Is Your Voicemail Message Scaring Off Customers?

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As a contractor, a phone call will likely be the first impression that a client will have of you. However, if you are unable to take the call the first time they try to reach you, your voicemail will set an expectation of what’s to come. This is why recording a professional voicemail is instrumental in your communication strategy

It only takes thirty seconds to set up, but many contractors fail to use their voicemail to their advantage. To learn more about what and what not to do when it comes to your greeting, read on!

The Unprofessional Voicemail

Imagine this: You’re a homeowner looking for a contractor to complete a small project. You call a contractor that you found online. The phone rings a few times and when no one answers, it is sent to voicemail. 

Preparing to leave a message, you are presented with the default voicemail box recording bearing no name and no customized greeting stating the name of the business. Not even a simple message stating the phone number you’ve just dialed. Instead of leaving a message stating that you have a potential job, you hang up, fearing that you’ve dialed the wrong number or worse, this small mistake is an indicator of that contractor’s professionalism.

Avoiding the Voicemail Mistake

You could do all the right things in marketing, yet homeowners could be very well scared off by a voicemail and choose to not pursue one’s services. Common voicemail faux pas include: 

  • Voicemail is not set up
  • Voicemail box is full
  • Generic default recording with no company-specific information
  • Default message only states the phone number (no personal or company name)
  • Personal greeting with no professional identification (ex. family home number)
  • Custom greeting was recorded in a loud and inaudible environment
  • Greeting is unflattering and possibly scaring off customers
  • Custom greeting is a loud thrash-metal song (CraftJack has encountered this many times…seriously)

So now that you know what NOT to do, let’s take a look at what you should do.

How to Craft the Perfect Voicemail

When creating your custom voicemail, keep the following notes in mind.

Identify yourself and your company. If you take anything from this article, this is the biggest one! Make sure you say who you are and the name of your company/what you do. We’ll talk more about specifics in the next section.

It’s okay to write down your message. If you’re having trouble remembering exactly what you need to say, feel free to write it down. However, you’ll want to be careful not to sound as if you are reading it from a script. Practice it until you are comfortable. 

Go somewhere quiet when you record. Don’t try to record your voicemail while on the job site or driving. While you want people to know you’re in construction, that doesn’t mean a jackhammer should be going in the background. Record in a quiet location for the best sound quality. 

Sound positive and don’t rush. Be warm, welcoming, and authentic in your recording. One of the best ways to do this is to simply smile when you record. You may feel silly doing it, but it will make your greeting sound more upbeat. Also, don’t feel like you have to rush through the message. Take your time.

Update it time to time. Occasionally, you’ll want to go back and make sure everything you say in a voicemail is still accurate. You can also change up your voicemail seasonally to keep your greeting fresh.

Professional Voicemail Examples for Contractors

Need a little help crafting the perfect voicemail? We have you covered. Here are a few examples of professional voicemail templates for contractors. 

Example 1: Hi, you’ve reached [NAME] with [BUSINESS NAME]. Sorry I was unable to answer the phone. Leave your name, number, and a little bit about what you need, and I’ll get back to you shortly!

Example 2: Hi there! You’ve reached [NAME], [POSITION] at [BUSINESS NAME]. Leave a message with your name, number, and reason for calling and I’ll give you a call back as soon as possible. Have a great day!

Example 3: Hi, this is [NAME] with [BUSINESS]. I’m busy at the moment helping a client [build their dream pool, put a strong roof over their head, etc] I hope I can do the same for you! Leave your name and number, and I’ll get back with you soon. Thanks!

Check Your Voicemail Greeting Tonight

Check your voicemail to see if it needs improvement. If what you hear does not capture the essence of what you want your business to portray, change it immediately. People looking to drop a few thousand dollars into a relatively large project in their home, may not invest that hard-earned cash into a company whose voicemail message is hasty and rude. It’s just one of many easy communication tactics you can perfect. 

(Flickr photo by the_defiance)