On Hold Marketing That Builds Trust and Keeps Callers Listening
Services
Custom on hold messages with real human voices. One step: send us your script and we handle the rest, fast.
Enhance the Caller Experience with On Hold Marketing
On hold marketing is the practice of playing professionally scripted, human-voiced messages to callers while they wait on hold. Instead of silence or generic music, businesses use hold time to promote services, answer common questions, and reinforce their brand.
At COHM, we’ve been producing custom on hold marketing for businesses across North America for over 40 years – handling everything from scripting and voice casting to production and delivery. We’ll help you choose the right voice, music, and message style to reflect your brand. One step: send us your script and tell us when you need it. We handle the rest.
Get Your Free DemoWhat’s Included in Our On Hold Advertising Service
We customize our on hold advertising plans to fit your exact needs – whether you’re a single-location shop or managing a national brand. Expect competitive pricing, maximum value, and no hidden fees.
Everything You Need – All in One Service
🎙️ Custom scriptwriting
🗣️ Professional voice recordings
🎵 Background music
📂 Formatted audio files
🔁 Flexibility
Read More
Extra Perks for Members
✔️ Free playback equipment
✔️ Script edits
✔️ Production support
✔️ Free auto attendant greetings
✔️ Holiday message options
Let us handle the audio – so your business always sounds polished, professional, and on brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
On hold marketing is the practice of playing custom, professionally produced messages to callers while they wait on hold. Instead of silence or generic music, businesses use this time to promote services, answer common questions, and reinforce their brand. Studies show callers are significantly more likely to stay on the line — and more likely to engage — when they hear relevant, well-produced audio.
Music on hold simply plays background audio to fill silence. On hold marketing adds professionally scripted voice messages that share promotions, business updates, or helpful information. The combination of voice and music keeps callers engaged and turns passive wait time into an active brand touchpoint.
Yes — and we’d encourage it. Many COHM plans include flexibility for updates, so you can refresh messaging for holidays, seasonal promotions, or new service launches without additional production fees. Keeping messages current also signals to callers that your business is active and attentive.
Almost certainly. COHM’s on hold messaging is compatible with traditional landlines, VoIP platforms, and most modern business phone systems used across Canada and the US. If you’re unsure, send us a quick description of your setup and we’ll confirm compatibility — and provide equipment free of charge if needed.
Most clients are up and running within five business days. Our process includes scriptwriting, your review and approval, voice recording, music selection, and final delivery directly to your phone system or in your preferred audio format.
If your business receives phone calls — especially in service industries like healthcare, legal, trades, or retail — on hold marketing is a proven way to reduce hang-ups and increase engagement. Approximately 34% of callers who disconnect do not call back, making every hold moment a real business opportunity.
Completely. All scripting, recording, editing, and delivery is handled entirely in-house with no third-party API connections. Your on hold scripts and business information are never shared with or processed by external platforms. COHM’s President serves as an AI Technical Advisor for CAVA, working with Canadian lawmakers on biometric data protection and AI voice rights — so our approach to data security reflects current best practice at a policy level, not just a product level.
AI voice tools are DIY platforms — you still write the scripts, prompt the system, review the output, reformat the files, and troubleshoot the results. That’s not efficiency, it’s just shifting the work onto you. At COHM there are no DIY steps. You send us your scripts, tell us when you need them, and we deliver clean, formatted, production-ready audio files fast. Real human voices, no shortcuts, no compromise.
The Impact of Being On Hold
Now, let’s talk about the impact of client waiting times. The statistics speak for themselves:
Boosting Customer Retention
Did you know that customers are more likely to remain on the line when they hear engaging audio productions rather than silence? Our services boost client retention by up to 40%, helping to keep your callers engaged and connected.
Effective Marketing Tool
On-hold marketing leads to an average 28% increase in inquiries and requests for service and product information. This clearly demonstrates its effectiveness as a powerful marketing tool that enhances customer engagement and interest.
Seizing Opportunities
Approximately 34% of callers who disconnect from a call do not attempt to reconnect. This proves how important it is to make the most of every customer interaction. This starts the moment a client is waiting. Using creative marketing tools will keep them on the line so your team can close the sale.
Preferential Treatment
Did you know that 85% of clients prefer hearing music during wait times rather than silence? This simple detail can make a significant difference in customer satisfaction. By incorporating captivating audio productions into your on-hold messaging, you can effectively engage your customers, reduce perceived wait times, and keep them interested and informed during this crucial period. Whether it’s soothing background music or informative messages, enhancing the waiting experience can help retain customers and leave a positive impression of your brand.
Engaging Audio Productions
Studies indicate that when confronted with silence, 90% of callers disconnect the call within 40 seconds. This emphasizes the need for engaging audio productions that keep your callers interested and connected while they wait on hold. The end goal is to keep them on the line, longer.
