Category: Business

Every detail of marketing matters when it comes to leaving a lasting impression on your audience. Studies show that 99% of people will make a decision based on the sound of an advertisement. 

When you think of what should be included in your content plan and what jingles for business to pick, you most likely don’t prioritize making on-hold messaging the main sound element in your marketing…

Because the majority of us are used to custom on hold for business ideas being dull and repetitive. For example, most on-hold greetings consist of cheesy elevator music that can slowly drive you crazy after a while. 

But, what if there was a way to make an on-hold message that would leave a lasting impression, instead of filling time with bland, generic music?

Here are some tips and tricks for converting listeners to loyal consumers. 

How To Succeed With Custom On Hold for Business Messages

Custom on hold for business messages are meant to provide the listener with useful information. This is valuable time for your business. For instance, you should use both a custom jingles production and craft a compelling script. 

Therefore, the first thing to focus on is not on hold messaging equipment, but what you’re going to say in the message. Keep in mind that you have limited time, so you want to make every word count! 

Write the Script 

Without a great script, nobody will pay attention to the custom jingles for business you’ve created, or the radio commercial production. They’ll hang up and never think about your business again. 

Now, to avoid the cost of on-hold messages being for nothing, you have to begin with putting yourself in the caller’s shoes. This means the message should start with a clear explanation of the company.

However, you want to make the first section quick and efficient. Briefly introduce the company, highlight a standout feature, and move on.

Other on-hold examples include jingles for commercials which provide an interlude between waiting and talking to an agent. Plus, who doesn’t love to hear some soothing tunes?

It’s also important to give the caller a rough estimate of how long they might have to wait until they can speak to someone. After all, people take time out of their days to get in contact on the phone. 

So, you want to show that you appreciate their time and patience in the on-hold message. 

Make Announcements About Your Business

Custom radio ads for business, and on-hold messages are great ways to promote an upcoming product or highlight an exciting event that has happened in the company. 

You can inform callers about seasonal sales, a recently won award, or an additional feature that is being added to the business. Of course, these elements will be dependent on your brand. 

Therefore, try to keep them relevant and up-to-date as much as possible. Otherwise, someone might be calling in summer, and your on-hold message is still talking about Christmas deals. 

Keep It Short and Sweet 

Everyone knows that the first few minutes of interacting with a business could make or break the future relationship. That’s why you should never make your on-hold message longer than a couple of minutes.

If you write a good script that converts in those first few minutes, the caller will be willing to stay on the line a little longer. Then, you just need to provide them with a pleasant waiting experience. 

Focus on the Sound 

As already mentioned at the start of the article, the sound is essential for keeping callers on the line. However, you need to strike the balance between an enjoyable sound and making it clear it’s a recording. 

We’ve all had those moments when you call a customer service line and you hear a ring thinking you’re through to an agent. Then, the subtle elevator music starts playing and you realize you’re waiting in the queue…

It’s not a fun experience.

So, the trick is to make the music appeal to your listener and encourage them to wait around for a short while. Picking the correct background noise is arguably one of the hardest parts of making a successful on-hold message.

Therefore, you want a company that is experienced in commercial production and on-hold messaging to take care of it for you.

Benefits of On-Hold Messaging 

Running a business is not an easy thing to do, there are constantly piles of paperwork piling up on your desks and calls to be made. But, investing in the small details of your company like on-hold messaging is worth the effort.

 1. Marketing Opportunity

People are always looking for ways to optimize marketing opportunities, however, sometimes the most obvious resources are overlooked. After you’ve given a caller an update about your company, they can respond immediately.

You don’t need to wait for engagement rates to increase, you have someone interested in your brand straight away. This allows you to promote your services and products one-to-one. 

2. Answers Important Questions

An on-hold message is also ideal for answering important questions about your company. You can include details such as phone numbers, discount codes, and opening hours. 

This gives callers the key information to get in contact and use your business without having to scroll through pages of text. 

3. Build Better Connections 

At the end of the day, on-hold messages are key to building lasting and loyal connections with your audience. There’s nothing better than having someone listen to your concerns and wanting to help.

