If your callers are stuck listening to the same bland hold music, you risk impatience, hang-ups, and missed sales. The good news is that there is a simple upgrade that can instantly make your on-hold audio more engaging: professional sound effects.
At Messages On Hold, we use sound effects to turn standard phone audio into an experience that keeps callers listening, informed, and more likely to stay on the line.
Why add sound effects to on-hold messages?
Sound effects do more than “make it fun”. When used well, they help your message cut through background noise, improve recall, and make your business feel more polished.
Key benefits include:
- Keep callers on the line longer by reducing boredom and frustration
- Improve message attention and recall (sound cues make key points stand out)
- Boost perceived production quality so your brand feels professional and established
- Create a stronger brand voice that matches your tone, industry, and audience
Examples of sound effects that work on the phone
We have a wide catalogue of sound effects, from playful to corporate, so your phone audio suits your audience and brand personality.
Popular choices include:
- Retail and promotions: cash register, crowd reactions, “wow”, air horn (used sparingly)
- Healthcare and professional services: gentle chimes, calm ambience, subtle transitions
- Tech and office-based businesses: keyboard typing, mouse clicks, notification tones
- Trades and manufacturing: factory sounds, tools, machinery, vehicle sounds
- Hospitality and events: applause, ambience, laughter, room tone
The goal is not to overwhelm callers. The goal is to add clear audio cues that support your message and keep it interesting.
Sound effects make your brand feel more premium
High-quality sound design changes how callers perceive your business. When callers hear polished audio, they often assume you are:
- organised
- well-resourced
- professional
- serious about customer experience
That perception matters, especially when your callers are deciding whether to book, buy, or keep waiting.
“We are a serious business.” Can we still use sound effects?
Yes. Sound effects are not always comedic. Many corporate and government organisations use subtle sound design to improve clarity and pacing without changing the tone.
For example:
- a soft chime to introduce a new topic
- a quiet typing sound when referencing online bookings
- a gentle transition cue between messages
You can keep everything refined while still making your on-hold messages easier to follow and more engaging.
How we choose the right sound effects for your business
When we produce your on-hold messages, we match sound effects to:
- your industry and brand personality
- your target audience and caller expectations
- the message goal (inform, sell, reassure, guide)
- the phone system (so effects stay crisp and not “muddy”)
This keeps your audio professional and ensures sound effects enhance the script, not distract from it.
Ready to upgrade your on-hold audio?
If you want callers to stay engaged (and stop feeling like they are trapped in an elevator music loop), sound effects are a fast, high-impact improvement.
Request a free, no-obligation demo and ask our team about sound effects that suit your business. We will help you create on-hold messages that sound modern, professional, and memorable.
FAQ
Do sound effects reduce hang-ups on hold?
They can help by improving engagement and reducing boredom, especially when paired with clear scripts, strong pacing, and professional voice talent.
Are sound effects suitable for corporate or government messages?
Yes. Subtle sound effects like chimes and transition cues can improve clarity while maintaining a professional tone.
What sound effects are best for on-hold messages?
The best effects support your message and match your audience. Common options include chimes, cash register sounds for promos, and subtle ambience for calm industries.
Can sound effects sound distorted over phone systems?
They can if they are not mixed for phone frequency ranges. Professional production ensures effects remain clean and balanced.