As the holidays approach and you begin to tick off your end of year checklist, you’ll need to start thinking about creating your business voicemail greeting. As your team is likely exceptionally busy during this time, it might seem easier to just go with the same generic greeting on your telephony service. But taking that extra step with your seasonal voicemail recording can really make all the difference. It allows you to show your festive side, connect the message to your brand, and personalise it to your audience.

Of course, coming up with the perfect seasonal greeting can be a challenge. You’d want it to be meaningful and culture savvy, while still keeping it professional. To make this process easier, we’re offering you a few tips and guidelines to hit the right notes when recording your festive season greetings. 

VoIP voicemail greeting tips

Make it informative

Whether you’re shutting down for the holiday period, operating on reduced hours or on skeleton staff, it’s professional etiquette to advise your clients of your availability. Record your message at least two weeks before any changes take effect so customers can have enough time to prepare. Include all relevant details, including the times you will be away and alternative methods to get in touch with you. It is also a good idea to reassure them that you will respond to their message as soon as you’re available. 

Incorporate your brand’s voice into your message

Holiday wishes should be added to the beginning or the end of your greeting, to distinguish it from your standard business voicemail. Remember that your voicemail is a powerful tool to build your company image. Even though the holidays give you an opportunity to have fun with and get creative with your voice messages, your particular tone of your voice and choice of words should deliver a great impression of your brand identity.

Stay away from religious messaging

Many of the people calling your business are not celebrating the festive season the same way. In the interest of diversity and inclusiveness, your voicemail greeting should apply to anyone of any religion as well as non-religious practitioners. Therefore it’s best to use phrases like “Happy holidays” and “season’s greetings” instead of “Merry Christmas.”

• READ MORE: The obstacles that VoIP can help you overcome

If you’re out of the office, a VoIP voicemail greeting will be the first point of contact your clients and prospects have with your business. Not only will they appreciate knowing the duration of your business closure but also the effort you’ve put into making your greeting special. We encourage you to update your voicemail with your favourite greeting from the list above or use them as inspiration for your own unique greeting.