Message on hold companies in Connecticut aren’t all the same. Just like car dealers and cardiac surgeons, they each take a different approach to what they do. In the hotel industry you can find “a cheap motel” or a “5-Star Luxury Resort.”
Which one is right for you? It depends on what you’re looking for.
Messages on hold companies should answer a few questions
The best way to learn about different on hold marketing companies is to shop around, and ask them about the on hold recordings they create. Are they local? In Stamford or Hartford? Not sure what to ask? Here are a few questions that might get you started:
- What else do you do? Some on hold providers just do one thing…others are a small part of a much larger company. That might be helpful if you also want a new website, digital signage, SEO, and blogging, but unless you want to be a sales target for lots of “add on” services, you might want to choose carefully.
- Who will you work with? Do you always work with the same person? Have they been there for a while, or can you expect them to move on to another job in the future? Do they get to know you? Do they follow up with you to make sure their messages are working? And what if they’re not working? Do they stand behind their work?
- Exactly what do they do?
- Who writes the script? Some companies just do recordings. A nice voice and a clear recording are important, but they’re “the icing on the cake.” It’s what’s inside that really counts: that’s where a “content specialist” makes all the difference.
- How do they know what to write about? Do they just look at your website? Or do they spend the time to get to know you, your industry, and your customers?
- Do they develop a strategy? Or just write a script with no plan, and no goals. When you fail to plan, you plan to fail. That’s another reason that so many on hold advertisements don’t accomplish anything.
- Do they write a custom script? You might be surprised to learn that many scripts are like “Mad Libs.” They simply fill in the blanks and call it “customized”
- Do they coordinate with your phone company? Different phone systems have different requirements. Sending you a high quality recording is just the first step. Your goal is for your recording to play on your phones, and help your callers.
- Ask about their messages on hold pricing. Some sources just create “one time” recordings. Others require a long term commitment. Your needs are unique, so make sure you understand if the supplier tailors their service to your goals.
- Is there a contract? There are some companies that “lock” you into an unbreakable long-term contract, often charging for 3 years of service in advance. Would your customers pay you 3-years on advance? Or sign a contract that can’t be broken? You shouldn’t either. If the supplier’s service isn’t good enough to keep you loyal, why get stuck with them?
Will your on hold recordings help you?
Before you sign a contract for a marketing tool like messages on hold, think about
- why you want them
- what your goals are
- if you want to do it yourself, or get a professional to help
- if you’re willing to measure your results
Ask the questions
Messages on hold are one of the least expensive marketing tactics you can use in your business. But if you’re going to invest in them, you might want to think about how they’ll help you best, and the ROI they offer. Because Message on hold companies aren’t all the same.
Have questions?
You’ll find answers to many of your questions at our FAQ Page. Or if you’d like to ask the tough questions, email or call us. In Stamford or Norwalk call (203) 655-3920. In Hartfors use our toll free number (800) 862-8896.
Stamford Chamber Ambassador for 5 years
