Example to hear · 0:18
Team busy, caller holds
Thanks for calling Ironbark Joinery. The whole team is either on the tools or on another call right now. Please hang on for a moment and someone will be with you as soon as they can.
When nobody can answer
Business voicemail greeting
A good voicemail greeting tells callers three things: they have the right business, why nobody picked up, and what to do next. Keep it to three or four sentences. Longer greetings lose people before the beep.
Voicemail scripts
Replace everything in square brackets, then play the result in the generator.
Main line
Message after the tone
You've reached [business name]. We can't take your call right now. Leave your name, your number and a few words about what you need after the tone, and we'll ring you back today.
Desk phone
Staff member in a meeting
Hi, this is [first name] from [business name]. I'm in a meeting or on another call. Leave a message and I'll get back to you, or press zero to reach reception.
Work mobile
Tradie on site
G'day, you've got [first name] from [business name]. I'm on a job and can't grab the phone. Tell me who you are, which suburb you're in and what the job is. I return calls tonight.
Professional practice
Reception unavailable
Reception at [practice name] is with another client at the moment. You can book an appointment online at any time, or leave your details after the tone and we'll return your call.
Shop
With trading hours
[shop name] trades Tuesday to Saturday, [09:00] to [17:30]. Leave a message after the tone and we'll call you back during trading hours.
What the studio taught us
01
Name first
Callers want to know straight away that they’ve dialled the right number. Your business name belongs in the first sentence.
02
One clear request
“Leave your name, your number and what it’s about.” One instruction gets useful messages. A list of options gets confused ones.
03
A promise you can keep
“We’ll ring you back today” builds trust, as long as someone actually does. Promise only what the team can deliver.
04
Under twenty seconds
After that, callers start hanging up before the tone. Detailed information belongs on your website.
Questions
Should a tradie’s greeting sound casual?
A relaxed tone suits a trades business, and “G’day” is fine on a work mobile. Keep the request clear, though: name, suburb and job. That is what you need to quote.
Can I mention my mobile number in the greeting?
Yes. Put it near the end and say it slowly, in the groups people use. Callers are reaching for a pen by then.
How do I put the greeting on my phone?
On most mobile services you record it by calling your voicemail and playing the file. Business phone systems often accept an upload. Our guide to changing your greeting covers both.