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Voicemail Greeting Tips and Examples

Updated October 2026

A voicemail greeting should be clear and quick. Use this pattern and adapt it to your business.

Step 1: Say who you are

Give your business name so callers know they reached the right place.

Step 2: Say you cannot answer right now

Keep it simple: "We are unable to take your call."

Step 3: Tell them what to leave

Ask for their name, number and a short reason for calling.

Step 4: Say when they can expect a call back

Only promise what you will do, such as "We return calls the next business day."

Step 5: Example

"Thank you for calling Harbor Dental. We cannot take your call right now. Please leave your name, number and a short message, and we will call you back on the next business day. If this is an emergency, please hang up and dial 911."

Step 6: Make it

Type your greeting into HoldBytes, choose a voice and download it.

This guide is general information. Phone systems differ, so check your own system's instructions.