Virtual receptionist & answering service

Why do you need a virtual receptionist? A receptionist plays a vital role in filtering calls that need immediate attention, but our services go beyond typical virtual receptionists’ services of answering calls, scheduling appointments, and handling customer calls with care and expertise.
A virtual receptionist is a remote extension of your business who can answer calls, take and relay messages, and even schedule appointments while you and your team are busy with other tasks. At Responsive, our virtual receptionists are extensively trained professionals, who specialized in your industry. Whether you are looking to improve customer service, reduce the hold time for your callers, or fill your calendar with more appointments, a Responsive virtual receptionist can be a great asset for your business, without added overhead.

How our virtual receptionist service works

Our virtual receptionist service works by combining the efficiency of advanced technology with the personalized touch of live agents to manage your incoming calls: 

Customized greeting

Your callers are greeted by a professional virtual receptionist using a personalized message that reflects your brand’s tone and style.

Call screening and routing

Calls are screened and routed according to your specific instructions to ensure they reach the right person quickly.

Live call handling

Our virtual receptionists answer calls live, providing friendly, knowledgeable assistance based on your industry and business protocols.

American live receptionists

Our US-based virtual receptionist service means culturally attuned, professional agents who provide personalized customer care.

Bilingual virtual receptionists

We offer bilingual receptionists, fluent in English and Spanish, to serve diverse customer bases and address any communication barriers. 

Message taking

Responsive’s virtual receptionists carefully record caller details and deliver messages promptly via your preferred channels like email or SMS. 

Benefits of a virtual receptionist service

Cost-effective
With plans starting at just $29/month, Responsive’s virtual receptionist service is an affordable alternative to full-time in-house receptionists.
Professionalism
Virtual receptionists provide a professional image to your business, making a positive impression on callers.
24/7 Availability
Our virtual receptionist services operate around the clock , so your business is accessible to clients in all time zones or those with urgent needs.
Scalability
Virtual receptionist services can scale up or down to accommodate your business’s changing needs, ensuring you always have the right level of support.
Customer service
A virtual receptionist is the first point of contact for your business. Our intensive virtual receptionist training includes industry expertise, phone etiquette, call handling, administrative support, brand voice, and customized solutions.
Virtual receptionists can screen calls, filtering out spam or non-essential calls, so you only deal with important matters.
Virtual receptionists can manage your calendar and schedule appointments, reducing scheduling conflicts, and helping you stay organized.

Virtual receptionist vs. auto attendant

A virtual receptionist is a live, human agent who answers calls on behalf of a business, providing personalized customer service by handling inquiries, scheduling appointments, and taking messages and routing calls.
An auto attendant is an automated system that uses interactive voice response (IVR) technology to route calls through pre-recorded menus, offering 24/7 availability but lacking the personal touch and adaptability of a live receptionist. There is no substitute for the personal touch and nuanced understanding that a live virtual receptionist provides.  

Virtual receptionist for lawyers

A virtual receptionist service in place can be especially beneficial for legal professionals.
At our legal answering service, our virtual receptionists efficiently manage your calls, appointments, and messages, while allowing you to focus on the legal matters that demand your expertise. The responsibilities of an outsourced virtual receptionist for lawyers include, but are not limited to:
Our state-of-the-art answering service systems and technicians will integrate our virtual receptionist service seamlessly. When one of your clients calls you or your company, they will be greeted by someone who answers using your company or practice name when they answer the phone. We will follow your instructions carefully and can respond to your ever-changing needs on a daily basis.

10+

years of
experience

50

states
served

100%

HIPAA
Compliant

500+

businesses
supported

Discover how our answering service makes a difference

Virtual receptionist service FAQs

What type of businesses can use a virtual receptionist?

A virtual receptionist is a live, remote receptionist who answers your calls, greets callers in your company name, and handles basic front-desk tasks like transferring calls and taking messages. It’s perfect for busy professionals like doctors, lawyers, realtors, contractors, and small businesses needing polished call handling without full-time staff.
A virtual receptionist provides more personalized support, including customized call scripts, call transfers, appointment scheduling, and basic customer service, rather than just message-taking.
How are virtual receptionists trained?
Our virtual receptionists undergo rigorous training when they begin working, as well as ongoing training on the latest technologies, industry terms and business practices, to ensure they represent your business with professionalism and accuracy.
Simply sign up, provide your custom call script and business details, and our team trains receptionists to represent your brand—service can start within a day.
Yes, virtual reception coverage can be extended beyond standard business hours, so your callers can reach a live receptionist in the evenings, on weekends, and during holidays if you choose.

Request a free consultation

Our answering services prioritize your needs and are always ready to help. Whether you have questions, require support, or want to share feedback, our dedicated team is here for you.