Voicemail Strategies That Get Call-Backs
The Voicemail Reality
Most decision makers won't answer unknown numbers. That means voicemail isn't a backup plan – it's your primary communication channel. Mastering voicemail is essential for sales success.
The goal isn't to leave a perfect message. It's to leave a message that gets a response.
The Perfect Voicemail Length
Ideal length: 20-30 seconds
Too short: Under 15 seconds – lacks context and value
Too long: Over 45 seconds – gets deleted, unheard
Think of voicemail like an elevator pitch – concise, compelling, and respectful of time.
Anatomy of a High-Response Voicemail
Every effective voicemail has 5 elements:
- Hook (first 3 seconds) – Grab attention immediately
- Value proposition (next 10 seconds) – Why should they care?
- Credibility (next 5 seconds) – Why should they trust you?
- Call to action (next 5 seconds) – What should they do?
- Contact info (final 3 seconds) – How do they reach you?
That's it. Anything extra dilutes your message.
Proven Voicemail Scripts
Script 1: The Referral Approach
"Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] from [Your Company]. [Mutual Connection] suggested I reach out – he thought you'd be interested in how we helped [Similar Company] [specific result]. I'll send an email with details. My number is [Phone]. Talk soon."
Why it works: Name-dropping creates instant credibility.
Script 2: The Result-Focused Approach
"Hi [Name], [Your Name] here from [Your Company]. We recently helped [Competitor/Peer] achieve [specific metric improvement]. I wanted to share briefly how we did it – might be valuable for [Their Company]. I'll email you the case study. [Your Name] at [Your Company], [Phone Number]."
Why it works: Specific results capture attention.
Script 3: The Question Approach
"Hi [Name], [Your Name] from [Your Company]. Quick question – are you currently [doing process/having challenge]? We've developed a solution that [result]. Email me at [Email Address] if you'd like details. [Your Name] from [Your Company]."
Why it works: Questions trigger psychological response.
Script 4: The Follow-Up Approach
"Hi [Name], [Your Name] from [Your Company] following up on my email from [Day]. I know you're busy – just wanted to put a voice to the name. The email covers how we can help with [specific benefit]. Give me a ring if interested. [Your Name], [Phone Number]."
Why it works: References previous touchpoint, shows persistence.
Common Voicemail Mistakes
Mistake 1: Overselling
Bad: "We offer an AI-powered, machine-learning, blockchain-enabled..."
Good: "We help companies reduce costs by 30%."
Mistake 2: Being Too Generic
Bad: "I'd love to discuss how we can help your business."
Good: "I'd like to show you how we helped [Similar Company] save $50K."
Mistake 3: No Call to Action
Bad: "Give me a call if you want."
Good: "I'll email you the case study – call me if you want to discuss."
Mistake 4: Speaking Too Fast
Bad: Rushing through like you're reading a script
Good: Natural pace, clear pronunciation, pause at key points
Post-Voicemail Strategy
Leaving the message is step one. Following up correctly is step two:
- Send email within 10 minutes – "Just left you a voicemail..."
- Reference the voicemail – Creates consistency across channels
- Wait 2-3 days – Give them time to process and respond
- Second voicemail – If no response, leave a brief follow-up
- Move on – After 2-3 voicemails with no response, focus elsewhere
When to Call vs. Leave Voicemail
Call first:
- High-value prospects worth multiple attempts
- Warm introductions or referrals
- When you have something truly valuable to share
Email first:
- Cold outreach to new contacts
- Complex information that needs written explanation
- When you're not confident voicemail will be returned
Measuring Voicemail Success
Track these metrics:
- Callback rate – % of voicemails that get returned
- Response time – How long until they call back
- Conversion rate – % of callbacks that become meetings
- Best-performing scripts – Which messages get the most responses?
Start Getting More Call-Backs
Access direct phone numbers and leave voicemails that get responses with LeadContact. Visit leadcontact.ai to get started!
Key Takeaways:
• Keep voicemails to 20-30 seconds maximum
• Lead with value, not features or jargon
• Always follow up voicemail with email
• Test different scripts and track response rates
Comments
Post a Comment