Yes, you will. But it depends on who you are targeting, what you are saying and if you are following the rules. I have seen many sales teams waste weeks calling people who do not answer. As soon as someone mentions using a Ringless Voicemail Service everyone gets excited. Let’s look at what they actually are and what is just hype.
What Is a Voicemail Drop?
What is a Voicemail Drop Service is where you can record your message and send it directly to someone’s voicemail. There is no ringing so no awkward ‘Hello?’ or silence. They will receive a message saying they have a voicemail and will listen when they can.
A good Voicemail Drop Service will allow you to simply upload your contacts, pick a recording and press send. Some platforms will allow you to schedule your voicemails, some will allow you to personalise by adding names and some will offer much more than you need. These are also called Ringless Voicemails or SLYBROADCASTING if you have been around a while!
They became popular because people got tired of phone calls. We all get bombarded with spam calls so most people will not answer calls from unknown numbers. However they will see the voicemail.
How Does a Ringless Voicemail Work?
In short, the software will connect to the carriers voicemail system and send the audio file directly to their mailbox. No ringing will occur.
Most software will have a web based platform. You can log in, add your contacts, add your recording and set when you want to send them. Behind the scenes the software will be handling the carrier routes, caller ID and delivery reports. Cheaper services may not tell you if they have failed to deliver. They will just vanish! This can be frustrating.
Quality can be an issue. Different providers will have different delivery rates depending on their carrier relationships. If they say they deliver 99% of messages but cannot provide any evidence I would be sceptical. Ask to see any reports.
Is It Legal?
This is often overlooked and can cause issues. In the US the FCC have deemed Ringless Voicemails to be a telephone call so you may need consent. If you are using pre-recorded messages or automated systems to call cell phones. I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice. Please consult one.
From personal experience, companies often get into issues with using purchased lists and not getting consent. Companies that are using it successfully are often contacting people they know, have opted in or existing customers. Keep track of consents and honour opt outs quickly. Do not try to trick people into thinking it is something else.
Some states may have additional rules. Things can change over time so what was ok two years ago may not be now. Always check.
Who Can Benefit?
Lots of different people can benefit from using a Voicemail Drop. Real Estate Agents will use them to follow up leads from Open Houses. Collections departments will use them to remind people to pay. Medical offices will use them to remind patients of appointments. Political campaigns, Non Profits and Car Dealerships will use them.
Sales teams will likely benefit the most. A sales rep will make 60 calls, speak to 6 people and leave 40 voicemails. This can take ages as they have to wait for the beep. Using a Voicemail Drop tool they can send hundreds of messages in a few minutes. This frees up their time to talk to people.
Small businesses love them too as they are cheaper than using a call centre. If you are a one man band wanting to let your customers know about a sale a Voicemail Drop is perfect.
What Should I Look For?
Not all platforms are the same. I have used a few that feel like they were created in 2011. Look for a platform with good delivery reports, easy to use and easy to manage your contacts.
Look for additional features. CRM integration so you don’t have to copy and paste. Schedule your voicemails so you can call people at sensible times. Personalisation can help with response rates. Some now offer AI voices which can be useful but can sound odd if over used. Listen to them first.
Costs can vary. Some charge per drop whilst others charge a monthly fee with limits. Look out for set up costs and minimums. Ask about support. If something goes wrong at 4pm on a Friday you want a real person to help.
How Can I Find the Best Ringless Voicemail Software?
Don’t over complicate. Shortlist 3 tools and try a small test. Send the same message to the same type of list. See what the delivery rates, callbacks and ease of use are. Numbers don’t lie and marketing pages can be misleading.
The best Ringless Voicemail Software does not always have the most features. If you are only one agent, keep it simple. A simple tool with good delivery rates will be better than a huge enterprise tool you won’t use to full potential. If you have a larger sales floor team management, reporting and API becomes important.
Look at reviews. Be fussy. Look for people mentioning any issues and how the support helped. Don’t look at 5 star reviews with no detail. Ask for a trial. If they won’t let you try before purchase then that says something.
What Should I Say?
Most campaigns fail here. People create a script that sounds like a radio ad and wonder why they are not getting any callbacks. Keep it short, 20-30 seconds. Say who you are, why you are calling and what they need to do. Either call a number or reply to the text.
Speak naturally. Don’t use phrases like ‘We are pleased to present an exclusive opportunity’. Use something like “Hey Sarah, it’s Mike from Greenfield Realty, saw you looked at the Oak Street place, wanted to see if you had questions.” One sounds like a person and the other like a leaflet.
If possible record your own voice. A slightly imperfect voice will usually be better than a stiff produced voice. Speak your number slowly and twice if needed. Don’t have 3 offers in one message. People will forget everything after the first.
What Mistakes Can I Make?
A few common mistakes. Calling at the wrong times. Early Sunday mornings or meal times won’t work. Mid morning or early evenings during the week tend to work better. This can depend on your audience so give it a go.
Sending the same message to everyone. A homeowner and renter will need different wording. Segment your list even slightly. This will take 10 extra minutes but is worth it.
Not following up. Rarely will a Voicemail Drop be the only thing you do. Pair it with a text, email or live call the next day. The voicemail will be a warm up and the follow up will complete the circle. Keep track of everything. If you aren’t keeping track of callbacks you are guessing and this can be expensive.
Conclusion
Overall if you are contacting people who have a reason to listen and are following the consent rules a Voicemail Drop Service can be one of the cheapest and quickest ways to start conversations. If you have a poor offer or messy list it won’t help. However if used correctly it can save you hours and put your name in front of people who wouldn’t answer otherwise.
Try a few tools, keep your scripts short and natural and don’t skimp on the compliance. Finding the best Ringless Voicemail Software For Your Team will depend on what your team uses. Keep it simple and keep track of your numbers. Tweak as needed.
FAQs
What Is a Voicemail Drop Service?
What is a Voicemail Drop Service is a platform where you can send a pre-recorded message to someone’s voicemail. You upload your recording and contacts and the messages will be sent to each mailbox.
Is It Legal?
Yes, but there are consent rules. In the US the FCC have deemed Ringless Voicemails to be a telephone call so you may need permission. Please consult a lawyer.
How Much Does It Cost?
Costs can vary. Some charge per message whilst others charge a monthly fee with limits. Ask about set up costs and minimums.
What Makes the Best Ringless Voicemail Software?
Look for good delivery reports, easy to manage contacts, CRM integration and good support. This will depend on how big your team is and how many messages you are sending.
Will I Get Callbacks?
Sometimes. Keep your messages short, personal and clear. Send to people you know. Pair with a text or follow up call.
How Long Should My Voicemail Be?
20-30 seconds. Say who you are, why you are calling and what they need to do. Anything longer and people won’t listen.
Can I Personalise My Messages?
Many platforms allow you to personalise by adding names or details. Adding some personalisation can help with response rates. Just ensure it sounds natural.