Callers value this interaction and will be more inclined to use your business afterward. 

Set the Right Tone With On Hold Messaging

Ultimately, creating the perfect custom on hold for business message is about setting the right tone. You need to think about your caller and write a script that addresses their needs. 

At Killerspots Agency we create radio ad production, on-hold messaging, and social media marketing that takes your brand to a new level. You can even hire a green screen studio rental in Cincinnati as well!

The options are endless. It’s up to you how you use them. 

Let us help you create a killer on-hold message and get in contact with our team today. 

How good is your company’s phone etiquette?

It’s likely that customer service reps, people in sales, and account representatives are trained in the right way to speak with your customers. However, when was the last time you thought about your on-hold messaging? 

On-hold messages present a unique opportunity for education, information, and stellar customer interactions. The only problem is that very few businesses have come to realize this. 

When you’re striving to make the best customer experience possible, every interaction counts. Phone calls, website submissions, and newsletters may seem like small things, but they matter a lot to your customers and clients. 

It may seem like a small thing, but your on-hold messages have the power to completely transform the customer experience. Curious about how the right on-hold strategy can benefit your business? Read on to learn about the benefits of on-hold messages and tips around how to make yours count. 

The Benefits of On-Hold Messages 

There’s something about silence that seems to make people uncomfortable.  Think about the last time you had to call a company and you were put on hold. Chances are you didn’t sit in silence until someone was able to take your call. You may have heard music, special prompts, or tips while you waited. 

Those small interactions you experienced on-hold were actually doing a lot to set the right customer experience. You were a little engaged during the wait time, may have heard tips on how to make the most out of your call, and could have even learned a little about the company. 

It’s time for you to make the most out of your on-hold time. Here are just a few ways the right on-hold message can help your business and customers. 

Improve Call Retention 

Want to know about the true cost of silence? A poll showed that up to 70% of people on hold in silence end up hanging up. Even more jarring, a whopping 35% of those people never end up calling back. 

Silence doesn’t do anyone any good when they’re on hold. A completely silent call could lead people to think that they’ve been mistakenly disconnected while they wait. The silence could make people feel like they aren’t truly valued, and if you don’t seem to value their time how can they value your business?

Whether you go with soft music, informational messages, or something light-hearted, on-call messaging can help drastically improve your call retention numbers. Messages can help reassure people that they’re still on hold and that help will be on the way. 

Process Calls Faster 

Take a moment to ask your customer service representatives what tends to hold up the calls they’re on. We’re confident that many will mention just how long it can take for a customer to find all of their necessary information.

Think about how much faster calls would go if you knew that every person on the other line had their account number, most recent bill, or credit card on file in front of them. This is where an on-hold message can become incredibly helpful. 

Consider adding some preparatory information to your on-hold messaging. Give people a heads up so they know exactly what information they need to have on hand to make the call go faster. 

Your customer service representatives don’t want to spend extra time on a call, and neither do the people calling in. Give everyone what they need to succeed with some simple prompts in your on-hold messages. 

Create Sales Opportunities 

You may have some loyal customers, but how often do you think they go online or visit your social profiles to look up information about sales and products? Unless they’re set on making a purchase, it’s safe to assume that your products and services don’t come up much in their daily routine.

Don’t just view your call queue as a group of people that are waiting for help. They’re also a somewhat captive audience that is in a position to listen and learn. 

Leverage this time well by sharing important information about your company. Let them know about any exciting changes or new products coming through the pipeline. Promote upcoming events or the benefits of using your company.

Set the Right Tone 

You never know what to expect from a customer when they’re calling your business. They may have had a very long and frustrating day, and having to call your business to deal with a problem could be the last thing they want to do. This could be the 2nd or 3rd time they’re calling in, and they’re starting to feel angry. 

We can’t help ensure that everyone will be pleasant and cooperative once they reach your customer service rep, but you can help quell some negative feelings with the right on-hold message. 

Don’t underestimate how helpful hearing a calm and upbeat voice can be when you’re on a call. It can help cool down hot tempers and reset the mood. Music can have an equally calming effect on people. 

