Voicemail greetings · Small business
Small business voicemail greeting examples
A small business greeting has one job: keep the caller from hanging up and calling someone else. Say who they reached, when they'll hear back, and exactly what to leave.
Every script below is ready to record. Replace anything in [brackets], read it out loud once, and keep it under 30 seconds. Want one written for your exact business? Try the free voicemail greeting generator.
What to ask callers to leave
- Their name
- The best number to call back
- What they need, in a sentence
- When is a good time to reach them
10 small business voicemail greetings
“Thanks for calling [Business]. We can't get to the phone right now, but we will call you back today. Leave your name, number and what you need, and we'll be in touch shortly.”
“Hi, you've reached [your name] at [Business]. I'm with a customer right now. Leave your name, number and a quick note about what you need, and I'll call you back within [two hours] during business hours.”
“Thanks for calling [Business]. We're closed right now. Our hours are [hours]. Leave your name, number and what you need, and we'll call you back first thing [tomorrow morning].”
“You've reached [Business]. We've stepped away for a few minutes and will be back by [time]. Leave a message and we'll return your call as soon as we're back.”
“Thanks for calling [Business]. We're busier than usual right now and helping other customers. Please leave your name, number and what you need. We return every message the same day.”
“Thanks for calling [Business]. We're closed for the weekend and back on [Monday] at [time]. Leave your name, number and details, and we'll call you back on [Monday].”
“Happy holidays from [Business]. We're closed from [date] through [date] and back on [date]. Leave your name, number and what you need, and we'll call you back when we reopen.”
“Thanks for calling [Business]. We can't answer right now. You can also find our hours and services at [website]. Or leave your name and number, and we'll call you back today.”
“Hi! You've reached [Business]. Sorry we missed you. Leave your name and number and we'll call you right back.”
“Thanks for calling [Business]. If this is about an existing order, please leave your name and order number. For anything new, leave your name, number and what you need. We'll call you back today.”
The catch with any voicemail greeting
Even a great greeting only works if the caller leaves a message, and a lot of callers hang up and try the next business instead. Riley answers those calls live in your business's name, takes the same details these greetings ask for, and emails them to you.
Tips for a small business greeting that works
- Keep it under 25 seconds; long greetings lose callers.
- Promise a callback time you can keep, then keep it.
- Record in a quiet room and smile while you talk; it carries.
- Update it before holidays and vacations, so callers aren't told you're open when you're not.
How to record your new greeting
- iPhone: Phone app → Voicemail → Greeting → Custom → Record.
- Android: Phone app → menu → Settings → Voicemail → Greeting (wording varies by phone), or dial your voicemail and follow the prompts.
- Office or VoIP line: look for “greeting” in your phone system's settings or voicemail menu.