Boredom…. It’s the demise of all businesses telephone system’s on hold button.

If you can’t instantly grab your prospects’ attention your business becomes invisible. This is one reason why having a music on hold & messages program is critical. And it all starts with having a compelling on hold message script.

Once you’ve gotten past the “Your call is important to us”…..you  must keep your callers interested, otherwise they will hang up. So how can you keep your callers informed, entertained and increase sales? The following on hold message script copywriting strategy is one way you can maintain your caller’s attention and keep them engaged, entertained and “wanting” for more.

Here’s how it works …

After you greet callers and ask them to wait, prompt them with some though provoking questions about your offerings, which can peak their interest and wanting to find out more. Why should do this you might ask? Because if you think your prospects and customers know all of your offerings, and they’re only purchasing from you, you can walk into any casino in the world and get better odds than that!

 Here are three examples of thought provoking on hold message script copy for the mortgage, hvac and dental industry:

1.Do you know how to lock in the guaranteed lowest interest rate on your mortgage (for as long as 120 days) — even before you begin shopping for your next home? Ask our loan consultant for more information, we’ll be glad to tell you more…….

2.Did  you know that you can reduce energy costs in your home by as much as 40% with today’s newer, high efficiency HVAC systems? …Would you like to save 30% of the installed cost?  Find out how you can qualify for the Federal Tax Credit for improving the energy efficiency of your home when you purchase a high efficiency HVAC system before December 1, 2010……….

 3.Do you want whiter, brighter teeth? Did you know that we now offer the zoom whitening system? Would you like get rid of that unsightly smile in just under an hour. Ask us how when return to your call……

Notice how the questions point out to callers their lack of information. The only way to get the knowledge they need is by asking for more information when your staff picks up their call. It’s a pretty painless way to get a qualified lead, isn’t it?

Previously having an on hold message system or music on hold advertising for your business was often viewed as a luxury item. Today, successful businesses know that by using professional on hold messages they can retain callers (keep them on the line longer) and provide a marketing messages to a “qualified and captive audience” improving their chances at increasing sales.

There have been numerous studies conducted over the years, and a vast amount of data to support the many benefits of using music on hold & messages on your business phone system. And by now, just about everyone knows what an on hold message is, an interlude of music interspersed with messages about a company. But on hold messages go beyond just having something pleasant for your callers to listen to, as opposed to being subjected to dead air while waiting in on hold eternity.

Let’s take a look at what truly makes the difference from just an average on hold message and on hold message programming designed to get results.

Most customers basically know what you offer - that's why they're calling.  People know that an Auto Repair shop fixes cars, and that a hotel offers rooms. Here's what they don't know: what makes you different and better than your competition? Why should they bring their car to you and not your competitor?  What makes your hotel a better choice?  Does your on hold message help them know why they should choose you instead of your competition?

Forget filling on hold time with messages like "Your call is very important to us" or other cliché statements that don't make an impact. Now we’re certainly not saying that you shouldn’t reinforce to the caller that they are important, you recognize their time is valuable and that you greatly appreciate their patronage. What we’re saying is “Why not define your unique message for your customers - and say something that educates and informs them, instead of boring them with the same meaningless statements your competitors use?” In other words, your on hold messages should have a purpose.

Here are 10 helpful hints that can be the difference between a results oriented on hold message script or the same one as everyone else:

1.Provide news about industry or technology advancements.
2. Tell callers about your businesses' conservation efforts and to promote green causes.
3. Mention current promotions, price offerings, seasonal specials and any available discounts.
4. Ask for referrals by promoting any referral rewards or referral incentive programs.
5. Tell your callers about your hours and locations.
6. Answer any frequently asked questions as well as share expert tips and advice.
7. Promote trade shows, upcoming events and community involvement.
8. Tell them about your website address or encourage them to sign up for newsletters and special offers (capturing your customers or prospects data is important for continued marketing efforts.)
9. Include company achievements such as awards or features in publications.
10. Inform callers of any available programs in which they can take advantage of  Federal tax credits or rebates (just think what this did for the auto industry with cash for clunkers, the HVAC industry where homeowners are rewarded for making energy efficiency improvements, and even more recently the sluggish housing market where mortgage companies and realtors could promote first time home buyer tax credits).

Your on hold messages can serve numerous purposes for your business, but the difference between a good on hold message, and a great on hold message is it should prompt your callers to action, "what you want your caller to do."

What is it that makes some on hold message ads sparkle and others fall flat? At On Hold Inc, we like to call it the ABC’s of effective on hold script copy.

A=attention, B=branding and C=communication.

Attention - make sure your ad contains an attention trigger, allowing you to bring in some real potential buyers
Branding - Your branding should be obvious and consistent, so you can create awareness for your business.
Communicate - The on hold message script should clearly communicate what your business or product offering is about, in other words, sell the sizzle, not the steak.

On Hold message copy writing is a kind of sales pitch that promotes a product or service. The promotion of a product or service holds immense importance when it comes to the sustainability and profitability of a business. Through creative and informative on hold script writing, one can grab the attention of callers about  the products or services offered by the company. A successful music on hold & message marketing plan relies heavily on the pulling-power of  the on hold message script.  Writing results-oriented ad copy is difficult, as it must appeal to, entice, and convince callers to take action.

At On Hold Inc our team of copywriters are never at a loss for words. Our creative writing team consists of talented writers who rise to the challenge of speaking your business, every day. It takes skill, experience and an in-depth understanding of business, branding and the on-hold marketing medium to write copy that jumps off the page to engage your callers in a direct, informative and entertaining way. Our copywriters put their creativity to work to ensure the voice of your business is distinct and consistent. This enables your custom on-hold messaging campaign to generate positive results. Our writers turn your simple list of attributes into a thought-provoking presentation for your callers.

Some key elements to be considered in your on hold message script are: 

• attractive benefits
• features
• strong guarantees
• asking or answering questions
• proof of benefits offered
• deadlines to order
• free trials

Remember that the purpose of custom music on hold & messages is to help your business:

• Increase sales, products or service
• Inform and educate the client
• Enhance your brand image and customer satisfaction
• Entertain and engage the client

It’s easy for On Hold Inc to be the voice of your business, because we know how. If you’ve been considering a professional music on hold & message system for your business, then we encourage you to take advantage of our risk free on hold system trial offer. We’ll write it, produce it and let you audition your custom on hold messages before making a purchasing commitment.