What Makes On Hold Messages Valuable to The Customer?

Time for some honesty here – most everyone business caller absolutely loathes sitting on hold. Unfortunately, it’s something that we all must endure at some point. In fact, it’s reported that more than 7 out of every 10 phone calls are placed on hold!

And with average wait times dramatically increasing, imaging having to endure 5, 10, 15 minutes (or longer) listening to terrible hold music?  Sadly, we’ve gotten use to the horrific music that drones on when we are sitting on the line waiting for someone to assist us. Many take to social media to air their disdain, while Facebook users have even created a list of the 11 worst songs to be listening to while on hold .

It’s time for a change, my friends!

As a business, it’s time to start thinking about how to make the time customers and prospects are on hold work for your business, rather than punishing them with terrible tunes. By changing the way you approach on hold time with the strategic use of custom on hold messages, you can open the door to a whole new world of marketing opportunities while giving your customers and hot prospects a better experience when they are forced to sit on the line and wait for a human being.

On-hold messaging is the perfect place to upsell, cross sell, and promote your solutions. Here are a few ideas:

1. Introduce customers to new solutions or services.

You may have sold a product or service to a client 3 years ago, and they are happy as a clam with the service. But while they are sitting on hold, this is an invaluable marketing opportunity to let them know about the new services you’ve added to your portfolio. Remember, it’s your job to keep customers focused on your business so that it’s top of mind.

2. Showcase new hardware offerings.

Everyone loves having the latest and greatest when it comes to technology. I mean, it seems like I upgrade my smartphone more than my wardrobe! Chances are, your customers would consider an upgrade – if only they knew it existed!

3. Announce upcoming promotions or discounts.

In many cases, the prospect waiting on the other end of the line is close to closing a deal with your company. So why not give them an added bonus with a promotion that might help them make their purchase decision. We all love to feel like we are getting a deal and saving money!

4. Promote trade shows, webinars, or upcoming events.

Whether you’re going to a trade show, hosting a webinar, or holding a lunch and learn, your events are only successful if you promote them properly. So why not let customers and prospects know where they can go to register or schedule a meeting with you!

So, how do you do this?

Glad you asked! As marketers, we love tools that improve the customer experience – and Original On Hold does just that! Quickly and easily get professional greetings, voice prompts, and messages on hold voice recordings that work with any hosted phone system – with 100+ voice-artists, including bilingual options.

Whether you want to update callers on new products and services or announce promotions, Original On Hold is the perfect way to extend your marketing strategy. We even got a sweet deal so you can try our risk free custom on hold demo for yourself at a discounted rate!

Let’s face it. Your customers and prospects are going to be placed on hold at some point. Why not make that work for you!