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5 Steps to Starting Your Own Voice Over Business

Dec 30, 2022

Starting your own voice over business can be a rewarding and exciting career path, but it's important to approach it with a plan and the right mindset. Here are five steps to help you get started:

Develop your craft: Before you start a voice over business, it's essential to have a solid foundation in your craft. This means taking the time to learn about microphone technique, acting, and vocal delivery, as well as practicing and honing your skills. Consider investing in voice over coaching or training to help you improve your skills and stand out in the industry.
Set up a home recording studio: To work as a voice over artist, you'll need a way to record your voice and deliver high-quality audio files to your clients. This means setting up a home recording studio. You'll need a good microphone, a recording software like Adobe Audition or Pro Tools, and a quiet space to record. Consider investing in a soundproof booth or using a closet or spare room to reduce background noise.
Find and secure voice over work: Once you've developed your skills and set up a recording studio, it's time to start finding work. There are many ways to find voice over gigs, including joining a talent agency, using freelance job boards like Upwork, Fiverr, or Voices.com, or networking with other voice over artists and industry professionals. As you start to build a portfolio of work, it's important to be professional and reliable, as this will help you secure repeat business and build your reputation in the industry.
Promote your services: To be successful in the voice over business, you'll need to promote your services and attract new clients. This means having a website that showcases your portfolio and describes your services, as well as being active on social media and networking with potential clients. Consider creating a demo reel that highlights your best work, and be prepared to pitch yourself and your services to potential clients.
Manage your finances: Running a business means keeping track of your income and expenses, so it's important to set up a system for invoicing, billing, and managing your finances. This might include setting up a business bank account, using invoicing software, and keeping track of your expenses. You'll also need to be mindful of tax obligations and consider setting aside money for taxes throughout the year.

FIVERR For Voice Actors

Fiverr is a popular freelance platform that allows you to offer your services as a voice over artist to a global audience. Here's how you can use Fiverr to start freelancing in the voice over industry:

Set up a profile: To start using Fiverr, you'll need to create a profile and specify the services you offer as a voice over artist. This might include things like voiceovers for commercials, explainer videos, audio books, or e-learning courses. Be sure to include information about your experience, skills, and equipment, as well as a demo reel showcasing your work.
Create gig packages: On Fiverr, you can create "gig packages" that outline the specific services you offer and their associated prices. For example, you might offer a basic package for a short voiceover at a lower price, and a premium package for a longer voiceover with additional services like editing or multiple revisions. Be sure to clearly outline what is included in each package to help clients understand their options.
Promote your gigs: Once you've created your profile and gig packages, it's important to promote your services to attract potential clients. This might involve using the Fiverr search engine optimization (SEO) tool to optimize your gigs for relevant keywords, as well as promoting your services on social media and other platforms.
Communicate with clients: As you start to receive orders on Fiverr, it's important to communicate with your clients effectively to ensure a smooth and successful project. This might involve discussing the specific details of the project, setting deadlines, and providing updates throughout the process. Be sure to be professional and responsive to help build a positive reputation and increase the likelihood of repeat business.

Using Fiverr can be a great way to get started as a voice over artist and build your portfolio. By setting up a profile, creating gig packages, promoting your services, and communicating effectively with clients, you can establish yourself as a freelancer and start building a successful voice over business.

- Learn more about Fiverr with "How To Make $20K On Fiverr For Voice Over" here.

Using Voices.com To Get Work

Voices.com is a popular platform that connects voice over artists with clients looking for voiceover services. Here's how you can use Voices.com to find voice over work:

Create a profile: To get started on Voices.com, you'll need to create a profile that showcases your skills and experience as a voice over artist. This might include a demo reel, a list of your areas of expertise, and information about your equipment and recording setup. You'll also need to specify your rates and the types of projects you're interested in.
Audition for jobs: Once your profile is set up, you can start auditioning for jobs on Voices.com. The platform features a range of voice over projects, from commercials and audio books to e-learning courses and explainer videos. You can browse through the available jobs and submit auditions for the ones that match your skills and interests.
Communicate with clients: If a client selects your audition, you'll need to communicate with them to finalize the details of the project. This might involve discussing the specific requirements of the job, setting deadlines, and agreeing on payment terms. Be sure to be professional and responsive to help build a positive reputation and increase the likelihood of repeat business.
Deliver your work: Once you've agreed on the details of the project, it's time to record and deliver your work. Be sure to deliver high-quality audio files that meet the client's specifications and deadlines. You can use the Voices.com platform to upload your completed work and communicate with the client about any revisions or changes that might be needed.

