Voicemail Automation - Simple Is Good

1. Ringless Voicemail: You’re probably doing it wrong. Tips for automated voicemail marketing Historically, less and less people pick up their phones anymore –that’s a fact. The first touchpoint with your lead or prospect is often voicemail. It is also your chance at making a good impression, so don’t mess it up! Since nobody likes calling people to get voicemail 90 times out of a hundred, we have tools to automate leaving voicemails, in bulk. Many businesses use these voicemail automation tools, but use them in a way that is completely wrong. Here are our tips to improve the results of your campaigns, based on our extensive experience and continuous research. These common-sense tips apply to any business in any industry, but for the purpose of this illustration, we’ll “pick” on automotive dealers. First, Voicemail is NOT a commercial You’re setting yourself up for failure if you use automated voicemail drops as a broadcast, commercial-like message. This isn’t radio and this voice mailbox does not belong to you. Be polite and respectful. To the recipient, your voicemail needs to feel like you dialed their number and are leaving a voicemail for them. Speak TO them, not AT them. A bad example: Hi, this SoandSo from ABC Sales. I want to tell you about XYZ! We have a promotion you need to take advantage of right now. It is the best time to buy. I will give you $X,000 in incentive credits and 0% down. Best of all, bring me your trade for top dollar. You have to act now – this promotion is over in 10 days. Call or text (555) 555 5555.

2. This is the kind of tone you’d expect from a bad radio commercial, not a voicemail. This is supposed to feel like someone they’ve not talked to in some time called them and left them a voicemail, remember? While you may get some responses from those who may be interested, you will get many, many more negative reactions. You’ve not only failed to get them interested in your offer, you’ve also closed the door on future business with them. Why? You just barged into their space in muddy boots and a bullhorn. We’ve seen some very negative responses using tone along similar lines, including complaints and negative reviews. The lesson? Treat someone’s voice mailbox with utmost care and respect if you want positive responses and minimal negative reactions. A better example: Hi, this is SoandSo from ABC Sales. I’m looking at your file with us and I see you bought a CAR/TRUCK/VAN from us a while ago. I wanted to connect and see if you’d consider moving up to a current model, as we’re a bit stuck for trades at the moment. Let me know if you’re interested – call or text me at (555) 555 5555. Hope to speak with you soon! Alright, let’s unpack this: Hi, this is SoandSo from ABC Sales. Good, always introduce yourself I’m looking at your file with us and I see you bought a CAR/TRUCK/VAN from us a while ago. This lets them know right away that you have a prior relationship with them and that you are sitting at your desk, looking at their file, giving it your attention. Hopefully this is enough to stop them from pressing “7” and deleting your message immediately. I wanted to connect and see if you’d consider moving up to a current model, as we’re a bit stuck for trades at the moment. Light, personal, human. In addition to showing personal attention, it also shows a bit of vulnerability – you’re hinting some weakness and almost asking them for a personal favour. Respectful, not pushy. Your goal here is to get a response, start a conversation. Let me know if you’re interested – call or text me at (555) 555 5555. Hope to speak with you soon! Cordial, personal closing –the kind you’d expect on a hand-dialed phone call and getting voicemail. You know, human. Get it? Pro tip: “Please call me back” does not work as well as “let me know if you’re interested”. One is homework, the other a question. People are naturally more inclined to answer questions than do what feels like work. Don’t try to sell on a voicemail drop. This is generally a really bad idea. This is not a sales call – you will fail miserably. This is an invitation to a conversation. Trying to sell on a voicemail drop is much more likely to elicit a strong negative response than a positive one. Yes, you may get some positives, but zoom out for a second and take inventory of the positive responses versus the negative. It’s probably a metric you’re not using. The negative responses effectively shut the door on any possibility of doing business with them in the future and you’re sticking your neck out opening yourself up to complaints, bad reviews and a bad word-of-mouth publicity. Hear your voicemail message with the ears of the recipient. Would you return the call or would you think “Nah, this sounds like hard work”? Take the “me”, “we” and “I” out of it.It’s not about you. “I want this” or “We’re offering that”, “great savings” and other similar phrases focusing on you or your offer are destined for the “7” key, even before the message plays. Take the “me” out of it. Shift the focus from you to them. It’s about them, always. The “me” tone and attempts at hard selling are the top two reasons why people react negatively to your voicemails.

3. Sound human! Speak with confidence and don’t be in a rush. You don’t want your voicemail sound overly rehearsed and flawless either. You’re not a DJ or a voice actor –don’t try to be one here. Use a friendly tone – do not sound demanding (“call me back!”) or desperate (“call me back when you get this!”). Give them some heads up when you’re about to get to the phone number –you can say “my phone number is…” giving them some time to get their “number ears” on or reach for a pen to write it down. Again, you’re looking to start a conversation.