Your on-hold message can also help reset people’s focus and make them ready to deal with the matter at hand. Now your caller isn’t dwelling on their bad commute or their frustration, they’re focused on getting together their account information so they can get helped quickly. 

Answer Questions Before They’re Asked 

Are you going to be open during the upcoming holiday? Does your business require proof of vaccination before people can enter or is wearing a mask fine? Was there a service outage on the 25th, or were they just experiencing problems with their account? 

A lot of the people calling in for help have questions that can be easily answered without the help of a representative. Make everyone’s day a little easier by providing customers with some important information when they’re on hold. 

Talk to your customer service representatives about the questions they get asked the most when they talk to customers. Record hold messaging that answers their most pressing questions, and see how long it takes for customer satisfaction rates to go up and hold times to go down. 

Making the Most of Your On-Hold Time 

Now that you know about the array of benefits that come with having the right on-hold messaging, let’s talk about what to do with your on-hold time. 

There are a lot of different directions you can take your on-hold message in. Some like to keep things strictly informational, others want to focus more on promotion than education, and you may have some strong opinions about the use of music.

Regardless of where you stand, we have some tips that can help ensure that you make the most of your on-hold experience. 

Remember Your Brand 

It would be strange to hear crass jokes when you’re waiting to hear from your lawyer or doctor. On the flip side, it may be a little off-putting to hear a dull and clearly scripted message when you’re put on hold with your favorite vibrant salon. 

Don’t forget about your company’s overall brand and voice when you’re making your on-hold messages. Now isn’t the time to try something new with how you present yourself. Stay on brand when people are on hold and focus on creating the right experience. 

Think About Message Types 

If you want to make great on-hold messages for calls, you need to think about the entire process from start to finish. 

What will your customers hear the moment they call in? What happens if the lines are busy and you have to get a call back number or send them to voice mail? 

Think about these potential instances when you’re crafting your on-hold messages so you can account for the entire experience. See how different potential outcomes and goals can affect your messaging. 

Consider Educational Tips 

If you want to make a truly great customer experience, don’t just give your customers the help they need at the moment. Consider giving them information that can help them in the future. 

You can easily let your customers know that they can change certain features and make account upgrades in your app. Take things a step further and give them helpful bits of information related to your goods and services. 

Do you deal with automotive sales and repairs? Record some on-hold tips around how often they should get their oil changed or the right time to replace windshield wipers. Are you making on-hold messaging for a doctor’s office? Tell your callers the difference between a cold and flu and tips around nutrition.

Improve Your On-Hold Experience Today

Learning about the true power of on-hold messages have is the key to improving on the most important areas of your customer service. Give your most loyal customers and new callers the best experience possible by designing on-hold messages that can educate, inform, and even entertain! 

Are you ready to start thinking about your on-hold strategy? Do you have more questions about our other services? Whatever you need, make sure you reach out to us today so we can talk about how marketing and production can help your business. 

You know the headache of being on hold with a company for several minutes. The annoying sound of elevator music plays in your ear at an insanely loud volume. Then, you’re stuck. You’re stuck listening to whatever automated script the company chooses to play on their on-hold messaging service. You roll your eyes and suck it up as you have no other option.

However, as a business owner, you have the option to use a script on your own on-hold messaging service that’ll keep your customers intrigued and make them forget they’re even on hold. Being on hold doesn’t have to be a painful experience.  It can be fun when done the right way.

Don’t subject your customers to boring elevator music. Continue reading below for the top funniest on-hold messages that prove you can have fun with it!

Importance of Humor in an On-Hold Messaging Service Script

You know the pains involved with being kept on hold. As a business owner, you don’t want to put your own customers through this same pain. Instead, you want to create an on-hold message that’s humorous,  fun, entertaining, informational, or just silly. 

The best on-hold wait time is one that goes unnoticed because the customer is having so much fun with the message that’s playing. The type of message that you decide to play on your own messaging service is up to you, but here are a few examples to get the inspiration flowing. 

