There is nothing more exciting than landing that first paying voice over job. Your voice-over demo is the “resume” that is used to showcase your voice to potential clients. Once you have that demo in hand, the only thing standing between you and that first gig, is knowing how to properly market yourself!
There are so many voice-over opportunities out there, that you may find it hard to know where to begin. One recommendation, is to start by making a list of businesses that you could contact. There are many types of businesses that use voice-overs on a regular basis. Here are some examples:
- Advertising agencies
- Production companies
- Casting houses
- Industrial companies
- Post production facilities
- Theaters
- Malls
- Fashion Shows
- Associations
- Car Dealerships
- Medical Centers
- Colleges
- Trade shows
A marketing strategy that we recommend at Such A Voice, which has proven to work very successfully, is to become a “big fish” in a small market. Associate yourself with the largest city near you. For example, if you’re in Harrington, DE (about 90 miles outside of DC) you can refer to yourself as a DC talent, since you are from the Greater DC area. By connecting yourself with a major market area, you will become that much more appealing to smaller town businesses.
Once you’ve associated yourself with a nearby city, come up with an extensive list of businesses in your own area. (It’s always good to start with what you know!) Using the Harrington, DE example, you might contact Dean Design Marketing Group Inc based in Lincoln, DE (12 miles from Harrington) and reach out to them as a DC voice-over talent. It will be much more powerful than calling yourself a Harrington, DE talent.
There are companies who request email correspondence, while others may prefer a phone call or hard copy of your CD mailed to them. Your best bet is to call first to inquire. At an advertising agency, for example, you would usually want to speak with the Creative Director. Even if you’re unable to speak with that person directly, you can always ask the receptionist to find out who the contact is that you need to speak with and if they prefer email or a mailed demo. After you’ve sent the information, it’s always recommended to follow up, but don’t stress it if you don’t get a response. Often times companies will hold onto your demo if they feel that they may have a need for you at some point. When something comes up that matches your voice, you’ll be the one that they call!
If a potential client tells you that they like your voice, but they don’t have a need for it right now, definitely keep them on your mailing list. Check to see if they have a Facebook page and “like” them. If you have a business Facebook page yourself, recommend that they “like” you too. Look them up on LinkedIn and check to see if they have a Twitter account to follow them there as well. If you’re sending out announcement or newsletter emails discussing your recent bookings, make sure that they receive it! Keep them on your list for holiday cards and emails. You want to keep yourself on their radar, without being too excessive – just occasionally reminding them that you’re there.
If, however, you never hear back from a company that you contact, or after speaking with them they tell you that they’re not interested, you have to be able to accept that too. As a voice-over talent you have to be able to accept rejection! The very best have indeed been rejected at one point. Take it as positive criticism and keep on going. In a career where you truly need to drive yourself to find your success, you will want to remember that “Delay is the deadliest form of denial.” Never postpone a chance and stick to the routines and schedules you set for yourself. DETERMINATION & MOTIVATION are the most important factors in determining your success as a voice-over performer. The success you can expect is in direct proportion to the time and effort you put forth. If you stay determined and keep working through your list you will find a match for you and indeed land that first voice over job!
