Becoming a professional voice artist takes ongoing time and effort, but that isn’t the hardest part. Once you hone your talent, you need enough clients for your voice over services to keep you employed.
You might not be a master marketer, but even voice over artists need to know how to promote their business. There are plenty of digital marketing ideas you can put to work with little or no experience.
Take a look at our top 10 picks for marketing your voice over services like a pro:
1. Email Demos to Telecommunications or Audio Companies
From on hold marketing companies and IVR services to radio stations and audiobook publishers, the first priority is always getting your name out.
Look up companies online, then email them a quick introduction and demo file. Make sure you also follow up with them via email or phone call to build familiarity and ensure you’re connecting with the decision maker.
2. Join a Freelance Network
Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Amazing Voice connect voice artists with clients that are actively searching for voice over talent.
It’s relatively easy to get started on a voice over network like these. You can learn more about the process to see if it’s worth the effort.
3. Host an Online Voice Over Workshop or Seminar
Workshops and seminars for voice over talents aren’t just for skill-building. When you host your own event, you’re giving yourself countless networking opportunities and positioning yourself as an authority in the industry.
Take advantage and build your network of other voice talents or aspiring voice artists. You can capitalize on the extra web traffic to give yourself an SEO boost.
Or, host an event geared toward the type of client you serve. For example, you might host a workshop on creating a brand voice, then offer your services as part of the solution to creating a strong brand.
This is a highly potent way to attract clients in your niche that could benefit from a professional voice over.
4. Promote Yourself on Social Media
You don’t need a professional social media manager to leverage the power of social channels.
Start by researching the best social media outlets that can help you connect with your target audience. They’re all a little different and don’t deliver the same results.
Platforms like Facebook and Twitter offer paid advertising opportunities. LinkedIn can help you connect with professionals that might need your services. Pinterest can serve as a blog traffic catalyst.
Keep in mind you don’t have to be present on every social channel. Focus your resources on one or two platforms, then go deep on those.
Whichever ones you choose, make it a point to be active on those platforms. Staying top of mind and sharing fresh content are key to making social media work for you.
5. Ask for Reviews on Voice Over Services
Reviews can be powerful testimony when helping a prospect determine whether or not to use your voice over services.
When you do work for a client, ask them to leave you a star rating or review on your social pages, Google My Business profile, or write a testimony you can add to your website.
This will give prospects an idea what you’re like to work with and could tip the scales in your favor.
6. Keep Your Portfolio Current
You might not be able to predict your clients’ project requests, but there’s always one constant you can count on. Clients want to see samples of your work.
Maintaining a current portfolio helps you ensure you have your best work to show at all times. It gives clients a better representation of what you’re capable of and what you currently sound like (because voices change over time!).
Plus, keeping an up to date portfolio means you don’t have to throw one together every time someone wants to hear your work.
7. Use Forums like Quora to Drive Website Traffic
Are people asking questions on Quora, Reddit, or other forums that relate to voice over artistry? Not only can you answer them and be a hero, but you can also use their questions to further market yourself.
For starters, knowing the types of questions people are asking can help you recognize the type of content you should be creating, such as blog posts or industry-specific demo reels.
It can also help you drive prospects to your website. Once you answer their question, you can drop a link to your website, blog post, or demo to help you gain more exposure.
8. Focus on a Niche Market
You don’t have to chase after every type of client to make a good living. Dial in on a specific niche industry to save yourself time and resources.
Segmenting your audience can help you create the right voice over demos and content that will connect with your target. You can purchase email lists in your specific industry to begin an email marketing strategy.
Or, you could find companies in that niche on social media or other outlets and build your connections.
9. Use the Power of Email Marketing
Email marketing remains one of the most powerful forms of marketing, offering as much as 3,800% ROI. It’s relatively inexpensive, it’s easy to do, and it doesn’t take much time.
You can use email marketing to reach out to new clients and build familiarity. Or, use it to reconnect with existing clients for repeat business.
10. Maintain a Blog
Blogging isn’t just for writers. Blogs can help you attract more visitors to your website and put you in an authoritative position.
You can use your blog to direct prospects to sales funnels, landing pages, webinars, or other content. Or, simply share your latest projects and press releases to create top of mind awareness and professionalism.
Don’t Be Afraid to Try Something New
Marketing yourself as a voice artist can easily seem like a full-time job. But don’t be afraid to try something new – you might just be surprised at how easy it can to market yourself.
For more ways to grow your voice over services, explore our business resources.