1. Lakeland Auto and Marine

“Thanks for choosing Lakeland Auto and Marine. You’ll find us in Port Clinton, Ohio about 4,000 miles west of France and left or right of Lake Erie depending on which way you’re coming from. We’re also directly in line with the sun, so if you’re gonna stop by you might want to bring a hat.”

This on-hold message from Lakeland Auto and Marine is all about being silly. Their location is in their name, so it’s easy for them to have a bit of fun with where they’re located.

While customers are on hold, they’ll be laughing about the silly directions given to them and might even appreciate the suggestion to bring a hat as the sun can get quite brutal as it shines down on an auto lot. 

2. Town and Country Hotel 

“Thanks for choosing Town and Country the San Diego hotel with free sheets and revolutionary in-room toilets. Friendly dogs are always welcomed at Town and Country. We’ve even set aside a special area for them where they can do doggy things like running, city planning, and solving advanced puzzles that require critical thinking. Book your pet-friendly room when we return.”

This hotel had a lot of fun creating their on-hold message. It’s clear from the message that they’re a dog-friendly hotel and have special areas for dogs to run around in. Yet, instead of saying that, they decided to have some fun with it instead. 

You also have to love that hint of sarcasm when explaining that they have free sheets and in-room toilets! 

3. Binkelman 

“Lots of people fantasize about making love to Continentals Maximizer Prodrive selection analysis software, and we understand why. It helps design a fish and power transmission belt drives for your drive system. You just answer your drive specifications, and Maximizer Pro shows you belt options that will deliver the maximum energy savings for your application. That’s pretty hot, I know, but while Maximizer Pro is all out freaky sexy, it’s also cold and emotionally unavailable, so please don’t fall in love.”

Here’s a company that’s product is software. An otherwise boring topic of discussion, software in this on-hold message is seen in a whole other light. This company uses its message to convince its customers that the software product is desirable. 

The message also tells a little bit about the software as well, which works out well for an informational message. The message ends with a silly statement that almost makes the customer feel attached to the product!

4. Walter’s Goodyear

“”Are you afraid of robots? Well, who isn’t? They’re creepy and their internal oils could leak on your couch and your pants, but it’s time to get over our fears so Walter’s Goodyear has hired a robot to answer our phones. Say hello to Vince. “Nice to meet you.” Vince why don’t you tell our friend about our 1795 oil change. “It is an oil change that cost 17 dollars and 95 cents.””

This company uses a fun message with a human voice speaking with a robot that the company hired to tell customers all about their services. The human voice on the recording is funny and uplifting and the robot’s voice sounds more artificial. The robot goes into details about the services offered and this makes it informational, but fun!

5. Rumpf

“Is stress getting the better of you? Then take trombone lessons and eat more horse meat. Romantic trombone music has been clinically proven to reduce the effects of the hormone cortisol and, of course, the unique molecular structure of horse meat stimulates the deeply suppressed urge in humans to gallop, and it’s hard to be stressed when you’re galloping. Take it from us, we’re galloping to the phone right now to take your call and we couldn’t be more relaxed.” 

This company decided to address the topic of stress to its customers on hold. How ironic is that? Yet, this makes the message quite interesting. 

The message also ends with a funny statement that they’re galloping over to the phones right now to answer the customer’s call! Customers can have a good laugh while waiting for someone to gallop on over. 

What’s Your On-Hold Messaging Service Script?

Do you have an on-hold messaging service script? What does yours sound like? Is it fun and uplifting, or is it boring elevator music? 

Bring your customers some light-hearted fun while on hold with your business. Click here to receive a quote on on-hold messages and phone greetings!

There aren’t many things people hate more than being put on hold when they call your company. They expect to talk to a person and to be treated like one, and instead, they’re ignored and have to spend time waiting for someone to answer. It’s annoying, and it can cost you business. Yet, there are simple ways to keep people on the line if they’re on hold, and the best one is to write an on hold message script.

This is a script that your customers will hear when they waiting to talk to an actual person. It’s what place when someone is on hold, and it costs almost nothing to write one up and record.

