Voicemail Script for Cold Calling Small Businesses (Copy & Paste)

Most cold calls to small businesses go to voicemail. A good message does not try to sell: it makes the owner curious enough to call back or open your email. Here is a voicemail script for cold calling that fits in 20 seconds.

The 20-second structure

1. Who you are, in one line.
2. Why you called them specifically (their website, their reviews, their city).
3. One benefit for them.
4. What happens next (you will send an email, or they can call you back).
5. Your number, twice, slowly.

Script 1: outdated website

“Hi [Name], this is [You] from [City]. I was looking at [Business] online and your website is hard to use on a phone, so some customers probably call your competitors instead. I made a quick preview of a new version for you. I'll email it in a minute, and you can reach me at [number]. Again, [number]. Thanks!”

Script 2: no website

“Hi, this is [You]. I saw [Business] on Google Maps with great reviews, but no website, so people who search for [service] in [City] can't learn more about you. I'd like to show you what a simple site could look like. My number is [number], that's [number]. Have a great day.”

Script 3: second voicemail

“Hi [Name], [You] again. I sent you the preview of your new website by email on [day]. If you want me to change anything on it, call me at [number]. If now is not a good time, no problem, I won't keep calling.”

Call from a local number

Owners are far more likely to pick up, and call back, a number with their own area code. A local phone number for cold calling costs little and changes your answer rate.

Stay on the right side of the law

Call businesses at reasonable hours, identify yourself, respect “please don't call again”, and follow the calling rules where you and they are (for example the US Do Not Call rules and Canadian CRTC rules). If you record calls, announce it: read call recording consent best practices.