IVR Enhancements - Added "Say Play" Option To Record Voicemail Action | Zapiy

IVR Just Got Smarter: Meet the 'Say Play' Feature for Voicemail Recording!

January 29, 20258 min read

We hear you—literally—when you struggled with voicemail recordings that felt clunky or unclear. Managing voicemail recordings on IVR systems often felt like walking a tightrope. You aim for professional yet clear instructions, but it’s easy for things to go haywire. Forget those struggles, because the "Say Play" feature is your IVR system’s newest upgrade. This enhancement makes voicemail recording smoother, more intuitive, and far more polished for your customers.

With "Say Play," you can seamlessly insert a beep sound to indicate when recording begins and customize instructions to ensure a professional touch. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just diving into IVR setups, this update is designed to save you time while delivering a friendly user experience.

The Importance of IVR Enhancements

Why upgrade your IVR? Because first impressions matter, and so does efficiency.

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems are secret weapon of customer service for handling inquiries, routing incoming calls, and even voicemail management. However, outdated or confusing IVR setups can frustrate customers, leading to negative experiences. With this, enhancing your IVR is about improving communication and delivering a seamless experience.

So, if there is a potential client trying to leave voicemail messages but getting confused by vague instructions, they might hang up or feel less confident in your business. With features like "Say Play," you create clarity from the get-go:

  • Scenario 1: A customer audio calls your business after hours. They’re greeted with a friendly message, followed by a beep and clear instructions to leave their message. Result? A professional and reassuring experience.

  • Scenario 2: A team member uses your IVR system to manage client audio calls. With the "Say Play" feature, they don’t need to worry about manual cues—everything’s automated and polished.

Aside from fixing problems, modern IVR enhancements can elevate customer experiences, streamline workflows, and add a touch of professionalism that sets your business from other competitors.

Overview of the "Say Play" Feature

What’s "Say Play," and why does it matter? Let’s break it down.

The "Say Play" feature is the latest addition to our IVR system. It introduces a simple yet impactful improvement to voicemail functions: a beep sound and customizable pre-recorded instructions.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Beep Before You Speak: When the audio voicemail recording action is triggered, a beep sound indicates that recording has started. This eliminates guesswork for users, ensuring clarity.

  2. Tailored Instructions: You can upload personalized instructions or add text-to-speech recognition prompts, guiding users through the process seamlessly.

Why it’s important?

  • Customers and team members immediately know when recording starts, reducing confusion.

  • Businesses can maintain a consistent and professional brand voice with pre-recorded instructions.

  • It’s an intuitive addition that enhances usability without complicating the setup.

  • Now with this technical upgrade, a user-first solution will be available that simplifies communication and reinforces professionalism.

Key Benefits of the 'Say Play' Option

Wondering what’s in it for you? Check out these perks!

Effortless Recording

  • The beep sound acts as a simple yet powerful cue, ensuring users know the exact moment to start speaking. This eliminates awkward silences or cut-off beginnings, which often occur when, for instance, customers calling a real estate agency leave a message about a property inquiry. They will appreciate the clarity of knowing when to speak. It also spares the team from deciphering incomplete messages, streamlining follow-ups.

Customizable Instructions

  • With this voice transcription service feature, you can infuse your original voice message prompts with your brand’s unique tone and style. Imagine a tech startup using a casual and upbeat message like, “Hey there! Leave us a quick note and we’ll zap back to you ASAP!” On the other hand, a law firm might prefer something formal: “Thank you for contacting our office. Please state your name, case reference number, and the reason for your mobile phone call.” This personalization not only enhances professionalism but also reinforces your brand identity at every customer touchpoint.

Streamlined Workflow

  • Gone are the days of juggling multiple actions to set up voicemail systems. The "Say Play" voice transcription service feature integrates seamlessly into your IVR workflow, reducing the need for manual interventions. For example, a small business owner can focus on growing their business without worrying about micromanaging voicemail settings. The result? A more efficient process where the system takes care of the technicalities, freeing you up to handle what matters most.

Enhanced Customer Confidence

  • When customers are greeted with clear, professional instructions, they feel assured that their message will be heard and acted upon. Thus, a client leaving an original voice message for a healthcare provider will appreciate the clarity, knowing their request for a prescription refill or an appointment is being taken seriously. This trust fosters better relationships and reinforces your reliability.