Importance of a Great Impression
Did you know that 94% of marketing budgets are invested in getting that crucial business phone call? If people hang up the call, businesses lose their investment. This highlights just how essential it is to make a positive impression during waiting times. Using on hold advertising improves customer support and experience.
Why Should You Choose COHM?
1
24 to 48 Hour Turnaround Time for Emergency Recordings
Read MoreWe understand that there are urgent situations that require prompt attention. That’s why we prioritize emergency recordings, ensuring a quick turnaround time to meet your business needs.
2
Professionally Recorded & Edited Production Services
Read MoreOur team takes pride in delivering high-quality recordings. We provide professional recording and editing services to ensure that your on hold prompts sound polished and engaging.
3
Technical Support for All Services at No Additional Charge
Read MoreWe believe in providing comprehensive support to our clients. With COHM, you’ll have access to technical assistance for all our services without any additional fees.
4
Audition Services Available for Businesses Searching for a Voice
Read MoreFinding the right voice for your brand is crucial. We offer audition services, allowing you to listen to different voice samples and select the perfect fit for your on hold recordings.
5
No DIY Steps
Read MoreMost audio production tools put the work on you -writing prompts, generating outputs, reviewing results, reformatting files, and troubleshooting delivery. That is not efficiency, that is just shifting the burden. At COHM, there is one step: send us your script and tell us when you need it. We handle everything else.
6
Curated, High Quality Music
Read MoreEvery single song using for our music streaming service is hand picked by our producers. We promise high quality, easy listening experiences for your business.
Need professional audio that sounds as sharp as your brand? From on hold messaging to curated music and IVR support, COHM delivers fast, polished results — every time.
Listen to our work
Who We Are | Full-Service On Hold Company
COHM is a trusted leader in professional audio for phone systems, specializing in on hold messaging, voicemail recordings, and voice branding. For over 40 years we have helped businesses across North America sound polished, professional, and on-brand. We are the longest-running on hold company in the industry, proudly serving clients since the early days of on hold marketing.
We are a small team of experienced audio professionals who believe in transparency, fair pricing, and honest service. We do not inflate our rates and we do not cut corners. Every message we produce is built with care, creativity, and clarity.
Our work may be behind the scenes but its impact is front and center. We improve customer experience, boost engagement, and help businesses stand out at every touchpoint.
We stay ahead of the curve by handpicking fresh voice talent, refining scripts, producing high quality on hold music, and delivering clean, professional sound. Whether you are a small clinic or a national brand, we will help you craft a voice that matches your company's culture and connects with your customers.
There is one step: send us your script and tell us when you need it. That's it. COHM handles everything else - casting, recording, editing, formatting, and delivery. No DIY steps. No plugins. No back and forth. Just finished, production-ready on hold audio back in your hands, fast.
The results speak for themselves. 59% of consumers feel AI has caused businesses to lose the human touch in customer service - and 90% still prefer interacting with a human over a chatbot. Meanwhile, 61% of customers will take their business elsewhere after just one frustrating phone experience. A real human voice while callers wait isn't a luxury - it's a retention strategy.
At COHM, real human voice talent is our default standard on every project. Not because we can't use AI - but because we believe your callers deserve better than generic. 61% of people believe AI advancements require an increased focus on trust and ethics. We agree - which is why COHM's President serves as an AI Technical Advisor for CAVA, actively working with Canadian lawmakers on AI voice rights, biometric data protection, and data security standards for business.
COHM has been delivering production-ready human voice audio for over 40 years. The process is simple. The results are not generic.
One Step. Send It. We Handle Everything.
There is one step: send us your script and tell us when you need it. That's it. COHM handles everything else - casting, recording, editing, formatting, and delivery. No DIY steps. No plugins. No back and forth. Just finished, production-ready on hold audio back in your hands, fast.
The results speak for themselves. 59% of consumers feel AI has caused businesses to lose the human touch in customer service - and 90% still prefer interacting with a human over a chatbot. Meanwhile, 61% of customers will take their business elsewhere after just one frustrating phone experience. A real human voice while callers wait isn't a luxury - it's a retention strategy.
At COHM, real human voice talent is our default standard on every project. Not because we can't use AI - but because we believe your callers deserve better than generic. 61% of people believe AI advancements require an increased focus on trust and ethics. We agree - which is why COHM's President serves as an AI Technical Advisor for CAVA, actively working with Canadian lawmakers on AI voice rights, biometric data protection, and data security standards for business.
COHM has been delivering production-ready human voice audio for over 40 years. The process is simple. The results are not generic.
Top 5 Promotions to Use in On Hold Advertising
Are you wondering what to say when your callers are on hold? Here are the top five things our clients commonly highlight:
Business Hours and Location:
Make it easy for callers to know when you're open and where you're located, especially if you have multiple branches.
Current Promotions:
Highlight seasonal specials, new products, or limited-time offers to encourage callers to take action.
