Telephone Hang Ups Costing You Business? [ 8 Solutions ]

As someone in the business of helping clients to generate more business from the Internet, it comes as a shock to many of them that web visitors often call!

However, it’s also common when they reach a voicemail that they just hang up and call the next company.

This is why it’s critically important to take measures to ensure your business isn’t hemorrhaging opportunities through hang ups.

What’s the first step?

Well, it’s tough to know that you are losing business from hang ups because if you aren’t tracking your phone calls how would you know if someone hung up before leaving a message?  For this very reason we are huge advocates for setting up call tracking.  This is something straightforward to do and is something client after client has thanked us for.

Getting back to missed calls and hang ups.  How often do you not answer your phone because you are, out of the office, in a meeting, on another call or fear that it will be a salesperson trying to eat up precious time from your day.

These reasons are common and it’s not always possible for us to answer our phone. However, even if we can’t answer every call there are still a number of ways you can ensure that you don’t lose the opportunity!

There are several strategies you can implement to encourage customers to leave a message when they call your business. Here are some tips:

1. Professional Voicemail Greeting:

Ensure your voicemail greeting is clear, professional, and inviting. Let customers know their call is important and you will return their call promptly.

Example Script:

“Hello, you’ve reached [Your Name] at [Your Business]. I’m currently unavailable to take your call, but your call is very important to us. Please leave your name, number, and a brief message, and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!”

2. Provide Incentives:

Offer an incentive for leaving a message, such as a discount or special offer.

Example:

“Leave a message with your contact information, and we’ll send you a 10% off coupon for your next purchase!”

3. Set Expectations:

Let callers know when they can expect a callback. This reassures them that their message will be heard and responded to in a timely manner.

Example:

“Please leave a message with your contact details, and I’ll return your call within the next two hours.”

4. Alternate Contact Methods:

Mention other ways to reach you, such as email or online chat, in case they prefer those methods.

Example:

“If you prefer, you can also reach us via email at [email address] or chat with us live on our website at [website URL].”

5. Personal Touch:

Personalize your voicemail greeting to make it sound less automated and more engaging.

Example:

“Hi, this is [Your Name]. I’m sorry I missed your call. Please leave a message, and I’ll get back to you personally as soon as I can. Your business is important to me!”

6. Automated Text Response:

Use a service that sends an automated text message to callers who don’t leave a message, prompting them to respond via text.

Example:

“Sorry we missed your call! Please text us your query at this number, and we’ll get back to you shortly.”

7. Follow-Up:

If you have caller ID and someone hangs up without leaving a message, consider calling them back if you missed their call.  It’s simple to do and really shows you care.

Just call back and say — “Hi this is [ your name ] from [ your business ] and I realized I missed a call from this number.  Is there something I can do for you?”

Then see what unfolds.

8. Simplify the Process:

Make it as easy as possible to leave a message. Avoid lengthy instructions and keep the process straightforward.

People hate to waste time and if you get them to the voicemail prompt faster — you’ll likely see an increase in messages left.

9. Make it Personal:

Nobody likes to leave a message in a blank no name company mailbox.  Instead have the voicemail greeting introduce a real person.

Example: 

“Wait — don’t hang up!  This is Jane Doe from XY Consulting.  I’m so sorry I missed your call and if you hang up my day will be ruined. Please leave me a message and I’ll get back to you ASAP!  You can also text me at 888-888-8888.  Talk to you soon!”

Hangups and Missed Calls Don’t Have to Cost You Business

Implementing one or more of these strategies can help increase the likelihood that customers will leave a message, reducing missed opportunities for your business.

As a consultant that helps businesses to grow by increasing their calls from the web, I know hang ups can be discouraging.  If you’d like to get some one-on-one help please don’t hesitate to reach out.  My passion is helping remove obstacles between you and the growth you deserve.