AI receptionist alternatives: 6 ways to cover your phone
There are six common ways to cover calls you can’t take: voicemail, a phone menu, a live answering service, a virtual receptionist, an in-house hire and an AI receptionist. Choose based on when calls come in, what callers need, and whether you want a message or a booked appointment.
The six options
- Voicemail. Free and simple, but the caller has to leave a message and wait. Compare: AI receptionist vs voicemail
- Phone menu (IVR). Routes callers, but still ends at a person or voicemail. Compare: AI receptionist vs phone menu
- Live answering service. People take messages for you, so check their hours, hold times and per-call terms. Compare: the comparison page and answering service vs call center
- Virtual receptionist. A remote person who handles calls and some admin. Compare: AI receptionist vs virtual receptionist
- In-house receptionist. Best for a busy front desk, but limited to their shift. Compare: AI receptionist vs hiring a receptionist
- AI receptionist. Answers 24/7, handles several calls at once, books into Google Calendar, transfers live when a caller asks for a person, and emails you a summary after every call.
How to choose: a 7-question checklist
- When do your missed calls happen: during jobs, after hours or weekends?
- Do callers need a booking, an answer, or just a callback?
- Do you need calls answered at the same time as each other?
- Does a caller ever need to reach you right now? If so, look for live transfer.
- Where do you want the details: email, text, a dashboard, or your other tools through Zapier or webhooks?
- Can you keep your current number? (With call forwarding, you can.)
- Can you try it before you commit? Look for a free trial and month-to-month terms.
Bring these questions to any provider. Our list of questions to ask before hiring an answering service goes deeper.
Where The Color of AI fits
An AI receptionist built for owners who can’t get to the phone. It’s set up for you from your website and Google Business Profile, and you can make a test call the same day. Then it improves with Live Coaching, which lets you coach any line from a transcript. Every plan has every feature, with no setup fee and month-to-month terms.
Questions
What's the cheapest way to cover missed calls?
Voicemail costs nothing, but callers have to leave a message and wait for you. Use the missed call cost calculator with your own numbers to see what unanswered calls may be costing you.
Is an AI receptionist better than a live answering service?
It depends on your calls. An AI receptionist answers 24/7, several calls at once, and books into Google Calendar. A live service gives you people, and you’ll want to check their hours and per-call terms. See the comparison page.
Can I combine options?
Yes. Many owners answer calls themselves and forward only unanswered or after-hours calls to an AI receptionist.
More: Compare · Glossary · Missed call cost calculator · How it works · Yes, your business too
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