Welcome to part two of this five-piece article collection addressing finding voiceover work, training, and fame. Have not seen part one yet? No problem! You should check it out before reading any further. In this section, we will continue looking at the avenues for finding voiceover work. https://www.voiceactorwebsites.com/a-full-overview-finding-voiceover-work/
Finding Voiceover Work
Past Voiceover Clients
If you are new don’t worry this paragraph is handy for your future self. Every person you work with needs to go on your contact list. These are customers ready to go. You need a list of returning clients and then you will see a steady stream of work. When you work with someone and the final job is approved, you usually say goodbye. Actually, what you should aim to do instead is to build a relationship with anyone who gives you work so you can connect and relate to them ongoingly. A good practice is to check in with past clients twice a year so you stay at the forefront of their memory. When you reach out they will remember the working experience and even if they don’t have a project for you immediately, it puts you back at the front of their mind for when they do.
Working the Pay-to-Play Voiceover Sites
This is a controversial topic. Some people hate pay-to-play sites passionately. Some make six digits a year from them. Ultimately it is your decision how you run your business but let us talk about these sites. It is important to know the difference between a pay-to-play site and a casting site. Pay-to-play is what the name suggests, you pay money to use the site’s services. Casting sites typically just take a percentage of what you make (Like an agent). Some sites do a bit of both, it’s wild right? The stigma comes with some of these sites because they typically produce work that is under the industry standard rate. These rates vary from place to place and from genre to genre. It can be tricky to navigate for sure. We have a mass amount of information on this topic covering both casting and pay-to-play sites in great detail.
Finding Other Realms of Work
Many performers forget the other skills they have as independent artists. Everything from creative writing to social media. Have you thought about trying your hand at scriptwriting or social media for other organizations? It’s a great way to get into the fold with some bigger companies and additionally helps pay the bills in the meantime. What about doing a spot of teaching? If you have a qualification or skill set it is very much worth investing in this. Maybe you have other skills which are transferable to specific roles your applying for like coffee art. If you see a Barista TV or voice role make sure the casting professional knows your deeper understanding.
Staying Connecting to The Voiceover Industry
Making friends with all your peers is so important. Getting work from referrals is a great way to move forward in your career. Perhaps you’re an African female who is bilingual in Spanish. Well, guess what? When a role needing an African female, bilingual in Spanish comes up, you are going to get the job! On the same coin, it is important to build trust in your pier groups. When you see a job that would be great for a comrade don’t keep it to yourself, share this with your brothers and sisters in arms. Community is a wonderful thing and you never know who or when someone is going to have your back.
Working Your Voiceover Mailing List
I have mentioned this point several times and now we finally get to talk about it! Probably the most important marketing tool at your disposal is your marketing listing. Every past client, connection, contact, and other casting-related relationship should be on this list. Everyone you have ever auditioned for or worked with should be on this list. Furthermore, you should check-in with them regularly and let them know you are still there. Compliment their work, recognize their sacrifice, thank them for their service, and make sure to leave a p.s. (that’s a marketing tip of gold).
Making Your Voiceover Website Work for You
Your website is a massive marketing tool. It is your digital resume and a great place to direct your clients too. Your website (along with your email address) should be on your business cards. Additionally, your website should also be in your e-signature. Make sure all your branding, copy, and content align with your website. As time goes on it will benefit you greatly to develop your website, you want no bugs whatsoever. SEO is something you should invest in and you need not worry, it is not a scary topic! If you can write a few blogs you are well on your way to starting off in this field. With SEO you can invest as much time and money into it as you want. The more you put in, the more you get out.
Maybe check in with us for a free consultation if you want to work on this. Don’t have a website? No problem, check out this awesome platform to get one in just a few minutes. I hope you find this section on finding voiceover work useful. Check out part three of this five-piece series to learn more about training.
A Full Voiceover Overview Part 2 – Finding Voiceover Work by Alan Shires
