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Does anyone use a 800# or automated voicemail

by Bennette
18 replies
Hi Warriors,

I wanted to know if anyone uses a 800# or a 24hr recorded message when they sent out mailers to prospects? On the mailers you would offer a Free service and then have them call the number to receive more info on redeeming the offer.

I was reading that the response rate increases because the customer feels more comfortable, you provide them with something of value that they need for free and it creates a warm lead for you.

Example:
I send a mailer offering free lead capture system for their site for a limited time. I tell them to call the 24hr recording to obtain a copy of "how to increase sales using an automated lead capture system" and leave their contact info so it can be mailed to them. Does this increase more warm leads or is this B.S? Anyone currently doing something similar?

I'm looking for ways to generate some business and would like to hear your thoughts on this. I don't mind working, I would like some advice because I'm not having good results trying to generate customers for my offline marketing business.

Thanks

Bennette
#800 #800# #automated #voicemail
  • Profile picture of the author The Expert
    This works very well for a number of markets. Realtors have been using it in a BIG way for years.

    If you want to do just one or two for a single promotion, use RingCentral.com

    Their service is very flexible if you just want to use one number.

    If you want to do marketing that says "Call 1-800-123-1234 and enter ID# 421" then you need a more advanced service like Automated Marketing Solutions (AMS).
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  • Profile picture of the author bobsedge
    Bennette,

    I have never run this campaign but it is probably worth a shot. You can do it fairly affordable by signing up with a service like grasshopper.com (formerly gotvmail.com). It wouldn't cost you much to get set up. They even have a fax on demand feature if you are targeting businesses.

    The risk is that you will get a bunch of junk calls and the service charges you by the minute. You will have to test and figure out acquisition costs.
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  • Profile picture of the author jhollar
    Bennette,

    I recommend Ring Central..they have the best rates and the most responsive customer service. Plus, you get some pretty good call logs to track your metrics..

    Make sure you get a 800 toll free and not any other type of toll free (888 etc)...

    Also, on your postcard, remember to mention that they can call a toll free number to listen to a recorded message...that's important, since many people would not want to talk to a live person etc (for fear of getting a sales pitch..)


    Ron
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    • Profile picture of the author Bennette
      Thanks for your response.

      @jhollar have you tried this approach?

      I'm open to any suggestions anyone wants to offer to get customers.

      I have been going to networking groups and will join one soon, but it takes awhile for people to get comfortable with you and start referring leads.
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  • Profile picture of the author Josh Semke
    Joe Polish teaches the "Free Recorded Message" concept and a few others related to this in his Piranha Marketing.
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    • Profile picture of the author mrmatt
      I have used this method for years. It really does work very well. The key as with any marketing is offering something the the prospect is really going to want.

      To make this method the biggest success it can be I recommend you do the following.

      I am not sure about the other services listed here. I personally use Arch Telecom. There system allows me to be notified immediately by email or text that I have a new lead.

      Call back these leads as soon as you possibly can. When you get that email or text call right then.

      Here is a very basic script that I use when calling back teh lead for the first time.

      Me: Hi is this John?
      Them: Yes this is John.
      Me: Oh Hi John, this is Matt, and I was just following up really quick regarding my free report you just requested. I wanted to make sure that this got to you right away and just wanted to verify your information.
      Me: I have your name as John Smith...is John spelled J-O-H-N or J-O-N.
      Them: Its John with and H.
      Me: I am glad I asked. I have your address as 123 main............ is that correct?
      Them: Yes
      Me: Great, John I will get this info into the mail today and you should receive it in the next day or so.
      Them: Thanks I look forward to it.
      Me: Before we hang up here.....I was just curious.....what made you want to request the report.

      The open ended question is key. You are not selling anything. Simply asking a question out of curiosity. Listen to what they have to say and keep asking open ended questions. You may or may not be able to set up an appointment or actually close the sale. But now at least you know what the hot points are for this person.

      One other suggestion is this. In your recorded message make sure that you ask them to spell out any difficult names or addresses. 98% of them will do it. This beats the hell out of listening to a message 40 different times.

      As far as the recorded message it does not need to be long. Just tell them again what they will be receiving and teh benefits they will get from reading/listening to it.

      Thanks
      Matt
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  • Profile picture of the author $Layla$
    I haven't personally used this but I love them. I truly enjoy getting a postcard or coming across a site where it gives an 800 number to call and learn more. I absolutely HATE having to talk to a live person and hear their fake little tone. lol I love the recordings and am 100% more likely to call the number if stated that it is a recording.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kyle Tully
    Hi Bennette

    The strategy itself works a treat, I've used recorded messages in many different ways usually with great success.

    They work because it's a no-pressure decision for someone to make a free phone call. They know they're not speaking to a live person so they're not going to get a hard sell, and they can just hang up at any time.

