The Answers

Our system already lets us record our own message. Is there really any need to pay someone else to do it?

You probably already spend a moderate amount of money on things like letterheads, website design and advertising; and we're guessing the logo you use is consistent throughout. You do this to protect and grow your company's brand image. Not only does a professionally scripted, voiced and produced on-hold message help to compliment a consistent brand experience for your client - but you can also sell more product too! Telephone marketing from Keep Holding will cost peanuts in comparison; so does it seem right to leave the recording of this vital marketing tool up to Doreen in accounts... just because she's got an 'okay sounding' voice? Let us do it, and we'll help make your business sound professional, as well as look it.
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This sounds like a good idea, but how do we know if we've got the right hardware?

There's no need to worry if you haven't got, or don't know if you've got, playback hardware attached to your telephone system - we can help you find a solution. Please visit our Hardware page to find out more about options available. Whether you require a hardware solution or already have a device installed - we can help, just let us know.
To check if your phone system can easily accept an audio device, look for your KSU (key service unit - or big grey box on the wall). You may be able to identify the Music On Hold port by carefully checking for an input jack socket (like those for small headphones) marked "music", "external music" or "MOH".
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What format does the message come in?

The standard delivery is on a CD or as MP3 / WAV file. However we can pretty much work with any other format you need. Depending on how many you've ordered, the recording itself will be designed to play through the specified amount of 'prompt' messages, then loop continuously.
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Is this a contracted service?

No. It's just a one-off payment. In most cases using Keep Holding will work out cheaper for your occasional updates than the guys who tie you in to a monthly contract.
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Do I have to pay ongoing charges or renewal fees?

No. We look after the copyright to the music and voiceover, so there's no annual renewal licence or royalty fees. You also won't need to gain a PRS / PPL licence for our recordings.
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From time of order, how long does it take?

The proof version of your production is normally available after one working week (then the finished product a couple of days later, once cleared). This could be longer or shorter, depending on how many people are involved with the decision making process for your business (script research, clearing etc). 
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Who scripts the message? Can we join in?

The best way to generate a script is to let you lead the way. Our order forms have sections for you to either write the complete prompts (each being a couple of sentences that produce a single section of information), or just include bullet-points that we'll turn into a finished script. Most of our scripting team also have years of experience writing radio commercials for clients in competitive market places. These skills are greatly used in the job of adjusting or writing a powerful and creative script for your on-hold marketing. Depending on the amount you order, the script will become a series of prompts interspersed with gaps for times when just music is heard. Click here to see example prompt lengths.
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How long is a prompt?

A prompt can be as short and snappy as "XLN Telecom will never be beaten on price. If anyone has offered you a cheaper tariff please let us know and we will beat it", or up to a paragraph or two. Our maximum guideline (if read out loud) is around 20 / 25 seconds in duration. We do find that the shorter the better. The chances are that the shorter the sentences, the more thought that's put in to the scripting and choosing the right words, therefore making them more powerful by default.
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What about picking the music and voiceover - who does that?

Initially we ask you to pick the voice(s) and music track(s) you'd like in your production, but if you prefer we can choose them for you. One voice is included in the Base Package, however we find that alternating between a male and a female voice throughout the script strengthens the audio brand image we create for you (an example of this is in the 'Brand Image' audio below). All the voiceovers we use are already doing work for national TV and radio clients, so you may even recognise them.
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Can we use our own voice?

If it fits with your brand image, sure. Maybe if someone in your business is already quite prominent with your clients, we could mix them into the message alongside some professional voiceovers. If this is the case, we can easily arrange for them to visit a recording studio.
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Can we use a famous voice?

Many of our voiceovers are already doing work for national TV and radio clients, so they may already be 'familiar' to you. However if you have a bit more cash to spare, then anything's possible. If you want Ronnie Corbett or Julian Clary to voice your message then we'll ask them!
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Can we have well known music?

The music we can normally pick for your business is not only of the highest quality, but also included free in your quote and copyright safe. If however you're dead set on having a well-known piece, we'll arrange a special quote.
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What if we're not happy with the finished item?

If within 14 days of receiving the recording you're not entirely satisfied, we'll keep working hard to make the alterations needed until you are. We hope the chances of this happening will be low as we aim to work closely with you during the initial scripting process.
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So who are Keep Holding?

We're a team of audio production professionals based in Cambridgeshire in the UK. Most of us have come from the radio industry and have years of experience in our relevant fields (script writing, marketing, audio production, voice coaching). This company has been setup to focus our talents on the aspect of the profession we enjoy the most - making fantastic sounding audio production that exceeds the brief. The good thing with Keep Holding is that although we're small, we're very powerful. There's no 'fat' on us, so no extra overhead cost to pass on to you.
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