Company History or Milestones:
Share your company’s story or key achievements (e.g., anniversaries, awards). This helps build credibility and trust, especially for new callers.
FAQ Answers:
Address frequently asked questions that customers often call about. This can save time for both your callers and your team, provide better customer service, and offers instant solutions.
Seasonal Messages or Tips:
Provide timely information, like seasonal advice, safety tips, or helpful reminders (e.g., "Winter driving tips" in the colder months or "Back-to-school tips").
Hear a sample:
Proprietary Technology. Human Results.
Most audio production companies speed up delivery by plugging into public AI APIs, putting your scripts and brand data at risk and leaving your workflow vulnerable to broken connections at any point. COHM took a different approach entirely.
We custom built our own proprietary production software, designed specifically for professional voice audio. These tools eliminate the slow manual bottlenecks of traditional audio editing without ever removing the human touch.Read More
Our master producers use this technology to clean, master, and deliver flawless human vocal files faster and better than ever before. No third-party platforms, no data exposure, no broken API risks, and no compromise on quality. The result is the perfect fusion of high-speed delivery and uncompromised human artistry, built in-house and protected by design.
Let’s make some noiseEvery second a caller spends on hold is an opportunity. At COHM, we turn that time into a marketing moment, replacing silence and generic music with professionally crafted, human-voiced messages that inform, engage, and convert. Your callers hear about your services, your promotions, and your brand while they wait. By the time someone picks up, they are already a warmer prospect.
Contact usHow We Create Messages On Hold?
Getting to Know the Industry
To kick things off, we dive into the client’s world by learning what kind of business they’re in and who they serve. This helps us get a real feel for their vibe—whether it's fun and upbeat, professional and corporate, serious and informative, or warm and friendly. Understanding their tone and audience from the start allows us to create audio messaging that truly reflects their brand personality and connects with their callers in a meaningful way.
Deep Dive Into Your Brand
Next, we take a virtual tour of the client’s website to get a clear sense of the brand they’ve already built. This step helps us understand their visual identity, messaging style, and overall tone. We pay close attention to the language they use, the values they highlight, and how they communicate with their audience. All of this guides us in fine-tuning our writing style to ensure the on-hold messaging feels like a natural extension of their brand—consistent, authentic, and on point.
Creating Content
Once we’ve got a solid understanding of the client’s brand, our wordsmiths get to work. We craft engaging paragraphs of content that align with their industry, reflect the tone of their website, and even echo the personality found in their social media presence. Every word is chosen with purpose—setting the stage for selecting the perfect voice and talent. This ensures the final production feels cohesive, authentic, and completely in tune with the client’s overall identity.
Teamwork with the Client
We’re all about collaboration. Once the initial script is ready, we share a draft with the client and genuinely look forward to hearing their thoughts. Their feedback is invaluable—it helps us fine-tune the tone, language, and messaging to make sure everything aligns perfectly with their audio brand. This back-and-forth ensures the final script not only sounds great but truly reflects the heart of their business. After all, no one knows their audience better than they do, and we’re here to bring that voice to life.
Picking the Perfect Soundtrack
We also love offering our recommendations for voice talent and music options to help bring the script to life. Each voice and music track carries its own personality, so we carefully consider what best fits the client’s brand—whether it’s calm and professional, upbeat and friendly, or anything in between. That said, the final decision for music and messages is always in the client’s hands. We’re here to guide the process and ensure the audio branding feels like a perfect fit, but ultimately, it’s their voice we’re helping to shape.
Polishing the Script
Once we get the green light, our writers dive back in to add the final polish to the script. This stage is all about refining the details—adjusting the flow, tweaking word choices, and structuring sentences to ensure the script sounds natural and engaging when spoken aloud. It’s not just about what looks good on paper—it’s about what sounds great in the ears of your callers. These subtle adjustments make a big difference in delivering a smooth, professional VoiceOver that truly connects for effective on hold marketing.
Bring it to Life and Share
Now, it’s showtime! Once the script is finalized, we slot it into our production queue and bring it to life. Our team gets to work—recording with the chosen voice talent, editing for clarity, and mixing in music and sound elements to create a polished, professional audio file. When everything sounds just right, we upload it directly to the client’s phone system or deliver it in their preferred format. The entire process is efficient and seamless—typically completed within just five business days.
COHM is where success takes center stage. With our reliable systems, you can build unshakeable customer satisfaction and forge lasting client relationships. Join our community of thriving clients today. Experience the COHM edge and unleash your business’s true potential.
Let's talk
Your Scripts Stay Private. Your Brand Stays Yours.
In an industry where third-party platforms and API connections have become the norm, knowing where your data goes matters. At COHM, the answer is simple: it never leaves us. All on hold production is handled entirely in-house with no third-party API connections and no external platforms at any stage. Your scripts, promotional content, and branded messaging stay completely private - never processed by outside systems, never used to train external AI models.
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