Voicemail greetings are an important element of your business’s phone system because they’re often the first impression customers will have. Creating a really good voicemail greeting is a unique opportunity that you can use to impress customers by putting your best face on, while increasing the chances that you’ll retain their business in those times when you can’t answer the phone.
You should feel free to get creative with it if you like, or go with a more straightforward style if that seems to fit better for your business. No matter what style you decide to use, we’re including some simple guidelines that you can reference when you record your greeting.
The second portion of this article has 36 scripts that you can either take word-for-word or use as a jumping-off point to create your own. But first, let’s go over 4 basic elements that every professional voicemail greeting should have.
Validation
When someone calls your business and reaches your voicemail, they should get from you one of 2 basic sentiments: The voicemail greeting should either thank them for their call or apologize for missing it. Of course, it’s completely fine if you do both, but make sure you hit at least one of those bases.
Information
This is a point where so many business voicemail greetings fall short, and it’s something you have to include as a standard matter of course. The cardinal rule when recording your greeting is to provide the caller with all the information that they need, at least the basic information.
Did they reach the right person and the right business? Can they leave a message? Office hours?
Also, if there is a more expedient way to get in touch with you, such as through email, then this is something you might include, as well. We tend to overlook or neglect the simplest, yet vital things, which is why it’s important to remember this point.
Length
If you have a very long greeting, then there’s a good chance that you will lose potential customers who become frustrated with waiting to leave a message and just hang up. Keep it short, pleasant, and concise. The best recordings run between 10 and 30 seconds.
Motivation
Someone is calling you because they’re interested, and that’s step one. Once they’ve reached your voicemail, you’re then in a position to either retain or lose a potential customer. Listening to a voicemail greeting is mostly about waiting, and while waiting for their turn to speak, the caller is deciding whether or not it’s worth their time to wait.
The greatest key to a professional voicemail greeting is to motivate someone to leave a message, so that you can retain their business, and you do that by getting into his or her good graces in under a minute. As you can see by the examples we’re providing here, that’s actually not as hard as it sounds.
For a more in-depth perspective on creating the perfect voicemail greeting, check out our prior article on the subject.
Recommended reading:
How to Record a Good Voicemail Greeting: What Your Callers Aren’t Telling You.
Try These Voicemail Greetings on for Size
Sometimes you just can’t answer the phone, and that’s totally fine. But what your caller hears next is your chance to stand out. A good voicemail greeting can set the tone, make someone smile, and keep things feeling friendly and professional.
Some of our examples give you an idea of how to use humor in a way that entertains the caller without being distasteful or inappropriate. (This is important!) You can probably come up with even better ideas, but the key is to say something mildly funny that your caller will enjoy… and then quickly forget.
Let’s take a look at a few voicemail greetings that keep things light while still sounding like you know what you’re doing.
Fun Voicemail Greetings
Elaborate jokes or dark/questionable humor can backfire and offend your customers. To illustrate the right way to do it, here are a few voicemail greeting examples that you can take and use today.
You have reached ____ (your name) at ____ (your business). Thank you for your call. Please leave your name, number, and message…
- …and I’ll call you back as soon as I put this fire out.
- …and I’ll return your call as soon as possible. Losing your business would make me very sad.
- …Sorry I missed your call. If you’re a telemarketer, then I’m definitely not sorry. If you’re not a telemarketer, then I’ll return your call as soon as possible. Thanks!
- …If your phone has a Lady Gaga ring-back tone, then I can’t guarantee I’ll wait for you to answer.
- …I would thank you for calling, but I haven’t heard what you have to say yet. Just kidding! I’ll return your call as soon as possible. Thanks!
- …If you’re Jennifer Lawrence, call my emergency line. (Insert your celebrity crush here.)
- …I’m sorry I missed your call, but I’m kind of a big deal. People know me. I have many leather-bound books. Just kidding! I’ll call you back as soon as possible. Thanks!
- …unless this is about extended car warranties. In that case, you already know what to do.
- …I’ll call you back as soon as I finish explaining to my dog why he can’t go to work with me.
