Introduction 

A one-on-one conversation with clients to persuade them or understand their preferences is undoubtedly ideal. 

Unfortunately, people do not have all the time in the world, and an effective campaign needs to reach as many audiences as possible. So, what's the solution? That's where a call blast enters the scene. Let us explain to you how it works!

What Is A Call Blast?

It uses automated systems to send pre-recorded voice messages to a large group (Image source: Creazilla). 

1. An Overview

A call blast (also known as robocalling or voice broadcasting) is a modern technology that uses automated systems to send pre-recorded voice messages to a large group of people at once. Indeed, your campaign can reach hundreds or even thousands of phone numbers on the list!

2. How To Set It Up

One of the highest-rated virtual centres on the market, StringeeX, introduces modern auto-call features that can be leveraged for call blasts, automated marketing, or large-scale research and surveys.

Businesses worldwide only have the best things to say about this amazing feature, and it's time you signed up for a free trial, too! Below is a quick guide on how to set it up:

Step 1. Buy SIP numbers. You have options here: either use your current SIP Trunking number or buy a new one via StringeeX.

Step 2. Start a call using the API. Use the StringeeX API to contact a client listed on your application or website. Any customer number is fine, though we recommend one from the same telecom provider to save costs.

Step 3. Let the customer listen to your message. Some companies use pre-recorded files, while others prefer computer-generated voice created by StringeeX's text-to-speech feature. Feel free to personalise the latter for every customer segment! 

Step 4. Receive feedback. Ask for your customers' feedback through recording, keypad input, recording, or pressing a specific button (to get routed to an agent).

Step 5. Analysis. StringeeX has a comprehensive report dashboard with clear data on pickup rates, calls, feedback details, feedback rates, and more. 

When You Should and Should Not Use Call Blast

Call blasts do not always work, so you must be careful (Image source: Pxhere). 

1. When You Should Use It

To Share Important Updates Or Alerts

Does your business deal with appointments, deadlines, or critical actions customers must take immediately? 

Call blasts can be a lifesaver for these time-sensitive reminders. Imagine a marketing firm reminding clients about upcoming appointments or a clothing store notifying users about a limited-time discount!

Unexpected service outages or disruptions aren't uncommon, and when that happens, a call blast can quickly inform thousands of existing customers about the issue and estimated restoration times. From our observation, this is one of the best and most effective ways to manage customer frustration and expectations.

And (though nobody wants this to happen), immediate voice broadcasts are more important than ever in critical situations where product safety is at risk. They ensure everyone is instantly informed about product recalls and necessary steps, if any.

To Guide Customers Through Processes

For new customers' onboarding process (usually with multiple steps), a pre-recorded call blast can walk them through all the key phases and answer frequently asked questions. 

They will find it easier to navigate through simple tasks like setting up accounts, enrolling in programs, or choosing among different pricing plans. Utilising self-service options to troubleshoot common issues or find helpful resources on their own is also a breeze! 

Still, considering today's digital era, relying solely on voice blast services to relay this information is far from a smart move. You should always find alternative ways for your customers to access details, such as a follow-up email blast (with instructions),  a link to a helpful FAQ page on your website, the option to speak with a customer service representative, etc.

To Collect Polling And Survey Feedback

Let's say you issue a quick and simple yes/no poll to gauge basic customer sentiment and must reach a large audience as quickly as possible. 

In that case, a call blast might be an option! It can also serve as a friendly reminder to those who haven't yet responded, especially if you've already launched the survey through another channel.

However, we must say a blast application is not ideal for in-depth customer feedback due to its quite self-explanatory limitations. It would be much better to treat it as a supplementary tool for more comprehensive survey platforms like email, online surveys, text messages, etc.

2. When You Should Not Use It

Low Volumes Of Calls

Although the messages can reach thousands in an instant, they do take some time to set up (plus, you also need to record what you want to say beforehand!) For small targeted groups, it's simply not worth the effort compared to other traditional communication methods.

