Most sales voicemails are deleted in the first five seconds because they sound like every other sales voicemail. The ones that get a callback are short, specific and easy to answer. Below are free voicemail scripts written for small sales teams, ready to copy. Replace the words in [brackets] with your own details and read each one out loud until it sounds like you talking, not reading.
Free to use: copy these templates into your playbook, CRM or training deck. If you share them on your blog or with another team, a link back to this page is appreciated.
The 4 parts of a voicemail that gets a callback
- Who you are (5 seconds). Your first name, your company, and nothing else. No titles, no company history.
- Why them (10 seconds). One reason this message is for this person: a referral, a trigger event, a past conversation, a problem common in their industry.
- One small ask (5 seconds). A callback, a reply to an email, or a short call at a time you suggest. Only one.
- Your number, twice (5 seconds). Say it slowly at the start or middle, and again at the end. Many people listen to the end only to catch the number.
Aim for 20 to 30 seconds in total. If a script runs longer, cut the product description first: a voicemail should start a conversation, not replace it.
Cold call voicemail scripts
1. The short and direct cold voicemail
Hi [first name], it is [your name] from [company], [your number]. I work with [type of company] that want to [result, for example book more meetings without hiring]. I have an idea that could help [their company] do the same and I would like to share it in 10 minutes. You can reach me at [your number]. Again, [your name], [your number]. Have a good day.
2. The trigger event voicemail
Hi [first name], [your name] with [company]. I saw that [their company] [is hiring sales reps / opened a new location / launched a new service]. When teams do that, [common problem] usually shows up right after. I have a few ideas on how others handled it. Call me back at [your number], or reply to the email I am sending you today. [Your number].
3. The referral voicemail
Hi [first name], it is [your name] from [company]. [Referrer name] suggested I give you a call about [topic]. [He or she] thought it could be useful for your team because [short reason]. My number is [your number]. I will also send you a short email so you have my details. Again, [your number]. Thanks.
4. The question voicemail
Hi [first name], [your name] at [company]. Quick question for you: how is your team handling [specific problem] right now? I ask because [similar company or industry] told us it was costing them [time or money], and we found a simple fix. Call me at [your number] and I will share what worked. [Your number].
Follow-up voicemail scripts
5. After an email with no reply
Hi [first name], it is [your name] from [company]. I sent you an email on [day] about [topic] and wanted to put a voice to the name. The subject line is [subject]. If it is easier, just reply there with a yes or a no and I will follow your lead. My number is [your number]. Thanks, [first name].
6. After a demo or a first meeting
Hi [first name], [your name] from [company]. Thanks again for your time on [day]. You mentioned [their priority], so I put together [proposal, price or next step] for you. I will email it in a minute. Call me at [your number] if you would like to go over it together, or we can keep our [date] meeting. [Your number].
7. The last voicemail (break-up message)
Hi [first name], it is [your name] at [company]. I have tried to reach you a few times about [topic] and I do not want to keep filling your voicemail. I will assume the timing is not right and close your file for now. If things change, my number is [your number]. All the best.
The break-up message often gets the most replies of a whole sequence, because it is honest and asks for nothing. Only send it when you really mean to stop calling.
Inbound and warm lead voicemail scripts
8. Callback on a web form or demo request
Hi [first name], [your name] from [company], returning your request from [today / this morning] about [product or topic]. I have a couple of quick questions so I can send you the right [price, info or demo]. Please call me back at [your number]. I will also send you an email with a link to book a time if that is easier. [Your number].
9. Customer check-in or renewal
Hi [first name], it is [your name] from [company]. Your [plan or contract] comes up for renewal on [date], and I wanted to make sure everything is working well for your team before then. If there is anything you would change, call me at [your number]. Otherwise I will send a short summary by email. [Your number].
Industry voicemail scripts
10. Real estate voicemail script (expired or old listing)
Hi [first name], [your name] with [brokerage], [your number]. I noticed your home on [street] was listed a while ago and is no longer on the market. I help owners in [neighborhood] who still want to sell, and I have a few ideas on what to do differently this time. No pressure at all. Call or text me at [your number]. Again, [your number].
11. Insurance voicemail script (quote follow-up)
Hi [first name], it is [your name], [licensed agent title] with [agency]. You asked for a quote on [type of insurance] on [day]. I have your options ready, and it takes about 10 minutes to go over them. Call me back at [your number] and I will walk you through them. [Your number]. Thank you.
12. Home services voicemail script (estimate follow-up)
Hi [first name], [your name] from [company]. I am following up on the estimate for [job] at [address or street]. We have openings on [day] and [day] if you would like to get it done before [season or date]. Call me at [your number] and I can lock in a time for you. [Your number].
Voicemail mistakes that kill callbacks
- Talking for a minute or more. Long messages get skipped. Stay under 30 seconds.
- Saying the number too fast, or only once. Say it slowly and twice.
- Pitching the product. Features belong in the conversation, not in the message.
- Sounding scripted. Use the template as a guide and speak naturally. A smile changes your tone.
- Leaving a message on every call. One voicemail every two or three attempts is enough. The rest of the time, hang up and try another time of day.
- Using no follow-up channel. Pair the voicemail with a short email or text so the person can answer in the way they prefer.
When to leave a voicemail, and when to skip it
For cold lists, most calls end on voicemail, and leaving a message every time eats a large part of a rep's day. A common approach is to leave a voicemail on the first and last attempt of a sequence and skip it in between. Warm leads, web form requests, referrals and existing customers are different: for them, a voicemail is almost always worth it.
A power dialer helps here. Zorino skips answering machines automatically, so reps only spend time on live conversations, and they call warm leads back from the client file when a personal message makes sense.
Voicemail rules to respect
A voicemail you record live, during a manual call, is treated like any other sales call. Prerecorded and artificial voice messages are different. In the United States, the FCC treats ringless voicemail drops as calls under the TCPA, so prerecorded messages to cell phones generally need the person's prior express written consent for marketing, and the usual rules apply: the National Do Not Call Registry, your own internal do-not-call list, and calling hours of 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the person's local time. In Canada, the National Do Not Call List and the CRTC Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules apply, and automated messages must identify who is calling and how to reach them. Rules vary by state and province, so check them for every place you call. This page is general information, not legal advice.
More scripts
For openers, gatekeepers and answers to common objections, see our cold calling script templates. If your calls show up as spam, read why calls show as Scam Likely and how to fix it.
Spend less time on voicemail with a dialer
Zorino is a power dialer for teams of 2 to 10. It calls your list one number at a time, skips answering machines, and rings each rep on their own phone only when a real person answers. Callbacks, notes and the Do Not Call list stay in the client file, and managers see calls and talk time for every rep. You can hear it ring your own phone in 2 minutes.