When I tell someone I’m a voice actor, the super excited, well-meaning stranger will ask me to talk in some type of accent. Unfortunately, accents aren’t a part of my charm as a voice-over talent. I have to explain to them that I specialize in eLearning, explainer video, and commercial voice work, and that my background and vocal characteristics are perfect for that type of voice-over. The reality is that my voice is not suited for all types of voice-over, but it is well-suited for certain types of voice-over. I guarantee that you can find what works for your voice, too! The challenge is identifying which niche works best for you and working hard to become an expert in that niche! I previously suggested four important steps to take when picking your voice-over niche, but here’s one more step to consider: “What did you do in your past life?”
What did you do before you started your career in the voice-over industry? Were you a teacher? Then consider eLearning, explainer video, or audiobook. Were you in sales? Then consider eLearning or commercials. Were you an administrative assistant or in a call center? Then consider telephony. If you have a background in a certain field, it can give you more credibility and understanding of that niche! My background happens to be in marketing, sales, and sales management in radio and television. I specialize in eLearning (mostly sales training), commercials, and I’m currently receiving coaching in radio imaging. They’re all natural extensions of my past!
It’s great to look at what you did in the past and how it brought you to where you are now. And now is the time to think about searching for opportunities that align with your voice-over goals. Remember, it goes back to back seeing what opportunities fall within your niche. Here are a few examples of different industries:
Video/Audio Production Companies – Explainer Videos, Documentary/Travel Films, TV Narration, Animation, Video Games, GPS Navigation, Museum Tours, ADR/Looping
Genre Specific Production Companies – eLearning Companies, Toy Production Companies, Audiobook (Book) Publishers, Telephony (VoIP, Telecom) Companies, Sporting Event/Live Event Production Companies, Overhead Music Production Companies, Electronics, TV and Radio Groups
Advertising Agencies – Commercials and Explainer Videos. Contact a smaller market agency’s Creative Director. Send a demo and follow up!
Pay to Play Sites – Voices.com offers a special discount to Such A Voice members. Contact your career counselor for details.
If there is a specific company that you want to work with, reach out to the Marketing Director there and have them point you in the right direction. Google is your very best friend, too! Use social media sites such as Twitter and LinkedIn to search specific keywords and find companies or individuals that can hire you. When you contact prospective clients, offer yourself as a resource for their voice-over needs. Keep it short and sweet with a link to your website and a time that you will follow up with them.
There are niche specific social media groups on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook – even Google+. Join them! Go to voice-over conferences like VO Atlanta – or the myriad VO conferences popping up all over. Go to industry specific conferences for the niche you want to pursue! Get in there and learn all that you can – it will make you a better resource for your clients and a better voice talent overall!
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Jillian Nielsen is an expressive voice talent with over 14 years of experience in radio and television commercial and promotional voice-overs.
