SDR voicemail script: four parts and three examples
A good voicemail is short, specific and easy to act on. Aim for under 20 seconds. The buyer should know who called, why and what to do next.
Managing a team? See the SDR Programme Playbook.Get the SDR Toolkit
The four parts
- Name and company, said slowly.
- One reason that is true for this buyer.
- One simple next step.
- Your number, said twice.
Leave out your product list, your life story and any apology for calling.
Three examples
Trigger event: "Hi Sam, it's Alex at Acme. I saw you opened a second office in Leeds. I work with finance leads on approval delays when a team grows. I'll send you a two-line email now. My number is 0161 496 0000, that's 0161 496 0000."
Referral: "Hi Sam, it's Alex at Acme. Priya on your finance team suggested I call. It's about supplier payment approvals. I'll email you the details. You can reach me on 0161 496 0000, that's 0161 496 0000."
Follow-up: "Hi Sam, it's Alex at Acme. I called Tuesday and sent a note about approval delays. If this is not your area, tell me who owns it and I'll stop there. My number is 0161 496 0000, that's 0161 496 0000."
The follow-up gives the buyer an easy reply. That holds even if the answer is no.
See inside
Pair it with an email
Send a short email within a minute of the voicemail. Repeat the reason from the voicemail in the first line. The outreach cadence templates show where a voicemail fits in a sequence.
Check your own
- Record ten voicemails and play three in the weekly 1:1.
- Count how long each runs. Cut anything past 20 seconds.
- Check that each states one reason and one next step.
See also the cold call script and the opening lines.
Next step: score the calls with the free SDR call scorecard.
Questions
How long should an SDR voicemail be?
Under 20 seconds is our rule of thumb. Shorter messages are easier to act on.
Should an SDR leave a voicemail at all?
Yes, on calls to a named buyer, if you pair it with an email. Skip it on a general switchboard.
Should I leave my number?
Yes. Say it twice, slowly.
Also: cold call script for agencies, cold call script for recruitment.
Related guides
SDR cold call script
Opener, reason, question, three objection replies and a voicemail.
Cold outreach cadence templates
Four SDR cadences with timing, openers and exit rules.
Weekly SDR 1:1s
A 30-minute agenda, coaching questions and a worked example.
SDR cold call opening lines
Five openers for five situations, each ending on a question.
SDR follow-up email after a call
Three short templates for no answer, a chat and a booked meeting.
Cold call script for recruiters
Four parts and an example for calling hiring managers.
Turn this into a programme you can run
14 Notion modules and 6 working trackers for SDR leaders. KPI library, comp calculator, cadence builder, interview scorecard, tool scorecard and a 90-day roadmap. £29, one payment, plus VAT for UK and EU buyers.
Treat benchmarks as starting points. Tune them to your market, deal size and sales cycle. Every figure shows its source and year.