- …If this is my boss, I’m working hard. If it’s not, I’m definitely on a beach somewhere. Leave a message!
Straightforward Voicemail Greeting Examples
Doing it straight may be the best route to take, and this is always a great way to show your professionalism. Remember to keep it brief and get right to the point. Here are some direct professional voicemail greeting examples:
You have reached ____ (your name) at ____ (your business)…
- …Please leave your name, number, and a brief message, and I’ll return your call as soon as possible.
- …I’m sorry, but I’m momentarily tied up. Please leave your name and number, and I’ll get right back to you.
- …Thanks for calling. Please leave your name, number, and a quick message. I’ll call you back as soon as I can.
- …Sorry I missed your call. I’m busy right now but will call you back soon. Please leave your name, number, and a message. Thanks!
- … I’m sorry I can’t take your call right now. Please leave your name, number, and a message. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. Thanks!
Out-Of-Office Voicemail Greetings
Even the busiest professionals need a break. Whether you’re enjoying some sunshine, visiting family, or simply stepping away from your desk, your voicemail can still do the talking.
These out-of-office voicemail greetings keep things polite and professional while adding a bit of personality. Pick one, relax, and let your message do the work while you’re away.
You have reached ____ (your name) at ____ (your business). Thank you for your call. Please leave your name, number, and message…
- …I’m currently out of the office and pretending email doesn’t exist. I’ll return your call when I’m back.
- …I’m away from the office right now and probably wearing flip-flops. I’ll return your call as soon as I return to the real world.
- …If this is urgent, please contact my colleague at _____. If not, leave your info and I’ll get back to you once I’m back from vacation.
- …I’m taking a short break and will be back on ____ (return date). Leave a message, and I’ll call you once I’m back at my desk.
- …I’m out of the office recharging. Please leave your details, and I’ll reach out once my inbox is full and I’m stressed again.
- …I’m away from work until ____ (return date). If you leave your name and number, I’ll follow up when I return.
- …I’m currently unavailable due to an out-of-office situation that involves sunshine and no cell service. I’ll return your call soon!
Create greetings that reflect your professionalism. Talkroute shows you how.
After-Hours Voicemail Greeting Examples
When someone calls after business hours, it’s important to let them know you’re not available but still sound polite, clear, and approachable. Here are a few after-hours voicemail greeting examples you can use or tweak to fit your style:
You have reached ____ (your name) at ____ (your business). Thank you for your call. Please leave your name, number, and message…
- …I’ve stepped away for the day. If you leave your details, I’ll return your call first thing in the morning.
- …Our office is currently closed, but your call matters. Please leave your message, and I’ll follow up during business hours.
- …I’m away from my desk and probably in pajamas. Leave a message, and I’ll call you back tomorrow.
- …We’re closed right now, but if you leave your name and number, we’ll get back to you when we open.
- …I’m out of the office for the evening, but if you leave a message, I’ll respond as soon as I’m back.
- …If you’re calling after hours, thanks for your patience. Leave your info, and I’ll be in touch during our next workday.
- …I’m off for the night. Please leave your name, number, and a brief message, and I’ll return your call the next business day.
Holiday-Themed Voicemail Greeting Examples
During the holidays, it’s fine to add a bit of personality to your voicemail. These greetings let callers know you’re taking a break, but you’ll be back soon. Here are some holiday voicemail examples that keep it light and friendly:
You have reached ____ (your name) at ____ (your business). Thank you for your call. Please leave your name, number, and message…
- …I’m currently out of the office enjoying too much pie. I’ll return your call after the holiday.
- …Happy holidays! I’m away from the office for some rest and awkward family dinners. Leave a message, and I’ll follow up after the break.
- …I’m taking a short break for the holidays. If you leave your details, I’ll reach out once I’ve caught up on emails and leftovers.
- …I’m out celebrating the season and spending time with family. Leave your name and number, and I’ll get back to you after the holidays.
- …Our office is closed for the holiday, but your call is still important. Please leave a message, and we’ll respond when we return.
