On hold messaging services seem to come and go…almost any DJ in New York (or Topeka!) with a microphone can record on hold scripts and offer custom on hold messages. But even the established on hold services have a secret that they don’t want you to know about.
On Hold Messaging Services all seem the same, don’t they?
Message on hold companies seem to offer very similar services. They all tell you how their on hold advertising includes:
- Writing voice over scripts (many won’t even do this. They leave it up to you.)
- A professional voice over
- Music on hold for phone systems
- And they’ll sell you a music on hold system
- Fast service: they’ll often complete your project in 24 hours (how can they do that?)
- Most will also offer professional greetings, for an extra cost.
And we’ve all heard their On Hold Messages. Not only do these companies offer very similar services, their on hold recording sound very similar, too. That’s a problem when you investing in a marketing tool to help your business stand out from your competition.
Three things they don’t want you to know
If you think they all sound similar, you’re right. They all follow the same recipe:
- They “lock” you into a long term contract
- They use a simple “template” for their scripts
- They don’t make it easy to update your messages
and they really don’t want you to know.
Contracts
If you’re shopping for messages on hold in New York, take a good look at the contracts you’re offered. They’re often two or three years in length, with no way to cancel the service. Some even require upfront payment of their fees. What would your clients say if you billed them three years in advance, or they were forced to buy from you for years to come?
EF Hutton, one of the largest stock brokers and financial advisors in the US for many years, had a great commercial about how they had to EARN your business every day. We think that’s a better way to do things.
It’s funny how most recordings sound alike
It’s funny how most recordings follow the same “formula.” The script includes all the basics that we’ve heard before:
- “Thank you for calling XYZ Company”
- Your location and hours
- A “laundry list” of your products and services
- Just about each of the short marketing messages start with either “XYX Company” or “We.” They’re written like your customer doesn’t matter.
- And they’re filled with well know clichés, like
- Your call is important to us
- Your success is our success
- Our friendly staff…
- Our experienced professionals
- and more.
Your callers want more. They want to know how you can solve their problems.
Updating your messages
Today, more than ever, we know that life changes…sometimes faster than we can keep up. So updating your marketing (your advertising, your website, your messages on hold, etc.) is more important than ever. It’s important to know the procedure for updating your messages on hold, how frequently it’s possible, and who does it. Will you work with the same representative who has gotten to know you? Or with someone from a Call Center?
There’s a difference.
When you sign up for on hold messages, ask plenty of questions, to know exactly what you’re getting. If you’re interested in
- Complete service that includes learning about your business and developing a custom strategy
- Writing and revising your script until it’s perfect, and you’ll always work with a writer who has experience working with your industry
- Guaranteed recording with a professional voice talent: you love it or we do it again.
- Coordinating with your phone installer or VoIP provider to help get your messages playing. We’ve worked with most telecom providers in New York, and many nationwide.
- Custom greetings, automated attendant prompts, and general voicemail messages (we think they should all use the same voice to insure you sound professional)
- Free updates on a schedule that works best for you
- Proactive suggestions about how you can improve your marketing messages based on the business climate, your competition and the season
- Free digital on hold player with our full service plans
- Unlimited support and help, forever.
…then call us for a free Discovery Session and find out how The Informer stands out from other On Hold messaging services. In New York call (212) 355-6980. Nationwide call (800) 862-8896, or click here to email us.
