Have you ever wondered why eloquent politicians employ spokespeople? It's not because they lack confidence or fear saying the wrong thing; it's because a professional spokesperson specializes in communicating and disseminating information in a way that makes the best impression on the maximum number of people. This is also why companies use professional spokespeople to represent their business interests online.

Just because you conduct business online doesn't mean that your customers will view your products in pluses and minuses. But it does mean that you'll miss out on an important aspect of the traditional sales process: first person persuasion. Your well-written testimonials and list of benefits may be persuasive, but you can't reach out and dialogue with people as they try to make their final decision. There is, however, a way to implement human persuasion into online business and reduce the number of shoppers who increase your web hits but not your bottom line: using a video of a professional spokesperson to communicate your company and product values.

When prospective customers visit your website, you can assume that they're in the market for your product. But how they'll interpret your sales offering is another matter. As they peruse your website, they'll read of how your products are superior to the competition and of how you offer the best values on the market. But what will they think of you, the seller? Will they imagine that you're sitting in your office, cackling like an old tycoon as the profits roll in, or will they draw the impression that you put your customers and the community first?

When you use a professional virtual spokesperson on your website, you can expect for your company and product values to be communicated in a sincere, cerebral fashion that's convincing without being preachy. Furthermore, you can choose a spokesperson whose appearance, age, tone of voice, etc. is tailored to your target market. Great products and services are sometimes said to sell themselves. But if you want to make online sales when prospective customers' are sitting on the fence, using a corporate spokesperson can make all the difference.

When a customer shops for products at a physical store, salespeople become integral to the sales process. They can promote company values and elucidate the more subjective aspects of products. But when you sell online, customers encounter your products without the presence of a salesperson. That's why it's important to include a professional video website spokesperson on your website.

So how does the On Hold Messaging process work?

First, one of our on hold consultants will determine your telephone systems music on hold capabilityor necessary on hold equipment. Then we’ll review your company’s marketing strategies, and your on hold consultant will discuss our wide range of on hold messaging packages to help you select the appropriate on hold programming to best meet your marketing goals and objectives. 

You are then assigned a seasoned-professional copywriter from our scriptwriting department. Your scriptwriter will conduct a background interview, review your marketing materials and website to learn about your business as well as your marketing strategies. Once this part is complete it’s off to our scriptwriting department you go. Your  assigned copywriter then begins developing an initial rough draft on hold script made up of several 30 second messages which will highlight your company, products, services, etc. (these messages will be in a continuous loop so callers have the opportunity to hear different information while they wait on hold). This process usually takes between 3-5 days. You then review the copy content to make any necessary edits or revisions until you say it’s perfect! 

Upon approval of your script copy, you then listen to a variety of  male and female voice-over demos from our roster of talent. Upon selecting your desired voice talent, you will then also listen to a variety of background music options available from our music library. Once you have approved the on hold script copy, selected the voice and music it’s off to our digital studio where we create your on hold recording.

How often should you update the messages your callers hear On-Hold?

One of the most frequently asked questions we hear is “how often should I change my On-Hold message?” Ultimately, the value of your On-Hold message is measured by the value it brings to your callers. Are your messages relevant?

Do your messages truly relate to what people want in today’s ever-changing world? Or is it passé? Do the benefits you pushed back then still work with what people seek for solutions now? Are you tuned into what turns your customers on?

A great message that has outlived its relevance to customers is no longer a great message. The same message that worked 6 or 8 months ago is not the same message that can work today. You can give sales a boost by keeping content fresh so people do not lose interest.

Here are the factors that should go into that decision;

Tie it into other marketing strategies:
Your new print ad was just published. You’re crossing your fingers, and hoping your dollars were well spent and now the phone rings. What your caller hears while their On-Hold can have a huge impact on reinforcing the advertising you do, or sounding disconnected from other marketing efforts. Should you change your On-Hold message whenever you change your ad or publish a new one? If you don’t, you’re not serving your customers well.

You’ve just completed your newly redesigned website with lots of features and functionality. Are you going to hope that you customers and prospects randomly visit your new website to learn about its changes and how it is more useful for them? If so, you may be waiting a long time. If you make changes to your website tell your callers about it and encourage them to visit your website.
Is your business seasonal? 

 Let’s say you’re a retail appliance store that also sells outdoor grills. Why would you possibly advertise outdoor grills during the winter season? If you business experiences seasonal products or services you should be promoting those products or services during the peak of that particular season, and not when your caller isn’t  in the market. 

You’re gearing up to exhibit at a trade show, you’ve got your checklist complete including your flyers, hand-outs, business cards, banner, displays etc. Why not let your customers and prospects know that you’ll be exhibiting at this trade show, give out your booth number, announce show specials or new product introductions that you’ll displaying at this trade show.

Are you having a Grand Opening, Special Sale or event? These are also announcements you should be telling your callers about while they’re on hold.

So how often should you update your On-Hold message?  The answer.  As  often as it takes to stay with the times and stay connected with your callers.  As with most marketing, it’s easy for your on  hold message to run it’s course, so the key is to keep content fresh, compelling and timely.