Automated phone answering for small business (2026)
"Automated phone answering" used to mean press 1 for sales. In 2026 it means a conversational AI receptionist that answers naturally, knows your business and takes messages — from £19/month.
From IVR maze to conversation
| Old automated answering (IVR) | Modern AI answering (Odette) | |
|---|---|---|
| Caller experience | Menus, holds, dead ends | A natural conversation, answered on ring one |
| Answers questions | No | Yes — from your own website content |
| Takes messages | Voicemail box | Structured message with name, number, reason, urgency |
| Transfers intelligently | Fixed extensions | Urgent calls to your mobile, per your rules and hours |
Set it up yourself
Paste your website (Odette reads it and learns your business), pick a voice and tone, connect a number, go live. Every call and message lands in one dashboard. Start with the plain-English explainer or see pricing.
Never miss a call again
Meet Odette — your AI receptionist. Set up by you, 24/7, from £19/month.
Start free trialFrequently asked questions
What is an automated phone answering system?
Software that answers your business calls without a person. Old systems were "press 1" menus; modern automated answering is conversational AI that talks naturally, answers questions about your business, takes messages and transfers calls.
Do callers hate automated answering?
They hate mazes and robots that cannot help. Modern conversational AI answers instantly, understands normal speech, and actually resolves the call — and it is honest that it is an AI assistant. That is a very different experience from an IVR menu.
What does automated answering cost for a small business?
Modern AI answering starts at around £19/month flat plus call usage at cost — under £50 a month all-in for a busy small business, with 24/7 answering included.