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Medium $30-100/month 30 minutes

How to Set Up AI Phone Answering

Never miss a call again. Let AI answer, qualify leads, and book appointments 24/7.

What You'll Need

Steps

1

Choose an AI phone answering service

Several options exist at different price points.

  • Smith.ai: $140/month for 20 calls — human-AI hybrid, high quality
  • Goodcall.ai: ~$50/month — fully AI, built for local businesses
  • Ruby: $199/month — mostly human, professional
  • Slang.ai: Pay per call — newer, AI-first
Tip: Start with Goodcall.ai for best value. Smith.ai if quality matters most.
2

Sign up and verify your number

Connect your existing phone number to the service.

  • Create an account on your chosen platform
  • Enter your business phone number
  • Follow their verification process
  • Choose: Forward all calls, forward only missed calls, or new number
Tip: Start with 'forward missed calls only' to test without changing your workflow.
3

Set up your greeting and business info

Tell the AI how to represent your business.

  • Enter your business name
  • Write a short description of what you do
  • List your main services
  • Set your service area
  • Add your hours of operation
4

Configure qualifying questions

Help the AI gather the info you need from callers.

  • Name and phone number (always)
  • What service do they need?
  • What's the address/location?
  • What's their timeline/urgency?
  • How did they hear about you?
Tip: Don't ask too many questions — 4-5 is the sweet spot before people hang up.
5

Set up appointment booking (optional)

Let the AI schedule directly to your calendar.

  • Connect your Google Calendar or Calendly
  • Set available time slots
  • Define appointment types: 'Free Estimate', 'Phone Consultation'
  • Test booking yourself
6

Set up notifications

Get alerted immediately when leads come in.

  • Enable text/SMS notifications
  • Enable email notifications
  • Set up a daily summary if available
  • Test by calling your own number

You're Done!

Your AI receptionist is live! Missed calls now become captured leads.

Pro Tips

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