Using Voices.com can be a great way to find voice over work and build your portfolio. By creating a profile, auditioning for jobs, communicating with clients, and delivering high-quality work, you can establish yourself as a voice over artist and start building a successful career.

Use Social Media To Get Clients

Social media can be a powerful tool for finding voice over clients and promoting your services as a voice over artist. Here are some tips for using social media to get voice over work:

Establish a presence: To get started, you'll need to establish a social media presence by creating profiles on platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Be sure to include information about your skills and experience as a voice over artist, as well as links to your website and demo reel.
Build your network: As you start to use social media, take the time to connect with other voice over artists, industry professionals, and potential clients. Follow relevant accounts and engage with their content to build your network and get noticed. You might also consider joining relevant groups or communities to connect with like-minded individuals.
Share your work: As you start to build a following on social media, be sure to share your work and accomplishments. This might include sharing links to your demo reel or portfolio, posting updates about projects you're working on, or sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of your recording process.
Engage with your audience: As you start to use social media to promote your voice over services, be sure to engage with your audience. This might involve responding to comments, answering questions, and interacting with other users. By building relationships with your followers, you can establish yourself as a go-to voice over artist and increase the likelihood of getting new clients.

Using social media can be a great way to find voice over clients and promote your services. By establishing a presence, building your network, sharing your work, and engaging with your audience, you can use social media to get noticed and start building a successful voice over business.

Join A Voice Over Academy Like A VO's Journey Elite Academy

Joining A VO's Journey Elite Academy can be a great way to grow as a voice over artist and take your career to the next level. Here are some benefits of joining the Academy:

Expert training: The Academy offers a range of courses and training programs taught by industry experts, including voice over coaches, producers, and casting directors. These courses cover a wide range of topics, from microphone technique and acting to marketing and business development, giving you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed as a voice over artist.
Access to a community of professionals: As a member of the Academy, you'll have access to a community of voice over professionals who can offer advice, support, and inspiration. You'll be able to connect with other voice over artists and industry professionals through the Academy's online forums, webinars, and events, giving you the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with your peers.
Opportunities for growth: The Academy offers a range of resources and opportunities to help you grow as a voice over artist. This might include access to job listings, industry events, and networking opportunities, as well as support with marketing and promoting your services. By joining the Academy, you'll have access to a range of resources and support to help you advance your career.

Overall, joining A VO's Journey Elite Academy can be a great way to grow as a voice over artist and take your career to the next level.

Voice Over Agencies

Voice over agencies are companies that represent voice over artists and help them find work. These agencies typically have a roster of voice over artists who they represent and work to secure voice over gigs for. Some agencies specialize in a particular niche, such as commercial voice overs or animation voice overs, while others may represent a wider range of voice over artists and work in multiple genres.

Joining a voice over agency can be a great way for voice over artists to find work and grow their careers. Agencies often have relationships with clients and can help voice over artists secure gigs that they might not be able to find on their own.

In addition, agencies may offer support with things like invoicing, contract negotiation, and marketing, which can help voice over artists focus on their craft and leave the business side of things to the professionals. However, it's important to keep in mind that agencies may take a percentage of your earnings as a commission for their services.

- Check out A VO's Journey Elite Academy Agency: Academy Voices

Conclusion

Starting a voice over business takes time and effort, but with dedication and a solid plan, it can be a rewarding and fulfilling career. By developing your craft, setting up a home recording studio, finding and securing work, promoting your services, and managing your finances, you can set yourself up for success in the voice over industry.

- Check out A VO's Journey Elite Academy and get started today