23 TECHNIQUES TO FIND VOICE OVER WORK

1- The BBS technique

Step 1: hire someone for a product or service

The number one rule for the BBS technique is that you´re only contacting business you actually need and are seriously considering to purchase a product or service from. Don´t waste anyone´s time!

Think of a service or a product that you need right now or that you´ve recently purchased. 

Find a company you think you´d want to hire or purchase from and contact them

Step 2: buy the product or service you need

Decide whether you want to purchase from this company. If you decide to purchase them go ahead and hire them. 

Now, you have an in at the company

Step 3: research the company´s voice over needs

Now check out the company´s website and see if they have online videos or commercials posted. Try to find ways they can use voice-over in their business.

Do they have voice-over already?

If not, contact the person you´ve been dealing with and tell them you do voice-over

2- Connect with clients on LinkedIn

Another great way to find and connect with potential voice-over clients is on LinkedIn, the business social network where you showcase your professional abilities and work experience, linking with potential voice-over clients and other professionals who can help you grow your business.

Step 1: Create a professional profile

Professional is the key here, and remember that you´re trying to draw the interest of potential clients, not make new friends!

Step 2: find potential clients

First, you´ll need to identify potential clients, whether that´s in the particular industry or niche you specialize in, or by their job title.

Let´s think about finding video producers, for example.

Simply search for that job role in the search bar, and a list will come up.

Once you´ve found potential clients, all you need to do is send a connection request by selecting “connect” to the right of their name, or on their full profile.

As LinkedIn tells you itself, members are more likely to accept invitations that include a personal note, so I´d recommend doing just that.

3- Your voice on Youtube

Since videos and voice-over go hand in hand, what if there was a way to find the people who create videos and sell them your voice-over services?

YouTube has over 400 hours of video uploaded every minute! Sure some are cute cat videos but businesses are uploading marketing videos too.

Use youtube to look for businesses creating content without voice-over.

Step 1: narrow it down

400 hours of video every minute is a lot to search through. So your first step is to search for something you´re interested in.

It can be anything!

When you set out to search for a Youtube video in need of voice-over you may draw a blank on what exactly to search for. Sometimes it´s best to just know how to do this technique and use it during your normal video watching life. When you find a video that doesn´t have voice-over that would be much better if it did -this is when you can pull out this strategy.

Step 2: reach out to the youtuber

Now it´s time to reach out to the owner of the Youtube channel.

It´s important that you research the business, know what they do, who to contact, where they are located, etc.

Click the About tab and you´ll get a load of information. You can use the “send message” button to send a message directly through Youtube or they´ll usually have a website listed.

Whichever way you choose to contact them, keep your message short, don´t include any links or it´ll be considered spam, be honest about how you found them and try to build a relationship.

You´ll have a better chance of getting a voice-over job and possibly ongoing voice-over work.

4- Build your voice-over client base using google

Step 1: search for clients

First, head to Google and think about a specific type of client based on your voice-over niche (video game company, animation business, explainer video production company).

The hard part is that some businesses use slightly different keywords to describe similar services.

For example, one prospect may use the description of an “animation company” while another may say the´re a “motion graphics studio”.

Once you´ve got the voice-over niche you want to search, now it´s time to narrow your search down to nearby location.

One of the great things about working from home as a voice actor is that you can work from anywhere. That said though, there may not be an animation studio or video production company in your area. If this is the case, use the largest city within 2 hours from where you are located.

Step 2: learn about the voice over prospect

Click on an organic result, visit the site and read up on the prospect.

This is where you need to take the time to research, check out their portfolio and learn exactly what they do.

Ask yourself: could my voice-over add value to the work this company is doing?

Step 3: introduce yourself

If it´s a good match for you, it´s time to reach out

There´s a right way and a wrong way to reach out to a potential voice-over client.

Here´s what not to do

Don´t just jump to the contact page, copy the email address and send some long generic email with your demos attached.

People won’t take the time to read a long, unsolicited email with large audio files attached. Never assume a prospect wants to hear your demo.

They didn´t ask for the email or your demo and most likely aren´t going to be impressed with you junking up their inbox.

Your email will come off as spammy. 

