10 Ideas for Music On Hold Content

Not knowing what to say in your music on hold script can keep you from making the leap into on hold messaging. Chances are, you have a lot of information your callers can use. Here are some ideas:


1. Your hours. Sometimes callers just want to know your store or office hours when they call. Tell them in your music on hold message. They get the information they need and hang up, and you have one less call to manage.

2. Location and directions. If you're in a hard to find location, be sure to state your address and how to get there--but make it easy on the ear, or say, "now grab a pen because you'll want to write this down."

3. A special offer to reward callers for holding. Reward your callers on hold by creating a promotion just for them. "We know you're holding--in fact, we want to thank you for your patience by giving you 10% off your order. Just mention this announcement when we come back on the line."

4. Support your traditional media promotions. You've spent valuable advertising dollars to get callers to call. Take advantage of hold time by talking up your latest promotions that they heard on radio, TV, newspaper inserts and direct mail. Full-circle.

5. A testimonial from a client or two. We've all bought a product because of someone else's endorsement. This one works, and can easily be recorded over the phone.

6. An award or product you've received. Go ahead, toot your horn. You'll build credibility and trust.

7. A change in name, address, etc. Hold time is one more channel for sharing important news your callers need to know.

8. A change in procedures. One of our clients, a national beauty-products supplier, has recently changed their shipping costs. Since this impacts virtually every one of their clients, and their hold times are about 2 minutes, they're mentioning it in every other paragraph. Smart.

9. Share the love at special holidays. Classy companies take the time at major holidays, especially Christmas and New Year's Day, to wish their callers greetings appropriate to the season. If you're a chocolatier, Valentine's Day would make the perfect holiday to talk up. If you're a U.S. military clothing supplier, you might want a special greeting for President's Day, Flag Day, Veteran's Day, Independence Day and Memorial Day.

10. You're hiring. Customers can make the best employees because they're already "sold" on your business. Get the word out to your biggest fans--your customers on hold.

I hope these tips are helpful, dear reader. Still not sure what to say? Our professional scriptwriters are former journalists and advertising writers. Ferreting out what's unique about you and interesting for your callers is what makes their hearts beat wildly. In fact, I can hear the thumping right now. Let us know how we can help. Go online to www.easyonhold.com, or email me at julie@easyonhold.com.