As the festive season approaches, businesses everywhere are preparing for one of the busiest times of the year. From managing increased customer inquiries to adjusting holiday opening hours, there’s a lot to communicate to your audience. One often overlooked but highly effective tool for keeping customers informed is the on-hold message.
On-hold messages offer a simple yet impactful way to share essential information while enhancing the customer experience. Whether you’re communicating changes to business hours, promoting holiday specials, or simply spreading festive cheer, an updated on-hold message can make all the difference.
Here’s why on-hold messages are so important and how you can use them effectively this Christmas to ensure your customers stay informed and engaged.
What Are On-Hold Messages?
An on-hold message is an audio recording played to callers when they’re placed on hold or transferred during a phone call. These messages are an integral part of your business communication strategy, helping to make wait times more productive and informative for your customers. They can include:
- Announcements about festive opening hours.
- Details of special promotions or services.
- Festive greetings to create a positive customer experience.
- Directions to your website or social media for additional support.
With the right messaging, you can turn hold time into an opportunity to engage and inform your customers.
Why Update Your On-Hold Messages for Christmas?
During the festive period, your customers are likely to have more questions than usual. Whether they’re enquiring about last-minute orders, holiday closures, or seasonal promotions, it’s essential to keep them in the loop. Here’s why updating your on-hold messages for Christmas is a must:
1. Communicate Festive Hours
Christmas often brings changes to regular business hours, and it’s important to keep your customers informed. An on-hold message can provide clarity on:
- Holiday closures.
- Extended opening hours.
- Deadlines for placing orders or booking services.
By updating your on-hold messages, you reduce customer frustration and ensure they have the information they need before speaking to a representative.
2. Promote Seasonal Offers
If your business is running festive promotions, special discounts, or festive events, on-hold messages are a perfect way to spread the word. Use this time to highlight your best deals and encourage callers to take advantage of your offers.
3. Enhance Customer Experience
Adding a festive touch to your on-hold messages creates a warm and cheerful atmosphere for your customers. A friendly voice, holiday music, or a heartfelt seasonal greeting can make waiting on hold feel less like an inconvenience and more like a thoughtful interaction.
4. Reduce Call Volume
By sharing answers to frequently asked questions through your on-hold message, you can minimise the need for customers to speak to a representative. This reduces call volume and helps your team handle inquiries more efficiently.
5. Strengthen Brand Identity
Customised on-hold messages allow you to reinforce your brand’s voice and personality. Whether it’s a light-hearted festive tone or a professional announcement, your message should reflect your brand values and resonate with your audience.
Tips for Creating Effective Christmas On-Hold Messages
To make the most of your on-hold messages this festive season, follow these best practices:
1. Keep It Clear and Concise
Your message should be easy to understand and get straight to the point. Avoid overloading callers with too much information and focus on the most relevant details.
2. Use Professional Voiceovers
Investing in a professional voiceover ensures your on-hold message sounds polished and reflects the quality of your brand. A clear, friendly voice can make a big difference in how your message is received.
3. Add a Festive Touch
Incorporate Christmas-themed elements like cheerful background music or a seasonal greeting to create a positive and festive impression. Just be sure the tone aligns with your brand and audience expectations.
4. Include a Call-to-Action
Encourage callers to take action, whether it’s visiting your website, signing up for a newsletter, or taking advantage of a holiday promotion. A clear call-to-action can turn passive listeners into engaged customers.
5. Test and Update Regularly
Ensure your on-hold message is up-to-date and error-free. Test the audio quality and review the content periodically to keep it relevant throughout the festive season.
How On-Hold Messages Benefit Your Business Beyond Christmas
While updating your on-hold messages for Christmas is a smart seasonal strategy, the benefits extend far beyond the holidays. Well-crafted on-hold messages can:
- Reduce perceived wait times, improving customer satisfaction.
- Provide consistent communication, even during high call volumes.
- Showcase your products and services to a captive audience.
- Strengthen your brand’s professionalism and reliability.
Investing in quality on-hold messages is a year-round opportunity to enhance customer interactions and deliver a better overall experience.
How The Unite Group Can Help
At The Unite Group, we specialise in creating tailored on-hold messages that keep your customers informed and engaged. Our team works with you to develop customised audio solutions that align with your business goals and deliver a seamless caller experience.
We can help you:
- Communicate essential updates like festive hours.
- Promote seasonal offers and key services.
- Add a professional and festive touch to your messaging.
By partnering with us, you’ll ensure your on-hold messages are professional, impactful, and ready in time for the festive rush.
Check out our personalised on-hold messages service, here!
Contact Us Today
Don’t let the Christmas season catch you off guard—update your on-hold messages today and make the most of every customer interaction. Contact The Unite Group to get started and ensure your messages are ready in time for the big day.
Turn hold time into an opportunity to connect, inform, and delight your customers this Christmas and beyond!