-Callers stay on the line up to 25% longer when provided with On Hold Messaging versus “dead air” or “background music,” and up to 17% longer than radio.
We have a few examples below we’d like to share so you can customize your on hold messages based on your needs and industry:
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For the Wagon Yard, we developed a 2-minute recording using a combination of story telling and informative narrative with music and sound effects. Be sure to listen long enough to hear the child’s voice! http://prosoundusa.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/27/files/05-18-11-Big-Surf-Waterpark-Experienced-Shark1.mp3
At Professional Voice Greetings we are happy to provide on-hold messaging starting from just $38.98 ($34.99 base price + $3.99 for the on-hold messaging option). Purchase by going to the Voice Samples page, select a voice, add background music if you wish, and write your script. Then, during the checkout process, be sure to select the button that asks if you are buying on-hold messaging.
Whether you are using an analogue landline or a VoIP business phone service, your voice travels over a variety of circuits and networks — most of which serve to disrupt the original audio file.
Forming first impressions is an important part of building strong relationships with people. Many times, the first contact between a customer and your business is on the phone. It is estimated that 70% of business callers experience some type of hold time and that time spent on hold can be the first impression of your company. This can influence whether your caller chooses to do business with you.
For a small expense it is easy to keep up to date with your on hold message programme If you are on a tight budget but want to take advantage of promoting your business while clients are on hold then Budget On Hold Message is for you!
If message personalization is not an option, your still can use generic on hold messages that would work in most situations.
One of the most valuable benefits of a Message On Hold program is its ability to help your customer service representatives. As a starting point for your Message On Hold, consider adding frequently asked questions to your on hold script. Ask your customer service reps what questions they hear again, and again, and again, they put those answers on hold. This way, you might answer questions before even talking to a customer.
“Did you know?...as well as providing top quality on hold messages, Media Music Now has a library of around 4000 hand-selected quality tracks of royalty free music; can provide custom written music from a choice of composers; offers professional voice-overs and a whole range of audio editing services including podcast and audio book production”
You will also have the option to add additional team members - everyone gets their own extension. You and your team members will share a common business number. They will receive an email with app download instructions and can use the app for free.
You’ll notice that there’s not too much of a difference between the track when played at CD quality and over the phone. All the instruments can still be heard clearly, and the same techniques I used to introduce clipping on the other two tracks had no effect (I could have kept amplifying the track until it did, but it proved the point). And because it’s fairly bland and inoffensive, you’re not going to upset anyone too much if it’s not their cup of tea.
We have a few examples below we’d like to share so you can customize your on hold messages based on your needs and industry:
-88% of callers surveyed want to hear product information on-hold and will stay on the line longer if provided with this information – roughly 16-20% said that they have purchased additional products based on information they heard while on-hold.
Generic Introductory GreetingAccount Information IntroductionLaw Office IntroductionManufacturing Introduction
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.
Mixes of Mozart and Beethoven’s classic symphonies are a great way to keep customers engaged as they wait to get on hold.