So you haven’t tried on telephone on hold messages yet. That’s just fine. You probably don’r really need them. After all…
- Your company has a “policy” that you don’t put callers on hold
- Even if you do it’s only for a second
- And messages on hold are soooo annoying.
There. We’ve proved it. You really shouldn’t use them. Period.
But wait a minute. There are some pretty smart businesses out there that have used on hold successfully, for years and years. Why would they do that? Why would they keep doing it when there are so many excellent reasons not to? Why would world class companies like Paychex, Swissair, Air France, Hilton, and Citibank use them? Or small companies that sell insurance and home care…medical practices that have only one or two doctors…orthodontists, IT consultants, and Urgent Cares…take a chance on them?
Could Telephone On Hold Messages work?
Let’s consider the situation. Statistics do show that businesses put callers on hold. Good companies, companies that are popular that they get lots of phone calls, from customers who appreciate your service, and prospects who want to know your about your company.
When calls come in, calls get placed “on hold.” What happens next makes all the difference.
What happens next
What happens next is up to you. You can give prospective callers more of the information that they want. Sure, they’ve searched online. They’ve visited your website. They’ve found lots of information. But before they buy they want just a bit more information. So they call you.
Could a hold message help?
Successful businesses…like yours…use the time to reinforce their marketing message…to drive prospects to specific pages on their website…to educate consumers about what’s important when purchasing the kind of products they sell.
And when customers call?
Or your customers call. They really like your products and your service. They’ve been loyal for years. Why would you bother giving them information on hold? Why not remind them about the value you offer, or how your product innovations keep you ahead of the pack? Or let them know how your widgets work with your new line of gizmos. Or how they’ll benefit from your new loyalty program?
What do your callers hear on hold?
If you have VoIP phones, your callers probably listen to the “default” music on hold that just about every businesses has. So you sound just like them. If you have a more traditional “PBX” phone system (the kind with t a box on the wall in a back room) it might be dead silence. Or an old radio that’s playing somebody else’s favorite music on it, shocking news broadcasts, or lots of static.
What do your want your callers listening to?
Customers. Prospects. They’re calling you. What do you want your callers listening to when they call your business? Do you want to sound more professional, or like everybody else? It’s your choice.
Want ideas about how you can accomplish more by giving your callers key information on hold? Why not talk with one of our On Hold Marketing specialists in a free 15-minute Discovery Session? Call now: (800) 862-8896. Or email us to set up your confidential consultation by clicking here.