They´ll be instantly annoyed that you wasted their time trying to sell them something.

And it´s a really selfish thing to do.

This is not the first impression you want to have with a potential client.

You want to build a relationship with them. So before you reach out to them, look them up on social media, follow them, like them, read and make comments on their blog. This will help open the door to a relationship with the company. It shows you know what they´re about.

It makes them feel special.

When the timing is right reach out to the prospect using email or social media. Here´s a formula to keep in mind when contacting a prospect:

Use the person´s name in the message. If the best greeting you can come up with is “To whom It concern”, then you need to do more research to find out who is the best person to contact.

Keep your message short. Clients are busy so get to the point quickly in 2-3 sentences at most

Don´t make it about you, make it about them. The message shouldn´t be about what you want, it should be about what the client wants.

Ask before sending your demo. Don´t attach your demo or a link to a demo until you ask if the client is interested. When you ask someone if you can send them a demo it shows that you value their time.

If you follow that formula when reaching out to prospects you´ll make a great first impression and have your best chance at picking up a new client. 

It will take time and effort but it´s a great way to build your client base.

5- Get represented by a voice-over agency

Having an agent isn´t just for celebrities!

Being represented by an agency is great for adding another way of getting yourself out there. Many years ago, it was the only way.

While you should continue to market your services directly, an agency will usually have valuable connections and have exclusive job opportunities.

So how do you get yourself on their books?

Step 1: search for agencies

Before you start looking for representation you should have established yourself enough to have a professionally produced demo to share.

A quick Google search should find a list for you, and your instinct might be to search for agencies near you, which is a great place to start. While you can work from anywhere, some agencies prefer to represent local talent.

Step 2: learn about the agency

Visit the site and read up on the agency.

Before you even approach them, you need to do your own research to make sure they´re the right fit for you, and vice versa.

Check out what their process is, whether they have openings, and how they like voice-over talent to apply. An agency isn´t going to accept just anyone on their books, so you need to make sure you make the best first impression!

Step 3: introduce yourself

Make sure you find out how each individual agent wants you to submit your details, and make sure you actually get in touch in the right way

They probably get inundated with requests to be represented, so they´ll find it easy to discount the artist who don´t follow instructions.

Don´t let your submission get discounted before the have a chance to consider you.

Keep your introductory message short and get to the point quickly, as long as they have the information they´ve asked for, your demo reel should do the talking for you!

Don´t get discouraged if you´re struggling to get signed up with an agency -there could be all sorts of reasons why you´re not the right fit for them at this time. Even if they pass up on the chance this time, keep in touch and try again at a later date

6- Find voice-over work with Hashtags on twitter

Finding voice-over work on Twitter is easy for two reasons:

One: people love to tweet about what they´re doing, projects they´re working on and things they are looking for. They even use hashtags which help organize all that data.

And two: Twitter makes it simple to find and connect with those people

Step 1: Search Twitter

Sure – you can use the toolbar search field for quick searches but by using Twitter´s advanced search page you can get more detailed results. The advanced search page allows you to search by words, phrases, hashtags, dates and even location.

Here´s a few examples of searches to do on twitter to find voice-over work… 

You can search a general hashtag like #voiceoverjob or search a phrase that goes along with your niche of voice-over like “audio book narrator” or use it to find clients with a phrase like “video production company”.

Step 2: scan the results

Your search will most likely bring back massive results which you´ll need to sort through.

Step 3: connect

Now you just need to make contact with the user to discuss the job or potential for future voice-over work. 

Easy right?

7- Get scouted for Envato Studio

Envato Studio is different from other freelance websites like Upwork because they hand pick the freelancers.

It´s community of designers, developers and creatives.

8- Land big name clients using voices.com

You are able to audition for only the jobs you want and quote whatever amount you want.

You have access to dozens of opportunities daily

You should make business decisiones based on your own research and individual needs. Not what anyone else tells you to do.

Step 1: sign up for a free voices.com account

Go to Voices.com and click the register now- instant access to jobs button. Create your free voice talent profile by completing the sign up form.

Step 2: complete your talent profile and upload demos

If you don’t complete your talent profile and upload your voice demos, you have zero chance of being hired.

