The best option would be to customize your on hold messages to include the expected hold time, mention ongoing promotions or upsell, and provide other helpful up-to-date information about your business, self-serve options, or anything else that may be relevant.
Corporate cost-cutting and new technology have resulted in the advent of automated systems that can make the on-hold experience even more frustrating. It can feel near-impossible to get a human on the phone these days, which a national survey conducted by Consumer Reports found to be Americans' second-greatest annoyance, after hidden fees but beating out inaccurate weather reports and dog poop. Green observes that often people call as a last resort, because something on the website wasn't clear, perhaps, and they really need an answer quickly. So callers are captive listeners, a state often associated with the gridlock of waiting, whether in line at a Starbucks, in a dentist's chair, or in the proverbial elevator making its slow way up.
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On-Hold Messaging has proven benefits when it comes to phone call retention rates and in helping to upsell new products and services. Fewer Hangups Giving your callers something informative or entertaining to listen to keeps them on the line and avoids the dreaded hangs ups - which may result in the loss of a sale.
"I wish I had more time to forward to you all the great feedback we get." - Chris Hamann / Lakeland Auto & Marine (Hear a sample)
Most typical on hold scripts include: “Thank you for your patience” and “Your call is important to us”.
Depending on how large your business is, you may want more than one on hold messaging option. If you have several departments to take care of, you should consider the customizable extensions feature available through most systems. This feature allows you to craft specific messages for various phone extensions throughout your organization. If you need to provide different information to different callers, this is the best way to do it.
"Congratulations on Best of Show! I was in charge of the [Fifth District ADDY Awards] judging and was there when we played your On Hold Messaging. Very creative. I remember the judges commenting that it was a great use of an underutilized medium. Funny (and effective) stuff. Also goes to show that you don't need to go to the big city to get great creative work." - John McCafferty / McCafferty and Company Advertising
Can I use the music of my favorite artist/band/performer as the background to my Message on Hold program?
Work with professional narrators that reflect your company's image. There is basically no time to save money, and use someone with a great voice. Narrating, is a profession and goes far beyond the sound of the voice.
A number of practices answer their phones from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and are “closed” for an hour at lunch. This means that the office is available to take phone calls for just seven hours per day.
Select a voice from our extensive roster that will best represent your brand. You can even select multiple voice talents if desired.
Our easy and affordable on-hold marketing solutions will help to elevate your brand’s image.
Very quick turn around, extremely professional and easy to work with. Highly recommend!
There are three parts to a perfect on hold message: the script, the speaking tone and the written tone. And of course, there is also the music, which plays a big part in representing your business brand.
Our scriptwriters have years of experience in writing for audio, especially on hold and IVR systems. We’ll create an on hold message your callers will be happy to listen to – avoiding the clichés and stock phrases they hate to hear.
In an ideal world you’d never put a caller on hold, but since most of the time that’s not a reasonable expectation for those tasked with receiving calls, your hold button is necessary. And, when it comes to your business, silence is not golden. Dead air on the other end of the line is not only a waste of a golden opportunity, it can leave callers frustrated, questioning whether or not you’re still even on the line.
After the “message before answering”, the waiting announcement is immediately cut. Hold messages scripts are very powerful for you to keep your callers interested and reduce the tendency of drop calls. Here are some additional samples of hold messages scripts you can use for your business: General Business - On Hold Example