And the best part is that you don’t need to write your on hold message script to be so formal. The point of an on hold message is to keep them on the line, not to bore them to death! So, you might as well try to have some fun with it and make your customers laugh while they wait.

And to learn how to write a comedic message script, just keep reading below!

A Person Will Need to Read Your On Hold Message Script

The first step is to realize that writing a script isn’t like writing an article or any other kind of copy. Most kinds of writing are meant to be silently read by a single person. Yet, writing scripts is different because it’s meant to be read out loud by a specific person.

Instead of writing to inform people or to entertain them, you need to write your script as a way to create a conversation. You need to imagine what someone would say to another person and then put it on the page. Don’t be afraid if it feels like you’re talking to yourself — that just means you’re writing well.

It’s Not Just the Writing That Matters — Voice Matters Too

While you need to adapt your writing style for screenwriting, you also need to realize there are additional production steps to recording an on hold message. You need to find someone who has the right voice for the job, and who can read your script well.

A person can have a perfect voice for the job, but they may not be able to pronounce words well or emphasize the right things. When it comes to comedy, coming off as monotone can kill the joke. It doesn’t matter how well you write your script if it isn’t delivered well.

Forget About the Business, Have Fun With It

After finding the right person to read your script, it’s time to start writing it out! As a business person, you’re probably used to writing articles and reports about revenue and strategy. Yet, writing comedy is the exact opposite of these writing styles.

Comedy writing is about having fun with words and being unafraid to say the things that are on everyone’s minds. It’s about getting people to have fun while staying informative and telling a story. And everyone can do it, but not everyone can do it well.

To write a comedy script well, you need to be open with yourself and your audience. Write about your flaws as a company, and present them in a humorous light. The easiest way to start is to write about forcing people to stay on hold and joke about it.

Never Laugh at Your Own Jokes, Write It With Coworkers

Most writers get into the business because they want to work in seclusion. They’re attracted to the myth of being alone with nothing but a keyboard and a computer, scribbling their thoughts. Yet, comedy writing isn’t like traditional writing.

When it comes to writing comedy, you need to have people around you. There should be people around you that you can bounce ideas off of. Otherwise, you’ll just be telling yourself jokes and slowly go insane as you force yourself to laugh at your own jokes.

It won’t make for good comedy writing at all, and you won’t produce a usable script.

Don’t Be Afraid to Be Unprofessional — It’s Comedy

Many professionals aren’t used to stepping outside of their comfort zones and being exactly what they’re not: unprofessional. Yet, to write comedy, that’s exactly what you must be. You can’t be afraid to take off the stuffy suit and let yourself relax, writing whatever comes to mind.

And if you write something that doesn’t impress your coworkers or earn accolades, that’s fine. It’s called the writing process, and it’s why most writers prefer their seclusion. All writers are embarrassed by their first drafts.

Just because you’re writing comedy doesn’t mean you won’t feel embarrassed by what you write. The goal of writing comedy is to overcome that embarrassment, and for you to help your fellow writers know they have nothing to be afraid of. The best comedy writing comes about when the writers are all the best of friends.

Make Sure The Script Stays On-Brand

It doesn’t matter if you’re writing marketing copy or if you’re writing a comedy script; everything must stay on brand. Writing is about capturing your inner voice and sharing it with an audience. The same applies when you’re writing for a company, and its brand is its voice.

If you stray away from the company brand, your audience will notice and your on hold message will backfire. People will feel tricked as they wait to talk to an actual person, and by the time they reach someone real, they’ll be furious.

But, if you stay on brand, people will feel safe and understood. They’ll feel confident that they know what the company is all about, and that will make them easier to work with.

Make Your Company More Personable With a Comedy Script

A comedic on hold message script isn’t just some novelty you can invest in because you feel like it. It’s a way to distinguish your company and establish your brand, and it can help make your customers more eager to do business with you. It’s icing on the cake of your company; without it, it’s not really a cake at all.

Yet, it takes a certain kind of person to write comedy well, and for that, we’re here. Reach out to us, and we’ll prepare a comedic on hold message that will do more than resonate with your audience. It’ll make them laugh, and that’s what it’s all about.