What was once an unproductive waiting time for callers can now become something worthwhile with the use of on-hold marketing. But first, let’s define on-hold marketing and what it can do for your company.

On-hold marketing is a type of public relations and marketing tool where you play music or have on-hold messages that promote your brand’s product and services. Nowadays, small-sized and medium-sized companies use on-hold marketing to keep customers updated with latest products, promotions, as well as one-time deals that the callers can claim once they get connected with a representative.

Sometimes referred to as telephone on-hold marketing, the basic idea of this strategy was brought about due to the fact that most customers grow impatient while waiting on the other line. The main idea of on-hold marketing is not only to put a background music on-hold for callers, but also to introduce verbal advertising. It’s also set-up at a minimal cost, plus, better chances at generating an ample amount of sales.

By merely installing an on hold message marketing system on your company’s phone, you will accomplish two things:

1) You can introduce new products, or promotions to callers

2) You have reduced the frustration brought by waiting. This will eventually make callers feel entertained and by the time a customer representative takes the call, they’re in a better mood and become more susceptible to placing orders. Isn’t that amazing? In addition, you have decreased the chances of callers hanging-up on you.

Studies show that with on hold messaging, callers will wait up to 3 times longer than when forced to listen to dead-air (silence), radio or canned music on hold. This not only keeps callers on the line, it allows you more opportunitues at a chance of winning a sale! 

If you need help coming up with ideas and professional messages on-hold, we at The Original On Hold,Inc provide a wide array of services that you can choose from.  You can even update your on-hold messages anywhere, anytime with Message Xpress – it’s that easy!

What sets on-hold marketing apart from other marketing tools is that it’s not only cost-effective, it also  lets you advertise your products and services to your customers upfront. Unlike the traditional media, you have your caller’s undivided attention through telephone on-hold marketing, giving you the liberty to market your products all you want.

Sign up for risk-free on hold trial today and experience the wonders of on-hold marketing for your company.

Sure the NBA is back on the hardwoods, the NFL is gearing up for the playoffs, the NHL is in full swing and Major League Baseball is on hiatus until spring training. What do sports have to do with On-hold messages you might ask?  Well, On hold messages are not only for keeping your customers entertained while on-hold.  Another amazing thing that on-hold marketing can do for your company is to tell about your brand’s story, and below is how one MLB star accomplished just that.

Yes, you’ve read that right. On-hold messages can tell more about your brand by merely delivering  a clear message to your callers while giving them something to think about. But, before we give you tips of how to utilize your message on-hold into creating wonderful stories and moments of Eureka for your brand, let me share with you this inspiring incident by free agent, Jose Reyes.

A New York Post reporter, Kevin Kernan called Peter Greenberg and Associates who represent New York Mets shortstop Jose Reyes for an update on his free agency. To his surprise, he heard Reyes’ recently released song “No Hay Amigo,” translated to “There are no friends” while he was put on-hold.

From there on, Kernan understood and got all the answers he needed before he was even greeted by someone from the company. He soon found out that Reyes is unhappy with the Mets and using his song as music on-hold is one way for him to let someone know the status of his career.

Isn’t it interesting to have something that can capture your brand message without having to do so much about it? You know people will be put on-hold, and when they are, they will hear your message and understand what your brand is all about.

Reyes’ song was pretty clever and to use it as an on-hold music; anybody who calls the Mets would readily understand what’s going on. How do you do something like that? Here are three strategic ways to make sure you’re on the right track with your music on-hold and messages.

Come up with your best pitch

Callers are a hot prospect. By the time they dial your number, you know they mean business. Show them you’re a big-league player by creating a compelling on-hold message that will talk about your brand’s asset and what sets it apart from your competitors.

Think about message’s purpose

Reyes and his agent knew reporters would be calling. They knew a lot of people would have inquiries and they’re completely aware of what the callers wanted to hear. Now, your goal is to make sure that your message is clear enough and that it will be readily understood by callers and customers. What do you want to tell them? Think about the message’s purpose and your on-hold message and music will go a long way.

Pay attention to details

In Reyes’ case, the music on-hold was the message. However, not all businesses can afford to have a single music or message that can encompass everything they need to tell to their callers. What you need to do is update your message to spotlight your latest accomplishments, current deals, or seasonal events. You can also craft a music or message that will reflect your business’ culture and personality.

Do something with your marketing campaign by coming up with a good and clear on-hold message. You need not to worry, we at The Original On Hold,Inc are your friends, and we’ll make sure that your business will step-up to the plate.

You may be thinking “What’s the big deal, all on hold message providers do the same thing?”  Well it is certainly true that on hold messages is a tried and proven marketing strategy, but the script is the most important element. And, no – not all companies can provide the same quality level of copywriting skills, or a creative blend fo scriptwriting.

While message on-hold has proven itself to be an effective marketing tool for your brand, you need to make sure that the content of your message is in-lined with the company’s goal and vision to provide better services to the customers. At The Original On hold, Inc. our team of professional copywriters feature a creative blend of unique and custom on hold copywriting  talent to “engage, inform, entertain, motivate and sell to callers with a compelling message on hold. “  ...In other words, we get it write!

We’ll highlight your brand’s strengths, or telling your callers what your products and services have that competitors are lacking could be the main point of your message. Don’t be afraid we’ll brag, but in a humble manner :)

Have you received any awards? Are you a member of a prestigious organization? Include whatever information you think can build your credibility even more. Give your customers some assurance that they’ve made the best decision of choosing your brand.

There’s also some on hold script voo doo and classic mistakes that you’ll want to avoid. The classic mistake  that most on-hold messages commit is - overwhelming callers with too much information, or technical jargons. Newsflash: No one wants to hear it. Remember the rule? Keep it simple. That said, you need to make sure that your message is brief, and concise with just the right amount of charm and appeal. Only include relevant information, which you think can be helpful for your customers.

For instance, many businesses find that a significant percentage of their callers are simply asking for basic company information: hours of operation, fax number, address, nearby landmarks, and website URL.

Ultimately, remember your call-to-action. Prompt them to ask for more details about your product, or to visit your website is vital to get to know more about your services. Sometimes, all the customers need are a little push; if you can encourage them to do something, then you’re definitely on the right track.

After you’ve crafted a good on hold message script, then all you need to do is to choose the tone of your on-hold message. Selecting the right voice and background music that will reflect the nature of your business, and your message is also a good way to engage your callers. Listen to some  on hold message samples , and  consider your listening audience to match the right voice and music for your brand.

Now that your customer is already on the line, waiting for you – you know you have their undivided attention. By now, I’m sure you’ve got tons of ideas on how you can utilize their on-hold time. Whether it’s about new products and services you can provide, or simply telling them you appreciate their call – the results will be all worth it.

Still skeptical about the benefits of marketing on hold?  Give our risk free on hold system trial a try, or you’ll never know the wonders of what on hold advertising can do for your brand.