Script library: by scenario
Twelve short voicemails for every stage of a B2B cadence, plus when to leave one and when to hang up. Every line is ready to use: replace each {{placeholder}}, read it aloud a few times, then make it sound like you.
Quick answer
Most voicemails are not returned, and that's fine. A good voicemail does a different job: it makes your name familiar, gives the next email a reason to be opened and shows the prospect you're a real person with a real reason. Our guide to cold call voicemail strategy covers the thinking; this page is the script library.
Timing matters. In Nousu's data, a contact is 15% less likely to be reached later if you leave a voicemail on the first attempt. Hang up on the first attempt and leave voicemails from the second or third, paired with an email sent the same day.
Six parts, in the order buyers expect them. The note under each part explains why it is written that way.
Hi {{first_name}}, it's {{your_name}} from {{your_company}}.
Why it works: Say it slowly and clearly. A rushed name is the most common reason a voicemail is useless.
I'm calling about {{topic}}, because {{trigger}}.
Why it works: One reason only. The trigger makes it about them; leave it out rather than invent one.
We've been helping {{similar_company_type}} with {{result}}.
Why it works: Optional. One short line about the outcome, not the product. Skip it if the voicemail is already past 20 seconds.
I'll send you a short email now with a bit more detail, so you have my details.
Why it works: Pairing the voicemail with an email the same day is what makes voicemail worth leaving.
I'll try you again on {{day_time_1}}. If it's easier to call me, my number is {{phone}}. That's {{phone}}.
Why it works: Saying you'll call again removes the pressure to call back. Repeat the number once, slowly.
Thanks, {{first_name}}. Talk soon.
Why it works: Short and friendly. Under 30 seconds in total.
Swap one of these in for the opener above when the situation fits.
Hi {{first_name}}, {{your_name}} from {{your_company}}. Quick question for you about {{topic}}: {{specific_question}}? I'll email it too. My number's {{phone}}.
When to use it: Use when one genuine question is more interesting than a reason, for example about a change in their market.
Hi {{first_name}}, it's {{your_name}} from {{your_company}}. {{referrer_name}} suggested I get in touch about {{topic}}. I'll send you an email with the context. My number is {{phone}}.
When to use it: Use only when the referral is real and the referrer agreed to be named.
For when reception or an assistant answers. Be honest about who you are and ask for help.
More gatekeeper scriptsIf reception offers voicemail: Thanks, I'd rather try again later. When is {{first_name}} usually free? (Then leave the voicemail on the second or third attempt, not the first.)
Acknowledge, ask one question, then offer a smaller step or let them go.
All objection responsesThanks for calling back. It's {{your_name}} from {{your_company}}. I left you a message about {{topic}}. Have you got two minutes now, or is there a better time?
Why: Restate everything. They have heard dozens of voicemails since yours.
Of course. I'll do that now and you won't hear from me again. Thanks for letting me know.
Why: Act on it immediately. Log the removal across phone and email.
Reply: Thanks, {{first_name}}. Here's a one-page summary on {{topic}}. If it's relevant, would 20 minutes on {{day_time_1}} or {{day_time_2}} be worth it?
Why: Answer by email, since that's the channel they chose, and attach a specific next step.
Don't leave anything. Send the email, note 'mailbox full' and try a different time of day next attempt.
Why: A full mailbox often means a busy or absent contact. Change the time, not the message.
Check the number is a business mobile and has been washed against the Do Not Call Register. If you're unsure, don't leave a message.
Why: Work mobiles can be personal numbers. Washing the list first is the safe default.
Each one runs under 30 seconds when read at a natural pace. Pair every voicemail with an email the same day.
First voicemail in a cold cadence. Skip voicemail on attempt one.
Hi {{first_name}}, it's {{your_name}} from {{your_company}}. I'm calling about {{topic}} at {{prospect_company}}. I'll email you a short note now, and try again on {{day_time_1}}. My number is {{phone}}.
After funding, a new role, hiring or expansion.
Hi {{first_name}}, {{your_name}} from {{your_company}}. I saw {{trigger}} and wanted to ask how you're handling {{topic}} with the change. I'll send a quick email. My number's {{phone}}.
