·3 min read
AI After-Hours Answering: Never Miss a Call Outside Business Hours
85% of callers won't try again if you don't answer. AI after-hours answering captures leads, triages emergencies, and books appointments while you're closed.
Step 1: Choose Your AI Receptionist Provider
Look for these must-have features: 24/7 availability, multilingual support, calendar integrations, and transparent pricing. Ava.ai checks all these boxes at €0.80/minute with no subscription.
Step 2: Configure Your AI Assistant
With Ava.ai, this takes under 10 minutes. You'll define:
- Your business name and description
- Greeting message and tone of voice
- Screening questions for lead qualification
- Calendar for appointment booking
- Languages your customers speak
Step 3: Connect Your Phone Number
You can use a test number provided by Ava.ai for free, or connect your existing Twilio phone number for production. Call forwarding from your current number also works.
Step 4: Test and Go Live
Make a few test calls to verify your AI receptionist handles conversations correctly. Adjust the screening questions and greeting as needed. Once you're satisfied, you're live.