How To Create Your First IVR Recording With Play.ht

Hammad
For Teams |
An image of the play.ht editor with text inside

[playht_player width=”100%” height=”90px” voice=”en-US-JennyNeural”]

 

You have an IVR system in place for your business, and it’s well-designed thanks to the tips you picked up in our IVR design guide post, and you’ve got your IVR script to hand. Now you need to create your IVR recording and upload it to your IVR software.

Well, we’re going to show you how to create your first IVR recording with Play.ht 

Let’s begin.

Set up Your Account and Choose a Plan

Creating an account is easy and hassle-free. All you have to do is head over to our website and click on the “Sign Up” button. Enter your email address, create a password, and you’re ready to go! 

Play.ht's signup page where the user is prompted to enter their sign up details like email address, name, and password

 

Once you’ve done that, you’ll be directed to the pricing page, where you can choose the plan that best suits your needs.

Play.ht offers three pricing plans: Professional, Premium, and Enterprise. The professional plan is perfect for small businesses and startups that need a few recordings each month. 

The premium plan is designed for larger organizations that require more recordings and longer recording times. The enterprise plan is ideal for companies that need custom solutions and personalized support.

Play.ht pricing page with three pricing options, professional, premium and enterprise pricing plans

All plans come with the option to choose from a variety of AI voices, including premium voices and ultra-realistic voices. You can also select the language of your choice and use the built-in text editor to add any necessary pauses or sound effects to your recordings.

Once you’ve selected your plan, you’ll be directed to your account dashboard, where you can create and manage your recordings. From there, you can easily download your recordings and use them in your IVR system.

Write Your Script

Crafting a compelling IVR script is key to creating an effective IVR recording that engages your customers and guides them through your phone system efficiently. Here are some tips to help you write a script that hits the mark:

  • Keep it simple and straightforward: Use clear and concise language that is easy to understand. Avoid industry jargon or overly complex terms that may confuse your callers
  • Focus on the customer’s needs: Keep the customer’s perspective in mind when writing your script. Think about the questions they may have or the problems they need to solve when interacting with your phone system.
  • Be concise: Keep your script short and straightforward. According to a study by Small Business Chronicle, the average customer will only wait on hold for about 1 minute and 55 seconds before hanging up.
  • Use a conversational tone: Write your script as if you were having a conversation with the customer. This creates a friendly and approachable tone that puts the customer at ease.

It’s also important to ensure that the recording is the correct length and format for your IVR system. 

By following these tips, you’ll create an IVR script that is effective, efficient, and engaging for your customers. Remember, the goal is to streamline the caller’s experience and provide them with the information they need quickly and easily. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing IVR Scripts

While writing your IVR script, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can lead to customer frustration and longer wait times. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

  • Overly long menus: According to a study by The Conversation, 60% of customers feel that lengthy menus are the most frustrating aspect of IVR systems. Keep your menu options concise and easy to navigate.
  • Confusing options: Avoid using complex language or industry jargon that your customers may not understand. Keep your options simple and straightforward to minimize confusion.
  • Lack of personalization: Customers appreciate a personalized experience. Use their name and offer tailored options based on their previous interactions with your company.
  • Outdated information: Keep your script up-to-date with current services and promotions. Outdated information can lead to confusion and frustration for your customers.
  • Lack of testing: Before deploying your IVR system, thoroughly test it to ensure that it’s working properly. Test all options and ensure that the prompts are clear and easy to understand.

Create Your IVR Recording Using Play.ht

Creating your IVR recording is now easier, thanks to AI technology. Say goodbye to lengthy recording sessions with voice actors and say hello to AI text-to-speech. Follow these simple steps to create your first IVR recording:

  • Log in to your Play.ht account: Once you have created your account, log in and navigate to the “AI Voiceovers” tab on your dashboard. Under that tab, click on the “Files” option.

Play.ht dashboard which shows the files section

 

  • Click the “Create Audio” button: In the upper right corner of your screen, click the “Create Audio” button. You will then be given the option to choose between Standard and Premium AI voices or Ultra-realistic voices.

Create audio button selection with the option for Ultra realistic or premium voices

 

  • Choose your language and voice: Select the language and voice you want to use for your IVR recording. Play.ht offers 907 natural-sounding AI voices in 142 different languages. You can also choose voices of different genders and walks of life.
  • Write or import your script: The text editor allows you to write or import your IVR script into the platform. Use it to add any necessary pauses or sound effects to enhance the caller experience.

the play,ht editor where users import their IVR scripts, there is text on the screen

 

  • Generate your IVR recording: Once you have written your script, click the “Generate” button to create your IVR recording.

Creating an IVR recording only takes a few simple steps. Plus, with the high-quality voices available, your recording will sound professional and engaging, helping to improve customer satisfaction and reduce call times.

Download Your Recording and Upload to Your IVR Software

Once you have generated your IVR recording, it’s time to download it. Here’s how you can do it:

  • Click on the “Export Project” button.
  • You can download your recording as a WAV file.
  • Save the recording to your computer.

Once you’ve downloaded your recording, you can upload it to your IVR system using the instructions provided by your IVR software. Typically, you can find information about uploading audio in your software’s help center or blog. When uploading your recording, make sure to label it appropriately so you can easily identify it in your IVR system. 

Create Your First IVR Recording Today

Streamline your IVR systems with AI technology.  By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a recording that will not only impress your customers but also increase efficiency in your operations. Create your first IVR recording today!