When you have a real pattern from similar businesses.
Hi {{first_name}}, it's {{your_name}} at {{your_company}}. A lot of {{role}}s in {{industry}} have told us {{common_problem}}. I'm calling to see if that's true for you too. I'll email you. {{phone}}.
Three to five days after the first email.
Hi {{first_name}}, {{your_name}} from {{your_company}}. I sent you an email on {{email_day}} about {{topic}}. No need to dig it out. I'll resend it to the top of your inbox. My number is {{phone}}.
When someone has agreed to be named.
Hi {{first_name}}, it's {{your_name}} from {{your_company}}. {{referrer_name}} suggested I call you about {{topic}}. I'll send an email with the background. You can reach me on {{phone}}.
Within minutes of a form fill or demo request.
Hi {{first_name}}, {{your_name}} from {{your_company}}. Thanks for {{inbound_action}} on our site just now. I'm calling to help with {{topic}}. I'll email you a couple of times to choose from. My number's {{phone}}.
Within a week of the event.
Hi {{first_name}}, it's {{your_name}} from {{your_company}}. We met at {{event_name}}, or at least our teams did. I'm following up on {{event_topic}}. I'll email you. My number is {{phone}}.
After a guide, report or webinar.
Hi {{first_name}}, {{your_name}} from {{your_company}}. You downloaded our {{content_title}} recently. I'm calling to see if there's anything specific behind it I can help with. I'll send a short email. {{phone}}.
Three to six months after a lost deal.
Hi {{first_name}}, it's {{your_name}} from {{your_company}}. We spoke about {{topic}} back in {{month}}. A few things have changed on our side, including {{change}}. I'll email the detail. My number's {{phone}}.
Calling a director or C-suite contact.
Hi {{first_name}}, {{your_name}} from {{your_company}}. I'm calling about {{business_outcome}} for {{prospect_company}}. I'll send two lines by email and won't take more of your time than that. {{phone}}.
The day before a booked meeting.
Hi {{first_name}}, it's {{your_name}} from {{your_company}}. Just confirming tomorrow at {{agreed_time}} with {{ae_name}}. If it still works, no need to call back. If not, reply to the invite and we'll move it.
Final attempt in the cadence.
Hi {{first_name}}, {{your_name}} from {{your_company}}. I've tried you a few times about {{topic}}, so I'll assume the timing isn't right and stop calling. If that changes, my number is {{phone}}. All the best.
Under 30 seconds. Skip voicemail on the first attempt and pair it with an email the same day.
12 more voicemail scriptsHi {{first_name}}, it's {{your_name}} from {{your_company}}. I'm calling about {{topic}}, because {{trigger}}. I'll send you a short email now so you have my details, and I'll try you again on {{day_time_1}}. My number is {{phone}}. That's {{phone}}. Thanks.
Send it the same day as the call or voicemail. It identifies you and includes a working unsubscribe.
Subject: Voicemail: {{topic}}
Nousu's published cadence figures show why voicemail timing matters.
Australian cold calling statistics| Measure | Published figure or what to track |
|---|---|
| Reduction in later reach after a first-attempt voicemail | 15% less likely to be reached |
| Attempts to reach a decision maker | 4 on average |
| Meetings booked on the fourth attempt or later | 58% |
| Nousu's standard cadence | 8 touches over about 24 days |
From Nousu's Australian cold calling statistics, 218,000+ dials. Nousu has not published a voicemail callback rate, so judge voicemails by whether the next touch connects.
To see how many dials your own meeting target needs, use the meetings per dial calculator.
General information only, not legal advice.
Australian cold calling lawsThis script is a starting point. The free cold call script generator builds a version around your offer, buyer and market, with your own objection responses, voicemails and follow-up emails. It runs in your browser and nothing you type is stored or sent.
FAQ
Practical answers from the team that makes the calls.
Book a 30-minute call. We'll map your market and buyers and show you what a phone-first campaign would book.
Starting at $7,000 a month. Exact fee quoted after a 30-minute call.
