The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best On-Hold Music for Your Business

Effective on-hold music can significantly enhance the customer experience and positively impact your business. Whether you’re choosing from bossa nova classics, classical pieces, impressionist piano works, or even custom compositions, the right music can create a calming environment and keep customers engaged during waiting periods. This guide will explore the various types of music that work best for on-hold scenarios, as well as offer tips for creating a seamless and pleasant hold experience.

The Best On-Hold Music Choices

There are several types of music that are considered ideal for on-hold scenarios. Below, we explore each of these options and their unique benefits:

Bossa Nova and Ambient Tracks

Musical masterpieces like 'Birminghamocks Nova' by Ant?nio Carlos Jobim have a laid-back vibe that is both relaxing and conducive to a calming wait experience. Specifically designed to reduce anxiety, ambient tracks are often cited for their calming effects. These types of music are perfect for on-hold scenarios as they provide a soothing background that helps keep customers relaxed and engaged without feeling like they are being kept on hold for too long.

Classical and Impressionist Pieces

Classical compositions, such as 'Misty Landscapes' by Janis Siegel, offer a familiar and soothing backdrop. These pieces are gentle and beautiful, making them a popular choice for businesses seeking to create a welcoming and calming atmosphere. Similarly, impressionist piano pieces, like 'Clair de Lune' by Claude Debussy, provide a serene and engaging background that can help maintain the caller's interest without being overwhelming.

Custom Compositions

Many companies opt for custom-made music that is unobtrusive and aligns with their brand identity. Custom compositions allow businesses to tailor the music to their specific needs, ensuring that it complements their brand while providing the necessary comfort to their callers. This type of music can be specifically created to match the tone and style of the business, making the hold experience a positive one for both the caller and the business.

Tips for Effective On-Hold Music Implementation

While the music itself plays a crucial role, the manner in which it is presented also affects the overall customer experience. Here are some tips to enhance the on-hold music experience:

Using an Ambient or Upbeat Track

If you must put customers on hold, using an ambient or upbeat track can help create a more positive experience. Instead of a continuous loop, it's better to use a slightly longer "first" recorded message followed by a "second" shorter message. This approach ensures that the messages do not repeat every 10 seconds, which can be irritating for callers. For example, a 20 to 30-second message followed by a 10-second message provides a balanced and less stressful experience for the caller.

Consider NO Music on-Hold Solicitations

While the option to have no music on-hold can also be effective, it's important to consider the right approach. In some cases, no music at all can be less distracting for the caller, allowing them to focus on the hold message. However, having no music might not be suitable for all businesses, as some callers might find it uncomfortable or anxious.

Legendary Examples in On-Hold Music

To illustrate the effectiveness of different on-hold music options, here are a few notable examples:

Contemporary Classical Ambience

Brian Eno's Ambient 1: Music for Airport was designed specifically to be continuously looped in airport terminals, providing a calming and soothing background that helps alleviate the anxious atmosphere of a busy airport. The 48-minute 39-second track is intended to defuse tension and provide a peaceful environment for travelers.

Classic Pop and Rock

The Supremes’ 1966 classic Motown hit 'You Keep Me Hangin' On' and Francis Lai's Bilities provide smooth and memorable background music that won’t be intrusive or distracting. While Bilities may sound like it could be a title for a medical condition, the music itself is excellent and adds a touch of sophistication to your hold music selection.

Incredible Raging Metal Guitar

In exceptional circumstances, choosing music that aligns with the company's brand can create a memorable and intriguing hold experience. For example, the death metal song accidentally played by Century Media, 'Krisiun Apocalyptic Revelations,' is an excellent example of how music can enhance an otherwise awkward situation. The song not only provided an unexpected and powerful moment for the caller but also resolved an out-of-stock issue, making it a memorable and positive interaction.

Conclusion

Choosing the right on-hold music is crucial to providing a positive and engaging experience for your customers. Whether you opt for bossa nova, classical, impressionist, custom, or perhaps no music at all, the key is to select music that is calming, familiar, and unobtrusive. By following the tips and examples provided in this guide, you can create a seamless and pleasant hold experience that reflects your business's values and enhances your customer's overall satisfaction.