- …I’m currently away for the holiday. If you don’t hear from me soon, it’s because I’m still trying to untangle holiday lights.
- …I’ll be out of the office until ____ (return date). Leave your message, and I’ll respond as soon as I’m back, with way too much holiday cheer.
Whether you decide to go for a funny, professional, or really creative voicemail greeting, your business will be better for it!
Recommended reading:
6 Ways Your Voicemail Can Make or Break Your Business
Give Every Caller a Reason to Come Back with Talkroute
Talkroute makes your business communication simple, flexible, and professional. You can take calls, send texts, and join meetings from your computer or phone, no special equipment needed. Whether you’re in the office or on the move, your team can stay connected, organized, and responsive.
Instead of hiring full-time receptionists to answer phones all day, Talkroute helps you build a smarter answering service. You can route every business call to the right team member, set up a professional greeting that guides callers, and use voicemail options that feel personal, without needing to answer phone calls anymore if you’re busy.
Memorable First Impressions
With Talkroute, you can set a welcoming tone right from the start. Your professional greeting guides callers through menu options and gives a professional sign-off when the call ends. This helps your caller feel acknowledged and shows that your team values their time.
Custom Messages That Fit Your Brand
Add funny voicemail greetings for a more relaxed approach or a long answering machine message if you want to provide relevant information like store hours or holiday schedules. It’s all up to you.
Time and Value Communication
Every call matters. With smart call routing, your team members create better experiences by handling calls only when available and routing calls to the right agents. This saves your team’s time and your callers’ patience.
An Answering Service That Feels Human
You can upload custom messages, direct calls to voicemail, and even share a secret code with VIP callers to reach a direct line or bypass long menus. It’s a great way to encourage callers to reach out again.
Built for Busy Business Days
Whether it’s 9 a.m. or after hours, Talkroute helps you maintain professionalism at all times. You won’t lose leads just because you couldn’t pick up. Instead, you’ll leave a memorable impression and stay in control of how your business sounds.
Create greetings that reflect your brand voice. Try Talkroute now!
FAQs About Fun Professional Voicemail Greetings
What is the best professional voicemail greeting?
A good professional voicemail greeting is short, polite, and clear. It confirms your business name, thanks the caller, and tells them to leave a message. A confident voicemail greeting shows respect for the caller’s time and helps make a positive impression. Example: “Thank you for calling [Business Name]. I’m unavailable right now. Please leave your name, number, and a brief message. I’ll return your call as soon as possible.” A well-crafted message like this keeps things professional and avoids missing important calls.
What are some good voicemail ideas?
Fun professional voicemail greetings can match your business personality while still sounding professional. Some voicemail message ideas include a consistent voicemail greeting for business hours, a funny voicemail that makes callers smile, or creative voicemail greeting examples that help engage callers. All messages typically inform callers when to expect a callback, what info to leave, and who they’ve reached. A good voicemail should help the caller feel heard and valued.
What to say in a custom voice message?
Your custom voicemail greeting should thank the caller, say your name and business name, and ask them to leave their name, number, and a brief description. A confident voicemail greeting helps improve customer service. Use phrases like “please leave a message after the beep” and offer an alternative contact method if needed. You can also use pre-recorded messages with Talkroute to handle phone calls when you’re busy.
What to say in an out-of-office voicemail?
Out-of-office voicemail greeting examples should be short and helpful. Say you’re away, when you’ll return, and offer another contact number or an assistant’s phone number. A business voicemail like “Thank you for calling. I’m out of the office and will be back on [Date]. For urgent help, please contact [Team Member]. Otherwise, leave your name, number, and a brief message, and I’ll return your call soon.” This works well. Talkroute makes it easy to update your voicemail greeting, redirect customer calls, and keep a professional voicemail greeting even during a busy schedule.
Stephanie
Stephanie is the Marketing Director at Talkroute and has been featured in Forbes, Inc, and Entrepreneur as a leading authority on business and telecommunications.
Stephanie is also the chief editor and contributing author for the Talkroute blog helping more than 200k entrepreneurs to start, run, and grow their businesses.
