Amidst the hum of everyday business operations, the on-hold message is an often-overlooked avenue for creating a lasting first impression. For many small businesses, the silence or generic background music on hold can be likened to hanging up on potential communications. Contrastingly, a well-crafted on-hold message can turn a seemingly dull moment into a sneak peek praising your brand’s innovation, values, or services. There’s a symphony of opportunity in those couple of minutes a customer spends on hold, but how to tap into it?
When Silence Doesn’t Speak Volumes
The silence that a customer often encounters when placed on hold may communicate more than any spoken word – and that’s not a good thing. According to a recent CSF Corp study, 55% of callers spend 15 seconds or more on hold, with 13% of those calls abandoned due to long wait times. This means that the initial decision to put a customer on hold can result in a lost opportunity to engage them further with your brand.
When addressing a client’s needs or any operational pauses, an on-hold message transforms the typical customer experience. It breeds familiarity, informs your clientele of current promotions, and builds confidence in your brand’s competence. But how does a business, especially one not versed in radio or marketing, create an engaging on-hold message without breaking the bank or employing a marketing guru in-house?
Crafting Your Sonic Brand Identity
The process of creating an on-hold message can be as streamlined as sending an email, thanks to services like Ad-Hold. These platforms understand that the voice and message of your on-hold segment are just as much a part of your brand identity as your logo or tagline. They offer customizable on-hold messages that cater to your industry, company ethos, and even the current season or milestone of your business.
Ad-Hold takes the guesswork out of the equation by providing voice talent, licensed music, and message scripting all in one place. Their platform walks you through selecting a voice that resonates with your audience, crafting messages that align with your brand’s goals, and suggesting the perfect music that captures the essence of your business. The process is straightforward, and within a few clicks, you can bring your brand’s voice to life.
Your Voice, Your Message, Your Brand
In a marketplace where tone and message matter, custom on-hold messages enable smaller businesses to compete with the audio quality of larger enterprises. They bridge the gap by making the waiting time productive, not punitive, for the caller on the line.
The power of a coherent sonic identity across all customer touchpoints cannot be overstated. It’s about creating an experience that lingers, leaving a customer with more than a memo or a promotion. A well-thought-out message expresses the warmth, professionalism, and unique flavor of your brand.
Leveraging technology to create this brand experience is no longer a luxury but a necessity. It levels the playing field for businesses who want to offer a wholesome customer experience while boosting their professional image.
On-Hold Messages: The Affordable Brand Ambassador
Contrary to popular belief, implementing a professional on-hold message isn’t as expensive as one might think. Ad-Hold’s cost-effective approach means small businesses can invest in a high quality, custom audio experience. This investment is a direct communication of your commitment to your customer, potentially turning a caller on hold into a loyal customer.
Creating a service like custom on-hold messages may seem like a small detail, but in reality, it’s a comprehensive strategy to enhance your brand. It communicates to customers that you care about their time and that you prioritize each part of their experience with your company.
The Step-by-Step Recipe for an Outstanding On-Hold Message
To help you get started, here’s a simple recipe for the perfect on-hold message:
- Identify Your Objective: Before you write a word, know what you want to achieve. From providing helpful information to promoting a new product, your objective will drive the content.
- Select Your Voice: Whether you want to be friendly, professional, or a mix of both, choosing the right voice is crucial. Ad-Hold’s roster of professional voice talents ensures you find the perfect fit.
- Craft Your Message: Keep it concise and engaging. Your script should be between 50-70 words so that it’s informative but not overwhelming for your caller.
- Choose Music Carefully: The music sets the mood for your message. With Ad-Hold, you have access to an extensive range of licensed music across genres and stylings.
- Put it Together: Once you have all the elements, Ad-Hold combines them into a single, smooth audio clip.
A Tangible Return on Customer Experience
An often-underestimated but critical aspect of customer service is the on-hold experience. It’s an opportunity for your brand to communicate, to soothe, and to sell. Every interaction with your customers, even those moments when they’re waiting on hold, is a chance to solidify your brand’s narrative. With services like Ad-Hold, it’s never been easier or more affordable to turn these into engaging, personalized moments.
End the on-hold silence in your business and start conversations that build customer loyalty. Remember, in the realm of business, silence isn’t always golden, but an on-hold message might just be.