the tone. If you need help right away, you can reach [Colleague] at [phone number] or email [email address].
What should a business voicemail greeting say?
For a main business line, confirm the business name, set expectations for a callback, and point urgent callers somewhere useful.
Main business line
Thank you for calling [Business Name]. All of our team members are helping other customers right now. Please leave your name, number and the reason for your call, and we'll get back to you within [one business day].
Business line with online booking
Thanks for calling [Business Name]. We're sorry we missed you. You can book an appointment any time at [website]. Or leave a message with your name and number, and we'll call you back today.
Sales line
Hi, you've reached the sales team at [Business Name]. Leave your name, number and what you're looking for, and we'll call you back with a quote. For faster service, you can request one online at [website].
What should an after-hours voicemail say?
Give your hours so callers know when to expect you, and an option for emergencies if you offer one.
After-hours greeting
Thank you for calling [Business Name]. We're closed right now. Our hours are [Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.]. Please leave a message, and we'll return your call on the next business day.
After hours with an emergency number
You've reached [Business Name] after hours. If this is an emergency, please call our on-call line at [phone number]. Otherwise, leave your name and number and we'll call you back first thing in the morning.
What is a good out of office voicemail greeting?
Say when you're back and who can help in the meantime. Out of office greetings get the most use in late December.
Vacation
Hi, you've reached [Name] at [Company]. I'm out of the office until [Monday, January 5] with limited access to messages. For anything urgent, please contact [Colleague] at [phone number]. Otherwise, leave a message and I'll call you when I'm back.
Holiday closure
Thank you for calling [Business Name]. Our office is closed for the holidays from [December 24] through [January 1]. We'll reopen on [January 2]. Please leave a message and we'll get back to you then. Happy holidays.
Away at a conference or training
Hello, this is [Name]. I'm away at [event] through [Thursday] and returning calls in the evenings. Please leave your name, number and a short message, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
What voicemail greeting works for plumbers, HVAC and electricians?
Tradespeople are on a job when the phone rings. Tell callers how to get urgent help and what details to leave so you can quote on the callback.
Plumber
Thanks for calling [Company Name] Plumbing. We're on a job right now. If you have a burst pipe or no water, call our emergency line at [phone number]. Otherwise, leave your name, address and a quick description of the problem, and we'll call you back today.
HVAC company
You've reached [Company Name] Heating and Air. Please leave your name, number and whether you need heating, cooling or maintenance. If you have no heat or no air conditioning, say so in your message and we'll call you back first.
Electrician
Hi, you've reached [Name] at [Company Name] Electric. I'm on a job site and can't answer. If you smell burning or see sparking, turn off the breaker and call 911. For everything else, leave your name, number and address, and I'll call you back this afternoon.
What voicemail greeting works for a practice or office?
Medical, dental, legal, real estate and salon callers usually want an appointment or a callback. Make both easy.
Dental office
Thank you for calling [Practice Name]. Our team is with patients right now. Please leave your name, date of birth and the best number to reach you, and we'll call you back today. If you're having a dental emergency after hours, call [phone number].
Medical office
You've reached [Practice Name]. If this is a medical emergency, hang up and dial 911. To request a prescription refill or appointment, leave your name, date of birth and callback number, and our staff will return your call within [one business day].
Law firm
Thank you for calling [Firm Name]. Please leave your name, phone number and a brief description of your legal matter, and an attorney or paralegal will return your call within [one business day]. Please don't leave confidential details in this message.
Real estate agent
Hi, you've reached [Name] with [Brokerage]. I'm probably showing a home right now. Leave your name, number and the property you're calling about, and I'll call you back within the hour. You can also text me at this number.
Salon
Thanks for calling [Salon Name]. We're with clients right now. You can book online any time at [website], or leave your name, number and the service you'd like, and we'll call you back to find a time.
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Hear your greeting freeCommon questions
How long should a voicemail greeting be?
Aim for 15 to 25 seconds. Long enough to name your business and tell callers what to leave, short enough that they don't hang up before the tone.
What should I say in my voicemail greeting?
Say who they've reached, ask for their name, number and the reason for the call, and tell them when you'll call back. Add an urgent-help option or your website if it saves callers time.
What is the best voicemail greeting for a small business?
One that names the business, promises a specific callback time, and points to online booking or an emergency line. The business greetings above follow that pattern.
Can I use a professionally recorded voicemail greeting on my cell phone?
Yes. Cell phone voicemail only records through the phone's microphone, so play the finished greeting from a laptop or second phone while your phone records it. On a business phone system you upload the file instead.
Should I change my voicemail greeting for holidays?
Yes. Say which days you're closed and when you reopen, then switch back afterward. Recording it ahead of time makes the swap a one-minute job.