Win Free Customers Tip #1: Better Voicemails

I’m struck by how many great marketing ideas exist for businesses big and small without requiring a penny of marketing budget. This is the first of a series of recommendations for winning more customers for your business for FREE, largely using the resources you already have.

This first tip focuses on your voicemail message.
If it’s been awhile since you recorded your voicemail message, you might not even remember what it says. But my guess is it says something like this:

Hi, you’re reached Matt Heinz with Acme Products. I’m not available now, but leave me a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thanks for calling!

It’s clear and concise, but all that caller can do is leave you a message – then wait for you to call back.

Clearly, they wanted something from you. They had a question, or wanted to place an order, or wanted to schedule an appointment.

But what if they could get some of that done online, at your Web site? What if you could give those callers some instant gratification?

What if your voicemail said something like this:

Hi, this is Matt from Acme Products. I’m currently helping another customer, but can’t wait to help you too! Please leave me a short message with your number and I’ll call back as soon as possible. In the meantime, please visit my Web site, at www.AcmeProducts.com, for a sneak preview of our new products and promotions.

It’s a little longer, but it works so much harder. It gives your callers something to do right away, and gives them a reason to do it. The description of the Web site’s value could easily have been replaced by an offer for a freebie online, an offer of a free newsletter, or anything else.

In fact, why not switch your voicemail around more regularly to see which message gets the best response?

Make your voicemail message work harder!