In order for clients to discover you in search results you need to complete your profile and upload your demos. 

One common mistake newbies make is saying they can do everything. If you aren´t excellent at it, don´t list it on your profile. You´ll still get plenty of job invitations and you won´t waste your time trying to do something you´re not that good at.

9- Radio and TV stations

The fact is radio and TV station staff are asked to do a lot: be a personality on the air, commercial production, voice tracking, meetings, remote broadcasts… that´s a lot for one person to handle.

You could go to the stations and try to ease the workload of the staff by offering your voice-over services. You´d want to contact the creative director or production manager.

Step 1: Be on the Lookout

Anytime a commercial break happens on radio or TV, turn it up and pay attention. Listen or watch and pay special attention to:

• the voice. Do you recognize the same voices for different ads running on air?
• the name of the advertiser

Check local magazines too! If a business is advertising in a magazine they might be interested in using your voice to advertise their business sin some audio capacity too.

Step 2: reach out to the advertiser

Now reach out to the advertiser you heard and do a custom sample showing them how by hiring you as their voice their ads would improve.

This way your client is the advertiser and not the station. Here´s why it´s better to approach the business directly:

Radio and TV stations= low to no budget for production. Need to keep expenses to a minimum.

Business= medium to large to spend on advertising

10- It pays to audition on VoiceBunny

Step 1: create an account and apply to be a voice bunny pro

Go to Voice Bunny, read the details and click apply. Fill in your info and from here you´ll start the application process.

Step 2: take the tests

Once you create an account you´ll take a short test and submit a test voice-over. VoiceBunny will check your answers and your work for quality.

Step 3: Customize your VoiceBunny profile

If you pass the knowledge and audition tests – congrats” Now you just need to sign an agreement and customize your VoiceBunny public profile page which includes setting your rates.

11- Voice-over casting on Backstage

Backstage is one of the largest resources for performing artists. They post over 30.000 audition announcements every year. Most of these are for stage or screen actors but they do have postings for voice actors as well.

Voice over jobs include tv shows, audiobooks, movies, documentaries, tv, commercials, video games and more.

Step 1: Preview voice-over auditions

Go to the Backstage page that already filters out all the non voice-over jobs. You can narrow down the results by gender and age, but most importantly make sure you check the “paid only” check box under “compensations”.

Step 2: browse the results

Now scroll through the results until you find a project you´re interested in. Pay special attention to the location as some jobs only accept local voice actors or may require to travel.

Step 3: Join backstage

Once you find a voice-over project you´d like to audition for you´ll need to sign up for Backstage. Membership fees vary but run around $20/month or $140/ year

Once you´re a member of Backstage you will create your talent profile and be able to apply for roles you find. There are no limits to the number of jobs you apply for.

12- Make six figures on Fiverr?

Step 1: join fiverr

Join Fivver by going to the site and creating your Fiverr account

Step 2: create your voice-over gig

Once inside your account, click “Start selling” and then the “create a gig” button

Fiverr will walk you through your voice-over gig´s description and pricing

Make sure you´re upfront and honest about pricing and turnaround times.

Step 3: publish your gig

Finally, just publish your gig and your voice-over service will be on the Fiverr marketplace ready for sale!

13- LBDs for Voice-over work

With all the worldwide online search capabilities we have today it´s easy to forget about the voice-over work available locally.

Local business directories are loaded with potential voice-over clients.

Have you ever checked out your local chamber of commerce business directory? You´ll easily find local business listings with websites and contact information.

Step 1: Find your local chamber of commerce

Do a quick Google search to find your local chamber of commerce. You can use “(your city) chamber of commerce”.

Step 2: check out the directory

Click on the link to go to your local chamber of commerce site.

Most chamber of commerce websites have a “member directory” section

This gives a lot of information about local businesses, usually separated into categories.

Go through the list and look for businesses you feel could gain value from your voice-over services.

Step 3: reach out

Connect with them on social media or reach out by sending them a quick email. Think about where voice-over fits in and could benefit their business.

14- Latest voice-over jobs collection on G+

Step 1: View the latest voice-over jobs

See Gary Terzza VOMasterClass with a collection called “Latest voice over jobs”. You´ll find all kinds of jobs posted along with details and instructions on who to contact.

