What’s the Difference Between a Voicemail and an Answering Service?

A voicemail records a message after a missed call, while an answering service, like an AI receptionist, picks up in real-time and interacts with callers instantly.

When a customer calls your business, every second counts. Traditional voicemail might seem like a fallback, but 80% of callers never leave one. That’s why modern answering services, especially AI-powered ones like DialZara, are becoming the go-to solution for small businesses in 2025.

Why Voicemail Is Costing You Leads

Letting calls go to voicemail may feel convenient—but it comes at a cost:

• Most people hang up when they hear voicemail.
• Voicemail doesn’t qualify leads or answer questions.
• It delays response time and leaves a poor first impression.

If you're running a service-based business in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, or anywhere in the Treasure Valley, that missed call could be a missed job, client, or sale.

How an Answering Service Works (and Why It’s Better)

A telephone answering service goes beyond recording a message. Whether it's live operators or automated AI agents, these services:

• Answer calls immediately
• Provide a branded greeting
• Qualify leads or schedule appointments
• Route calls or send transcripts via email or text

With AI solutions like DialZara, you can now replace outdated voicemail entirely, and do it 24/7.

What Is an AI Answering Service?