And at the end of the day, personalisation is key to building stronger relationships. So, if you're dealing with a small number of customers, a generic pre-recorded message might not resonate or address their specific needs as thoroughly as you would like. Engage in direct conversations with them whenever you can!

Cold Call Marketing

Customers detest unsolicited calls, even more so for impersonal robocalls! That's why cold-calling call blasts are likely to be ignored or deleted - or worse, perceived as spammy and intrusive, ruining your brand image!

And remember that many regions have strict regulations regarding telemarketing calls made with automated dialers. Any violation can lead to hefty fines for your business, so better be safe than sorry. 

Reaching Customers Who Prefer Texts

Text messages are ideal for short information, and their quick, to-the-point nature is exactly what makes them so popular. Therefore, a pre-recorded call blast message might be too much for someone who prefers written communication, even if you try to make it as brief as possible! 

Furthermore, our team has observed that most texters value a convenient, undisruptive communication style that fits their schedule. Unfortunately, blast phone calls tend to interrupt their workflow and might go unanswered if they cannot pick up at the moment; you can see why this approach is not always the best. 

Extra Tips For Effective Call Blast

1. Define The Campaign Goal Clearly

Set a clear goal right from the start (Image source: Zendesk via NDLA.)

Kickstart by setting a clear goal for your voice broadcast campaign (and do so as early as possible!) This will help set the tone for the entire message development process. With a well-defined goal, all aspects of the campaign will work together seamlessly to achieve it.

Consider the following questions:

• Who will receive this mass broadcast call?
• What is the message's content?
• What customer actions can be accomplished once the message is received?

2. Ensure All Important Information Is Made Clear

Keep your automatic voice broadcasts concise and on point, with all important information (related to your main goal) conveyed clearly to the audience. 

Try to make the main message stand out as much as possible. Of course, you might add other secondary information, but make sure it doesn't overshadow the primary message!

3. Include A CTA

Adding a specific CTA (call-to-action) in your audio blast would be ideal; it encourages audience interaction and also adds a more personal touch to your message. For example, you can ask them to: 

• Visit your website
• Complete a CSAT survey
• Contact a particular department or agent

4. Provide Contact Details

Obviously, you should never forget to include a contact number or address in the voice blast so recipients can always reach out for further details if needed. Make sure the information is readily accessible to avoid missing out on any potential follow-up conversations!

Mistakes To Avoid When Using Voice Blast Systems

Make sure your blast reaches the right audience (Image source: Pxhere). 

Mistake 1. Too-long Messages

This is one of the most common mistakes, even for some very well-established companies. 

A recorded message droning on for too long will drain customers' enthusiasm and make them hang up. So, keep it concise (ideally from 15 to 20 seconds) to ensure maximum engagement. No unnecessary filler here; always be direct and clear! 

Mistake 2. Wrong Audience

Sending messages to the wrong demographic is a terrible waste of time and resources and will hinder business growth. 

Before the blast drip campaign, thoroughly research your audience to understand their preferences, interests, demographics, etc. Don't forget to tailor your messages accordingly to capture their attention right away. 

Mistake 3. Wrong Tone

A mismatched tone (e.g., using slang to talk to senior customers) is the fastest way to alienate your audience. So, how do you keep your brand away from this amateur mistake and ensure the message strikes the right chord? 

The answer is simple: test different tones with a focus group, then adjust them based on feedback so they can resonate better with your target audience. This strategy works every time, regardless of business size and budget. 

Mistake 4. Wrong Times

Last but not least, timing is crucial for successful voice blasts. You must understand your audience's preferences and habits to schedule calls when they are most likely available! For example:

• Evenings (5 to 7 pm) may be ideal for working professionals.
• Remote workers or houseparents may prefer daytime calls.
• And be aware of the time zone if you have a national or international audience! Reaching someone on the West Coast at 8 pm Eastern Time (when they're just winding down for the day) is a nightmare. 

Conclusion

A call blast dial is undeniably convenient, but let's face the truth: it's not a one-size-fits-all solution for every targeted campaign. Consider all the factors at play, and feel free to reach out if you need further assistance!