    But like any marketing strategy, it's how you execute it that matters.

    You need good (although simple) copy to get them to call the number.

    You need a compelling recorded message to get them to leave their details.

    You need a strong report/salesletter to get them to actually call you back again wanting to do business.

    And you need to not stuff it up when they do call you back

    Frankly, you probably won't pull all that off your first time out of the gate. It's not a magic get-rich-quick system, but if you work at it and continue to test/tweak/execute it can be very very effective.

    Cheers
    Kyle
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    • Profile picture of the author WendellC
      In addition to RingCentral, you can also try http://www.Kall8.com.

      I've used both and if you don't need lots of bells and whistles then Kall8 may be cheaper for you since it has a lower fixed per month cost. $2 per month for 888 numbers and $5 for 800 numbers, not counting the per minute charges.

      And once you get your voice message stable, you can use this guy to make it all sound super pro.

      http://www.goodcheapvoiceover.com/

      Hope this helps.

      Wendell
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      • Profile picture of the author Bennette
        Here is a very basic script that I use when calling back teh lead for the first time.
        Thanks for sharing the script it is very useful and non salesy for the prospect.

        You need good (although simple) copy to get them to call the number.

        You need a compelling recorded message to get them to leave their details.

        You need a strong report/salesletter to get them to actually call you back again wanting to do business.

        And you need to not stuff it up when they do call you back
        I agree. Do you outsource this or can point me in the right direction since I'm new to this? Or did your reports, recorded message and sales letter come from trial and error?

        And once you get your voice message stable, you can use this guy to make it all sound super pro.
        Thanks for the tip, I didn't even think of that.

        I appreciate all the advice and will work on this as I'm very frustrated with my results thus far and I know I will get better over time. Sometimes the hardest part about starting a new business venture is keeping a positive attitude and staying focused when things are not working.

        Thanks again
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        • Profile picture of the author Kyle Tully
          Originally Posted by Bennette View Post

          I agree. Do you outsource this or can point me in the right direction since I'm new to this? Or did your reports, recorded message and sales letter come from trial and error?
          <---------

          I write my own copy

          But there is always an element of trial and error.
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris Lagarde
    Wendell - Cheap Professional Voice Overs, Commercial, On Hold Messages, Website Voice Overs is a great share. I've bookmarked that website!
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    • Profile picture of the author Bennette
      Ok just so I'm clear let me recap.

      1) Offer a Free service ie. autoresponder, website etc...

      2) Have them call the 800# recorded message to obtain a Free report about
      the benefits to them of having that service.

      3) Call back to verify info and try to get an appt, if not just mail the report
      with a limited time to obtain the Free service.

      Thanks for all your help. I really appreciated the advice given.

      Bennette
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      • Profile picture of the author Don Schenk
        Originally Posted by Bennette View Post

        Ok just so I'm clear let me recap.

        1) Offer a Free service ie. autoresponder, website etc...

        2) Have them call the 800# recorded message to obtain a Free report about
        the benefits to them of having that service.

        3) Call back to verify info and try to get an appt, if not just mail the report
        with a limited time to obtain the Free service.

        Thanks for all your help. I really appreciated the advice given.

        Bennette
        That's correct assuming you want appointments. It also works on a much larger scale by using space ads in magazines and trade journals as the beginning of a two-step sales system.

        I've also used it with great success by sending postcards, and by sending letters with the 800 number on them.

        Once some responds, I send them the "report" which, although it actually gives them something useful, is really a sales letter.

        About 15 years ago, Dan Kennedy and Jeff Paul were teaching this method, and Joe Polish picked up too. That is where I heard about it and began using it.

        It does work if your on-the-phone message is well written, and if your sales letter (report) is well written from a "selling" standpoint.

        :-Don
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    • Profile picture of the author WendellC
      Originally Posted by Chris Lagarde View Post

      Wendell - Cheap Professional Voice Overs, Commercial, On Hold Messages, Website Voice Overs is a great share. I've bookmarked that website!
      Yup. Chris is a good guy. Very down to earth and really affordable, professional quality voice work.

      Wendell
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  • Profile picture of the author Jakee
    Check out http;//callture.com. I personally recommend this one, since I am using it for years now and it really has the most awesome toll free with great features. They have a free trial and I assure you that you'll love their service.
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  • Profile picture of the author bhl2506
    Anyone heard of or used Halloo? I was watching one of Russell Brunson's videos and one of his speakers recommended this service.

    Brian
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  • Profile picture of the author Sammyhere
    There are surely a lot of these kinds of services you can find online. Just make sure it's the best one that works for you and your business. If you want to check out cheap toll free but has great features? Try checking out telcan.net, you can save a lot and it worked for me, maybe it will for you too.
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