Reduced Errors

  • Uncertainty about when recording starts can lead to messages that are unclear or incomplete, forcing your team to call back for clarification. The beep sound removes this ambiguity, ensuring customers deliver their messages effectively. E-commerce store can now avoid vague messages like “Hi, it’s about my order…” and instead receive detailed messages with order IDs and specific issues, saving valuable time and effort.

Increased Productivity

  • By letting the IVR handle original voice message details, your team can redirect their focus to high-priority tasks. So, instead of spending time in voicemail management, a customer support team can concentrate on resolving urgent queries. This efficiency does save time and speeds up the overall productivity of your operations, creating room for growth.

By combining user-friendly functionality with practical benefits, the "Say Play" feature transforms voicemail management into a seamless and professional process for businesses and customers alike.

How to Implement 'Say Play' in Your IVR Workflow

Ready to upgrade your IVR setup? Follow these steps!

Access the Automation Tab

Navigate to the left sidebar menu in your CRM. Click on the Workflows tab and select + Create Workflow to get started.

Access the Automation Tab | Zapiy

Choose Your Workflow Setup

Decide whether to create a new workflow from scratch or edit an existing one. Both options give you access to the "Say Play" feature.

Choose Your Workflow Setup | Zapiy

Select the Right Trigger

Ensure you’re using the Start IVR Trigger—this is essential for enabling the "Record Voicemail" action in your workflow.

Select the Right Trigger | Zapiy

Assign a Mobile Phone Number

Pick the mobile phone number you want to associate with this workflow. Once selected, hit Save Trigger to lock it in.

Assign a Mobile Phone Number | Zapiy

Enable the 'Record Voicemail' Action

From the action list, choose Record Voicemail. This will activate the voicemail recording process in your workflow.

Enable the 'Record Voicemail' Action | Zapiy

Toggle the 'Play a Beep' Option

In the IVR settings, locate the new "Play a Beep" toggle. Switch it on to add the beep sound before recording begins.

Toggle the 'Play a Beep' Option | Zapiy

Add Personalized Instructions (Optional)

For an extra touch, enable the Add Voice Instructions feature. You can either write custom instructions or upload a pre-recorded audio file.

Add Personalized Instructions | Zapiy

And just like that, your IVR workflow is ready to roll with the "Say Play" feature!

More About IVR Systems

Let’s dive deeper into the world of IVR.

Key Components of IVR Systems

  1. Input Triggers: Automates responses based on users relevant inputs, like keypresses or voice commands.

  2. Voicemail Recordings: Stores important messages for review at your convenience.

  3. Gather Input Actions: Collects customer information efficiently for better service.

Role of Conditional Logic in IVR

  • Customizing User Interactions: Create tailored paths based on customer choices.

  • Optimizing Customer Journeys: Deliver faster, more relevant solutions with conditional logic.

  • Automation Workflows and IVR Integration

Benefits of Automation: Speeds up processes and reduces manual errors.

Implications for Business Efficiency: Streamlined operations free up resources for growth.

FAQs

  • What is the 'Say Play' feature?

  • A feature that adds a beep and customizable instructions before voicemail recording begins.

  • Why should I use it?

  • It enhances professionalism, clarity, and ease of use for voicemail actions.

  • Can I disable the beep?

  • Yes, the "Play a Beep" option is fully customizable.

  • Is this feature available for all IVR users?

  • It’s available for users with access to voicemail recording workflows.

  • How do I customize instructions?

  • You can write text or upload an audio file in the IVR settings.

Next Level IVR Workflow with 'Say Play'

The "Say Play" integrates seamless functionality like the beep sound and customizable voicemail instructions, which ensures clear, professional, and easy to manage voicemail recordings.

For a seasoned pro at voicemail management and IVR workflows, the "Say Play" feature simplifies the process, saving time while delivering a polished and engaging customer experience.

Stop letting outdated IVR setups hold you back. Activate the "Say Play" feature today and see the immediate impact on your workflow and customer interactions. This is your opportunity to create a voicemail system that reflects the professionalism and efficiency your brand represents.

Try it out now with Zapiy and take the first step toward a smarter, smoother IVR experience!

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