Choosing the right on-hold message equipment

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Scott Anderson

You know you need on-hold messaging equipment. But choosing the right kind just stresses you out. Don’t worry, because holdforless.com is here to help.

Hold for Less can help you select the right on-hold messaging equipment to meet your needs.

The key ingredient in your decision is, of course, your telephone. Is it just a phone, or is it a telephone system? Here are a few things to consider:

Just because you have multiple lines doesn’t mean you have a phone system.
Was your phone purchased at a big box retailer (Best Buy, Staples, Wal-Mart, etc.) or was it ordered and installed from your telephone company?
If you purchased your phone from a store and paid someone to hook it up, it still may not be a phone system.

Also, alternatives to traditional telephones, such as VOIP solutions, can change how you deliver on-hold messages.

If you determine that you have a phone instead of a phone system, the next step is choosing an adapter. We’ve made the process of choosing the right adapter easier. Just select the type of phone you have, and we will match it to the right adapter.

And if you know you will change phones soon, wait to purchase the adapter until after you make the switch, as your adapter may not work on the new phones.

Once you have your phone and adapter lined up, the next piece is the player. Your choices there deal primarily with what kind of media you want to play the message from — CDs, USB sticks, etc. Contact us to learn more, or download our “Guide to On Hold Technology.”

We are here to help at Hold for Less. So, when in doubt, PLEASE call us. We will be happy to help you select the proper equipment. If you order without contacting us, we are going to assume you know what you need and will send you what you order. Unless that equipment is faulty (and you taking a sledge to it in frustration does not make it faulty), we will not take it back.

Consider Your Words Strategically in Your On-Hold Message

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Scott Anderson

The process of implementing an on-hold message system is a two-step process.

First, you choose your player. That decision is based on the type of phone you have and how the on-hold messages will be delivered — via external media like CDs and USB sticks, or via the Internet. For more help making this decision, download our free “Guide to On Hold Technology.”

What callers hear on hold when they call your business is not a decision to take lightly.

The second decision is what message to put on hold. And that’s not a decision you should take lightly. It’s not the time to tell people who you are and what you do. Odds are they got all that information from Google, or maybe even your Yellow Pages ad. That’s why they called in first place.

Another thing to avoid is being too cute with your on-hold message. Unless you run a phone-a-joke hotline, callers didn’t dial your number to be entertained. They are seeking information, and you are seeking a sale. Some care and attention to your on-hold message will make it a win-win proposition.

Here are some things to include in an effective on-hold marketing message:

Value: Make a strong statement about the value of doing business with you versus your competition. Make callers think it would be a mistake to shop any further for what they are looking for.

Personality: A phone call to your business is really not much different than meeting someone in person. It’s all about making the connection. Let the personality of your business shine through your on-hold message. Callers will appreciate knowing a little more about you.

Information: If you have been in business for a while, you have a good idea of why people call you. Show that you understand their needs with an on-hold message that answers some of the most frequently asked questions. They will appreciate they way you anticipate their needs even before you can answer their calls.

Let Hold for Less craft a custom on-hold message that reflects your brand. We can do it all for a low, one-time fee, with no contracts or licenses.

Radio on hold sends the wrong signals

Posted on April 25, 2012 by Scott Anderson

At first glance, it might appear that you have many options for content on hold for your business phone system. But some of those options include several snares that should be avoided. One of those is playing the radio on hold.

Playing the radio on hold can have several negative impacts on your business.

The appeal of radio on hold is understandable, especially if you already have an advertising relationship with a particular station. After all, you probably chose to advertise on that station because you thought that’s where you could reach your target audience. You might have even had one of the DJs out to your business for a live remote. So why not just extend that relationship to on hold?

First and foremost, your are violating the copyright law when you play radio on hold. The performance of music over telephone lines is defined as a public performance under U.S. Copyright laws. Accordingly, in order for the performance of copyright protected music to be lawful, the copyright owners or their representatives must license it to the user. AMS Music, BMI, and ASCAP are the three largest representatives for music copyright owners, and they actively enforce the provisions of this law. Copyright infringement fines range from $500 to $100,000 apiece.

Second, you are missing a real opportunity to distinguish yourself in customers’ minds. The radio will entertain callers when you put them on hold. But is that all you want to do? An effective on-hold message spotlights your competitive advantage and sets you up as the clear choice over your competition.

Speaking of the competition, your callers could be hearing the competitions’ ads while you have them on hold. Why give them that open door to consider going someplace else? Thats’ the third reason to not play radio on hold.

A successful on-hold message gives you a strategic advantage by informing every caller about why they should do business with you. Hold for Less offers several options for custom on-hold messages and players to suit any need.

On hold messages turn silence into sales

Posted on October 4, 2011 by admin

An effective on hold message keeps callers on the line and converts more sales.

Any business, small or large, is inevitably going to have to put a caller on hold. A strategic on hold message can make the difference in converting that caller into a customer.

A strong on hold message doesn’t have to be complicated, or expensive. Holdforless.com offers a variety of solutions to meet any need and any budget.

Here’s what you need to know:

Choose your on-hold message: Hold for Less offers several types of messages for your on hold needs. A generic on-hold message will thank people for calling, and for their patience while they hold. Or choose a generic message about your industry, highlighting some of the basic services you provide. Or you can go all-out with an on-hold message customized to your business brand. Customized messages include scriptwriting and a selection of voice talents and background music.

Choose your on-hold player: Hold for Less will help you match an on hold message player to your business needs. Options include transferring your message from your computer via USB stick or CD, or directly over your computer network.

Do you need an adapter?: If your business uses a 2- or 4-line analog telephone, you will need a music on hold adapter to implement your on hold messages.

Let holdforless.com help you get started today.