What You Need to Know About Ringless Voicemail

In the world of telemarketing, industries are always vying for new ways to reach consumers. From cold calls to online chat pop-ups, there are many ways to conduct outbound marketing using technology that meets customers where they are.

With the proliferation of smartphones, many companies are utilizing outbound communications tools that reach potential customers on their phones. One way to do this is with ringless voicemail. Here’s what you need to know about the ins and outs of how ringless voicemail works.

What is ringless voicemail?

Also known as a voicemail drop, ringless voicemail is the delivery of a voice message to somebody’s voicemail box without their phone ever ringing. On most occasions, calls ring several times before being sent to voicemail, so this practice can save time by effectively eliminating the “middleman” of a phone ringing.

Ringless voicemail works with both mobile phones as well as landlines, avoiding the need for a user to dial or even speak to someone on the phone. This makes ringless voicemail simple to design and even simpler to execute.

Is ringless voicemail legal?

The Federal Communications Commission publishes a variety of regulations and laws surrounding how consumers can be contacted with unsolicited communications. According to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), customers are protected from automated calls and text messages.

When challenged, some companies pushed back that a voicemail is not technically a telephone call, although a federal judge ruled otherwise in 2018. Of course, it’s important to note that these rules only apply to unsolicited communications. There may come a time when it makes the most sense to reach out to a customer by phone about a cancelled event, product recall, or shipping delays. Here, a ringless voicemail is the best option.

Most companies that offer ringless voicemail are in compliance with these types of usage. In fact, many companies use ringless voicemail to handle approved cases from doctor’s offices, hospitals, couriers, and debt collectors.

While standards vary from state to state, any company that offers voicemail drops will be able to help your business navigate the ins and outs of what does and doesn’t constitute proper usage of the technology.

How do you send a ringless voicemail drop?

Thanks to technology, sending a ringless voicemail drop is as simple as creating an account and recording your message. You can record the message and then upload it, or you can call a phone number and record your message over the phone.

After you’ve recorded your message, you can then add the list of recipients who will receive the message. Next, just schedule the voicemail drip for a date in the future, to be sent out right away or scheduled to send in batches.

How much does ringless voicemail cost?

Depending on how often you’re planning to send ringless voicemails and what your list size is, the cost of sending a voicemail drop can vary. Some ringless voicemails can be deployed for as few as a couple of pennies. However, the high end of ringless voicemails is about fifteen to twenty cents.

Some companies also offer flat rates for ringless voicemails which are calculated based on volume. When shopping around for companies that provide ringless voicemail services, make sure not to pick the cheapest option for the price alone. Your results will vary, and many times you get what you pay for.

As with any marketing strategy, it’s best to know what you’re getting into before you take the plunge. It’s always a good idea to try a new system before you buy it, so that you know that you’re getting great service and your money’s worth.

With the right information, you’ll be able to pick an outbound solution that improves your business’ efficiency and value.