"Set and Forget?" That's Why Your On Hold Messages Are Holding Your Business Back

Most businesses underestimate the power of on hold audio… your customers are listening — it's time to make your On Hold messages work for you by keeping them updated!

Why Updating Your Messages Matters

On Hold messages aren't a "set and forget" solution — they're a living marketing tool that work best when utilised to their full potential to inform, engage, and promote your business and offerings.

Outdated messages:

• Confuse and frustrate callers
• Miss opportunities to promote
• Damage your business's credibility

Updated messages:

• Ensure information stays fresh and relevant
• Improve caller experiences
• Drive real business outcomes

How Often Should You Update Your Messages and Why?

For the most success, we recommend a baseline refresh every 3 months, with additional updates every season and whenever anything in your business changes. Updates should:

Showcase Promotions, Campaigns & Offers

Instead of relying only on ads or emails, your callers hear promotions while they're already engaged. For example:

• "Enjoy 25% off this winter…"
• "Ask us about our limited-time offer…"

Result: More conversions, more sales, more awareness.

Drive Traffic to Your Website

On Hold messages can actively guide callers to self-service options, such as:

• Online bookings
• Order tracking
• FAQs

Result: Reduced call load and faster customer action.

Share Seasonal & Timely Updates

• Holiday hours
• Peak period delays
• Christmas, EOFY, seasonal campaigns
• School term dates
• Weather disruptions

Result: Fewer repeat questions and informed callers.

Reinforce Your Brand Experience

Tone, voice, and music all shape how your business is perceived.

• Fun, upbeat music and tone keep your caller engaged
• Mature voices calm and provide professionalism
• Child and character voices add a point of difference
• Tailored Sound Effects take your audio up another level to drive your point home

Result: Stronger trust and brand recognition.

The Messages On Hold Advantage: Endless Creative Possibilities

Updating your messages isn't just about changing information — it's about evolving your entire audio experience. Messages On Hold can produce your audio and match your brand personality or campaign with our:

Extensive Voice Talent Library

• Warm and friendly voices
• Corporate and authoritative tones
• Energetic or conversational styles
• Character voices for campaigns

Music Library

• Corporate
• Relaxed
• Upbeat
• Premium
• Seasonal or themed tracks

Sound Effects (SFX)

• Subtle ambience
• Campaign-driven effects
• Creative storytelling moments

Professional Scripting

• Designed to reduce frustration
• Engage attention
• Drive action
• Reflect your brand voice

This combination is what turns a simple message into a high-performing communication tool.

On Hold Update Examples

Seasonal Update

(Sound Effect: Bunny Boing) Easter is hopping up on us! So we just wanted to let you know that we'll be closed from Good Friday until 8am on Tuesday. Happy Easter!

Website CTA Update

Got places to be and people to see? We get it! Book your next appointment online in just a few clicks at yourbusiness.com.au now. (Sound Effect: iPhone Notification)

Promotion Update

Take advantage of our sizzling summer deals on our website or chat with our team when we return.

Checklist: Is It Time to Update Your Messages?

• Are your business hours still accurate?
• Are you promoting current offers?
• Have your services changed?
• Are you answering common questions?
• Does your messaging reflect your brand today?
• Are you directing callers to your website?

If you answered "no" to any of these, it's time for an update!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens if I don't update my messages?
They become outdated, reduce your overall phone experience, and miss valuable opportunities to inform and convert callers.

Q: Can updating messages really impact business results?
Yes — fresh messages improve engagement, reduce frustration, and drive actions like bookings and enquiries, without your staff even lifting a finger!

Q: Is it expensive to update regularly?
No — compared to other marketing channels, On Hold messaging is a low-cost, high-impact investment.

Q: What's the biggest mistake businesses make?
Underestimating on hold audio and treating it as static instead of the dynamic marketing tool it is.

In Summary

Outdated messages lose opportunities; updated messages create them. Your On Hold audio isn't just information — it's a marketing channel, a customer experience tool, and a brand touchpoint. And you should be using it as such!

Ready to Keep Your Messages Fresh and Working Hard?

With access to professional scripting, voice talent, music, and creative production, the Messages On Hold team makes it easy to keep your phone audio relevant, engaging, and effective. Reach out to us today and make every moment on hold count.