Phone Audio: The unsung hero of the media world

Are you losing valuable sales opportunities by neglecting your on-hold messages?

According to Sonder, the global authority on retail media, businesses all over the world are losing tens of millions of dollars by undervaluing their media assets. Don’t fall victim to this phenomenon. Use your phone marketing opportunities to your advantage!

Sonder audits and values owned media – everything from digital displays, posters, in-store radio, and aisle-end displays, to digital media, indoor & outdoor billboard space, catalogues, customer magazines, branded single-use coffee cups, and even messages on hold for phone systems.

Sonders Jonathon Hopkins told Inside Retail magazine, “There is a huge opportunity for businesses. Think about Bunnings, JB Hi-Fi, The Good Guys – all these businesses have thousands of suppliers, and hundreds of thousands of customers, and a media ecosystem that can facilitate a media network. All the media assets are there and they’re using them to communicate their own or their partners’ messages. But they have yet to turn it on properly as a revenue stream, so they are sitting on a goldmine that has yet to be activated.”

By harnessing the power of your own media assets, such as on-hold messaging, you can turn idle moments into a sizzling sales extravaganza!

So, what are the benefits of utilising my business’s phone audio?

Leveraging the powerful marketing channel that is your phone audio can drive conversions and boost revenue. Don’t let potential customers slip away – capitalise on their captive attention with compelling on-hold content that reinforces your brand and persuades callers to take action. That captive audience at point of sale makes your phone system arguably one of your business’s most effective media assets.

The first thing your callers will hear is a Welcome message – this is a prime marketing opportunity. Take a look at these 2 examples:

Welcome Example 1: ‘Welcome to Apple Tree Medical Centre. We’ll be with you shortly’…

Or,

Welcome Example 2: ‘Welcome to Apple Tree Medical Centre. If you haven’t had your annual flu shot yet, you’re at risk. Good news is we’re offering discounted flu shots until June 30. Chat with us about booking your appointment in just a moment. Alternatively, book online at appletreemc.com.au’.

In Example 2, in just a matter of seconds callers are being reminded of something you have to offer, which in turn increases your chance of making a sale. You’re also promoting your website which could lead to further sales. Example 1, however, doesn’t achieve anything and therefore is a waste of a media asset.

If you experience multiple calls at once, or if you need to attend to other tasks while you have callers on the phone, a quality on hold system is imperative, and a valuable media asset.

As callers wait on hold, they’ll hear information and promotions from your brand that relate to what they’re looking for. These well-targeted and strategically placed marketing messages can help shoppers discover new services or inspire them to try new products. Alternatively, messages can encourage callers to visit your web page, engage with you on social media, or attend upcoming events.

What’s more, you’re not wasting your advertising spending on the wrong market. You’re accurately targeting people who are interested in what you have to offer. This results in a higher rate of conversion and boosts sales.

For example: callers can listen to generic elevator music and become increasingly frustrated that they’re waiting… OR, they can hear engaging marketing messages that promote your brand.

Check out these examples of what your callers could be hearing while they wait:

Example 3 – Agricultural Machinery Co: ‘Get ready to experience a spectacular showcase of agricultural machinery, complete with special offers and exciting onsite demonstrations at our upcoming open day! Mark July 6 in your diary and get your tickets online. We can’t wait to see you there!’

Example 4 – Day Spa: ‘Reset, refresh, and rejuvenate at our Mums Wellness Retreat! Enjoy two nights of luxury at a five-star resort with pool access, steam rooms, and more. Plus, enjoy a delicious dinner and take home a Wellness Gift Pack complete with a candle and face mask. All this for only $100 – it’s the perfect way to show mum you appreciate her this Mother’s Day. Find out more shortly.’

Example 5 – Car Dealership: ‘Whether you’re cruising the city or unwinding in the countryside, do it in style and comfort with the all-new Fab Car AWD. With enough seats for seven, USB ports throughout, a 7” touchscreen, and advanced safety features, this model is set to be a family favourite. Until June 30, the Fab Car AWD is just $32,990 drive away. Ask us for more details today and drive off into the sunset tomorrow.’

What if I don’t utilise my business’s my phone audio?

If you’re not making the most out of your phone audio, you’re neglecting one of your business’s most valuable media assets. In turn, you’re missing out on potential sales and income. Chat to the team at Messages On Hold to change this today and boost your brand awareness, revenue, and reputation every time you pick up the phone!

To find out more, visit our website and browse our extensive list of services. Oh, and ask us for a free demo to see how we can take your callers on hold experience from drab to fab!