In voice-over, creating a solid client list is important for establishing a successful and sustainable career. A well-curated client list can set you up for an ongoing stream of work and keep you connected to your clients who are hiring your voice. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your client base, here’s a guide on how to build and maintain a prosperous client list in the voice-over industry.
- Showcase Your Voice and What You Bring to the Table:
Your voice is your most valuable asset in the voice-over industry. To stand out from the crowd and attract potential clients, it’s crucial to identify your signature vocal qualities and styles. Start to hone in on your voice qualities and personality to discover the areas of the business that you fit best: maybe it’s authoritative tones, soothing narrations, or quirky character voices. Determine your strengths and focus on perfecting them to create a unique signature style.
- Create a Compelling Portfolio of Your Talents:
Before you can attract clients, you need a portfolio that showcases your abilities. It’s important to present your unique voice qualities properly and professionally. You want to compile a diverse range of voice-over samples that highlight your versatility and demonstrate your skills across various genres, such as commercials, narrations, audiobooks, video games, animations, and more. In voice-over, we call this collection of voice samples a voice-over demo. It’s important that these demos sound professional and are up to industry standards, so working with a professional coach and producer on your voice-over training and demos is important. A well-produced voice-over demo will give potential clients a clear idea of your capabilities and suitability for their projects.
- Create a Professional Website:
Tools of the trade.
In today’s digital age, having an online presence is a must. Design a professional website that serves as a central hub for your voice-over demos, contact information, client testimonials, and any examples of previous work. A clean, user-friendly website not only makes you look more credible but also makes it easier for potential clients to learn about your offerings and get in touch.
- Networking and Industry Events:
Networking is a cornerstone of success in the voice-over industry. Attend industry conferences, workshops, and events to connect with fellow voice actors, producers, directors, and other industry professionals. Building relationships within the industry can open doors to opportunities, referrals, and collaborations that can greatly contribute to your client list.
- Utilize Online Resources for Finding Potential Clients:
Do some online research to locate potential clients. Hone in on the areas of the business that you’re interested in and find clients who are looking for voices in that area. This could be for commercials, e-learning, audiobooks, video games, corporate videos, radio commercials, etc. You can find clients who book for a range of voice-over projects like advertising agencies, media companies, or production companies. For example, indie game developers often require voice acting for characters in their games – you can offer your services to bring these characters to life. Many e-learning platforms require voice narration for their courses. Reach out to platforms that align with your expertise and offer your voice-over services. You can also join online voice-over marketplaces where clients post projects like Voices.com and Voice123.com that can connect you with potential clients from around the world. Find the clients that fit with the areas where your voice fits best.
- Engage on Social Media:
Social media platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and even TikTok can be powerful tools for expanding your reach and attracting clients. Share snippets of your work, behind-the-scenes glimpses of your recording process, or industry insights to showcase your expertise and personality. Engaging with your audience through these platforms can help you build a loyal following and attract potential clients who resonate with your brand.
- Offer Exceptional Customer Service:
Providing excellent customer service and delivering high-quality work will lead to satisfied clients who are more likely to use your for future projects. Make sure that your home studio is up to industry standards and you’re sending out quality audio. Meeting deadlines, taking direction well, and maintaining clear and prompt communication are great ways to make things easy for your clients and keep them coming back.
- Seek Repeat Business:
Securing one-time clients is great, but establishing long-term relationships can be even more rewarding. Keep a list of the clients that you work with, what projects you worked with them on, who your point of contact was and their contact information. Reach out to past clients from time to time with follow-up emails expressing your interest in working with them again.
- Ask for Testimonials and Referrals:
Satisfied clients are often willing to provide testimonials that attest to your skills and professionalism. These testimonials can be featured on your website and online profiles, lending credibility to your voice-over services. Additionally, don’t hesitate to ask satisfied clients for referrals – personal recommendations can go a long way in expanding your client list.
- Stay Persistent and Adaptable:
Building a client list takes time and persistence. Rejection is a part of the journey, but it’s essential to remain resilient and continue improving your craft. Keep refining your skills and staying open to new opportunities and trends in the industry.
In the competitive realm of voice-over, a solid client list is the foundation of a successful career. Remember that building a client list is an ongoing process, so stay committed and adapt to the evolving demands of the industry. With dedication and perseverance, you’ll be on your way to a flourishing voice-over career.
Check out our free PDF with pro-tips from real working voice-over actors here!
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