How to build a Voice-over business that works for you
Do you have an engaging voice? Does anyone stop and listen when you talk? If you answered yes to these questions, then you’re already on your way to building a successful voice-over business. Let’s get the full scoop on how to build and maintain a voice-over business of your own! After all, you can turn your voice into a money-making machine—it’s as easy as A-B-C!
Research your target market
You can market yourself as a voice actor without knowing anything about your target market. That might seem like an easy way to make money, but when it comes time to invoice someone for services rendered, you’ll want to know who will actually pay you (as opposed to who should pay you). If no one is interested in hiring you and paying your bills, then your voice acting career won’t last long. Be sure to research what kinds of businesses need voice actors, how much they typically pay and what kind of work they offer. Then do some research on those companies before contacting them—you don’t want to accidentally pitch yourself as a voice actor for hire at a company that already has its own in-house talent!
Get the right training
Learning about voice acting can seem like one of those duh concepts—like learning how to drive a car, or even how to breathe. But truthfully, it’s not as intuitive as you may think. It might be tempting to skip all of that training and jump right into doing voice work, but don’t! Voice acting is different from normal dialogue in more ways than one. There are nuances that take time to learn, and if you want your clients (and yourself) to be happy with your finished product, then it’s important to get some formal training first. Here are some resources
Keep record of your voice over sessions
In order to protect yourself and your clients, it’s important that you record each voice over session. This can be done by using software like Soundtrap or an app like Audacity (which are both free). It might sound extreme, but it’s good practice to get into and also gives potential clients peace of mind. If there is ever a dispute between client and provider, your recordings will act as proof of everything said in terms of both timings and content. You should also ensure that you have a separate document with all details about what was agreed upon during your meeting with them before starting work on their project. That way, if they decide to change things up later on down the line, you have proof of what was originally discussed.
Have the right equipment (mic, software etc.)
Like anything, if you’re going to record voice overs and make money doing it, you’ll need some basic equipment. You can get by with minimal supplies—and in fact many newbies do just fine using their computer mics—but it’s always smart to have better tools. Your sound quality is only as good as your microphone; so either invest in one (and boom arm) or rent one from a reputable source (more on that below). You also want to look into investing in editing software like Audacity. This free program allows you to edit audio files and add effects like reverb, compression, EQ and more.
Create your website – have an online presence
Even if your voice over work is intended just for use within an organization, it’s important to have an online presence. This can be as simple as using social media and blogging on platforms like LinkedIn and Tumblr, but if you want more control of your branding and content, consider building a website. Creating an online presence shows prospective clients (and casting directors) how professional you are—in fact, it’s often used by casting directors in deciding who gets hired and who doesn’t.
Use social media platforms wisely
Social media can be used as a powerful tool when it comes to marketing your voice-over business, but only if you use it wisely. Too many voice actors think their job is done after they’ve posted about new jobs and worked hard at promoting themselves on social media sites, but that’s just scratching the surface of how marketing really works. Here are some tips on how to use social media platforms wisely
Market yourself through industry events
When it comes to marketing yourself as a voice actor, industry events can be a great way to network with other professionals and start your own web of contacts. Consider attending workshops or conferences where you can share samples of your work and leave behind contact information. If your budget is limited, consider volunteering your time at an event to get in free—you might even meet talent agents in attendance who are looking for new talent. Either way, expanding your horizons will help open new opportunities for success.
Don’t undersell yourself – be confident and charge appropriately
If your clients aren’t paying what you think your worth, there are two things going on. Either you’re underselling yourself, or they don’t know how valuable your service is. If it’s option one, stop immediately! Don’t sell yourself short. If it’s option two (which I suspect in many cases), help them understand by educating them and even showing them by working at their price point for some time.
Learn from your mistakes and successes
The more you listen, and study what does and doesn’t work, you’ll improve your chances of success. As in any other industry, advertising changes regularly: what worked a year ago may not work today. Be open to these changes while still sticking with your strong suit and values. It’s easy to get caught up in trends, but it’s important to remember why people come back time and again—and it isn’t because they want something new every time. It is because they know they can trust you. If you provide great service or products consistently, people will keep coming back for more.
Network with others in your industry
A strong personal network will help you navigate your industry and also provide support when times get tough. Look for forums and other online outlets where voice actors congregate and join them; find out if there are any meetups in your area. When meeting people in person, remember that being personable, approachable, and genuinely interested in others can go a long way toward building relationships.
