So, given that hold music is such a powerful potential source of frustration, why do companies continue to get it wrong? Reading the articles that are out there, there seems to be a lot of speculation regarding the best choice of music to placate or even entertain customers while they wait in your queue. Some common suggestions include “Hanging On The Telephone” by Blondie, or Lionel Richie’s “Hello, is it me you’re looking for?”. Or how about looking up the customer’s record in your call centre CRM, grabbing their date of birth, and playing something based on their age range - pop for the under 25s and presumably something fusty for the oldies?
Here are a few things to keep in mind to have a killer script your callers will be receptive to: Speak to your audience: When creating a script, make sure you know WHO you’re talking to above anything else. Is it moms, teenagers or middle-aged men who like golf? Appeal to their interests in relation to your business with a captive voice, and they’ll be much more willing to listen (and be patient while doing so). Time it appropriately: You know your business better than anyone else, so as such, you’re probably aware of a caller’s average hold times. While this can vary with growth and other factors, make sure you record enough messages to fill the time so a caller isn’t stuck hearing an eternal loop of the same 3 messages. They’ll thank you for it by being far less irritated. Stay current: Some companies have seasonal sales and changes, so including this in your script as the year progresses means you remain relevant with the latest and greatest. For example, during the holidays you can say “Seasons greetings from Fletcher’s Flowers...” or something similar. You can also include event notifications, advertisements, and other informational messages so they learn more about your business. Be natural: Think about how you’d like to be talked to. Typically, a robot isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Writing for auditory purposes elicits a different approach than writing for digital or print. Make sure whatever your script is that you read it aloud, and test it out on coworkers or friends. If they get bored or disengage, chances are, your callers will too. Know their path: What’s your end goal for what you’d like your caller to accomplish? Tailor your messaging to them based on what you come up with. If you’d like to upsell, consider using some on hold time to discuss a company-wide promotion they can take advantage of, or a fun fact about your industry they wouldn’t know. Give a call-back option: If your phone system has the feature and a caller doesn’t have time to spend on hold, offer them the option to receive a callback without affecting their position in line, or to leave a message. This can alleviate the stress of waiting.
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Over 16% of callers make purchasing decisions based on the messages they hear while on-hold, even if the messages aren’t about your company.
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Statistics show that approximately 34% of callers who hang up will never call you back. In addition, callers wait an estimated 70% longer on the line when they are listening to interesting information about the company they are calling. These statistics suggest that providing a customized message that is tailored to your company can be more effective than playing music or leaving the customer in silence while they’re on hold.
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Featuring a built-in speakers that lets you monitor the audio on the device directly
You can add wired devices like office VoIP phones or landlines too. After you press "Done" you can start using your business phone number right away.
When you begin to consider what callers on hold should hear while they wait, be sure to focus on your callers and their needs. Think about: Why are they calling? What would keep them interested and even inspired? Remember, on hold messages shouldn’t be a hard sell, but rather a soft sell or conversation with people who have reached out to you, and are in an excellent position to make buying decisions based on what they hear while on hold.
Congratulations! You have taken the first step towards marketing your business and services through messages on hold. Messages played while clients are on hold can promote your business, products, services, news, your website, specials, promotions and more.
AT&T has offered music while the phone is ringing to the calling party (music plays instead of ring...ring..ring), but they charge what seems to be a lot for the service and it only lasts for a year, as I recall. Lots of choices of music, though. No idea about call holding, try calling AT&T. Apr 14, 2009 3:40 PM Apr 14, 2009 4:53 PM in response to PsychedelicWonders In response to PsychedelicWonders
“The on hold messaging for Discount Parts Exchange has a great mix of humor and relevant information. The voice talent is excellent and seems to be a great fit for their target audience.” - Mike Kurtz / On Hold Messaging Association's MARCE Awards Judge
UPDATE: I have had this unit for almost 2 years now. It is connected to a UPS battery backup. I has literally been running non-stop since I set it up over a year and a half ago.
AT&T has offered music while the phone is ringing to the calling party (music plays instead of ring...ring..ring), but they charge what seems to be a lot for the service and it only lasts for a year, as I recall. Lots of choices of music, though. No idea about call holding, try calling AT&T. Apr 14, 2009 3:40 PM Apr 14, 2009 4:53 PM in response to PsychedelicWonders In response to PsychedelicWonders
Technology gives us the ability to market our businesses in many ways. One way that has been around for decades is the “on-hold” recording for your phone system. It’s one of the most underappreciated methods for showcasing your company and making sure callers have a good experience.
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