How many times have you called a company only to be greeted by an automated message? Chances are, you’ve experienced on hold messaging before. But did you know that it’s a key part of audio branding? Businesses of all sizes use on-hold messaging to improve customer relationships. And it’s not just about playing music—it’s about choosing the right words to not only market your business, but make the caller feel valued. Used correctly, on-hold messaging can be informative, engaging, and can even bring you more revenue.
There are a few things to keep in mind when writing your on-hold messages, such as the length of the message, how clear you are about what you want the caller to do and, equally as important, the tone of voice used. By following a few best practices, businesses can ensure that their on-hold messages are effective and engaging for their callers.
Here are a few tips for writing the perfect on-hold message:
1. Keep it short and sweet:
On-hold messages should be brief so that callers are not left listening to a long, drawn-out message. Be clear about what you want them to do when they’re done listening to the message. Do you want them to visit your website, participate in an online survey or inquire about a new product? Use this time to ask them to take action!
2. Make sure your message is easy to understand:
It’s important to make sure your message is easy to understand. So, avoid using too much, if any, industry jargon. This will help ensure that your audience can engage with and understand what you’re saying.
3. Use the right voice:
There’s nothing worse than feeling like you’re talking to a machine, so make sure the voice you use doesn’t sound like a robot! Make sure you use a friendly, upbeat tone of voice so that callers feel like they are being communicated to in a warm and welcoming way.
4. Avoid reminding callers to stay on hold:
Assuming that you want your caller to stay on the line, it might be helpful to avoid frustrating them with constant reminders that they are on hold. For example, saying “Your call is important to us, please hold as we assist other callers.” It will make that caller feel like the other calls are more important than theirs.
Closing thoughts:
On-hold messages are a necessary evil for many businesses, but they don’t have to be terrible! By following these simple tips, you can create an on-hold message that is short, sweet, and easy to understand. Plus, using a friendly, human-sounding, voice will make your customers feel at ease.
If you need help getting an on-hold message for your business, our team of experts are here to help. Check out our On-Hold Messaging service.