Step 2: reach out

If you find a job you´re interested in just follow the instructions on who to contact.

15- Get worldwide exposure on Bodalgo

16- Market directly to Radio and TV stations

Radio Mall offers a data base of radio and TV station contact information (program directors, sales managers, general managers, production directors and operations managers) so you can market directly to them for imaging or even commercial work.

17- Get massive audition invitations with voice123

Step 1: create your free voice123 account

Go to Voice123 and signup for a free account. You can sign in using LinkedIn, Facebook or email. Fill out the required info and click “create account”.

Step 2: create your voice actor profile

Voice123 makes it simply to create your voice actor profile. The site will walk you through your profile creation.

With the free forever plan you´ll get a profile page, you can upload 10 demos, be found in the Voice123 search and audition for direct invitations.

18- Voice-over work on Upwork

Upwork is the world´s largest online workplace connecting businesses and professional freelancers. You can find all kinds of freelancers on Upwork, including web developers, writers, virtual assistants and most importantly, voice-over talents.

You can become a member for free and audition for a limited number of jobs per month. Upwork takes a 10% fee from your fee. 

Step 1: Become an Upwork freelancer

Visit Upwork and click “Sign up” to create a free freelancer account

Step 2: create your profile

Next start putting your profile together. You can find “Voice talent” as a service listed under “design and creative”

Step 3: search for voice-over jobs

Now click Find jobs to search for current voice-over jobs available.

19- The power of Amazon´s ACX

ACX is where many authors and publishers go to convert their books into audio books. Audio books produced through ACX are sold via audible, Amazon and iTunes.

ACX has some strict requirements when producing audiobooks. It´s a good idea to read up on the audio submission requirements since they are not only required by ACX but also good practice when producing audio books for other clients.

Step 1: sign up using your amazon account

Go to ACX and sign up using your amazon account. You´ll want to create your narrator profile to get started.

Step 2: add audio samples

Then click “+add your sample”. That´s where you can upload your audio book samples, describe your expertise and choose your preferred payment method.

Step 3: royalty share or pay per finished hour?

Under “Search” you´ll want to click “titles accepting auditions” which will bring up a list of books currently looking for narration.

Use the filters section to narrow it down by gender, genre, and the project rate.

Publishers select whether they are willing to pay for narration with a Royalty Share of per finished hour of audio.

Most of the titles are listed as royalty share. This means you receive a portion of the audio book sale proceeds. This is a great option if the book is by a well known author or publisher.

To make sure you don´t waste your time working on a project you´ll never be paid any royalties for be sure to research the author and publisher to see how well other books by that author or publisher have sold.

You´ll also want to see how well they promote their audio books. If they don´t do much promotion or sales on other books are lacking, you won´t make as much money with a royalty deal.

Step 4: audition for an audio book

Once you have a title you´d like to narrate you´ll want to upload an audition by clicking the green button.

Now you can review the audition script and read direction notes from the publisher. Just record your audition and upload the MP3-.

20- Friends and family

21- Build your business with Mandy Voices

Mandy voices, part of the larger Mandy network, is a creative community where you can do more than just look for voice-over jobs.

It offers networking opportunities and career tools that will help you build your voice-over business and reputation, as well as job listings.

22- Use your voice to convert blogs into podcasts

Blog posts are great right? I mean you can learn valuable information about any subject you´re interested in. You could read a blog and learn to cook an amazing dinner tonight or read about places to visit during an upcoming vacation.

They can be really useful.

The downside to blogs is that you´re usually stuck staring at a screen reading it. It´s hard to multitask when you´re reading.

By converting a blog post into audio, the content can be digested while doing another activity like mowing the lawn or driving.

Step 1: Find a blog

You first need to find a blog that you could turn into an audio podcast.

Luckily, blogs are everywhere.

If you read a blog about a topic you´re interested in often, that´s a good place to start. Otherwise you can use a site that has a list of popular blogs, like Alltop.

Make sure the blog content is something that listeners will be able to understand without reading or seeing it.

Step 2: Contact the blogger

Now that you found a blog, email the blogger with a short custom voice-over sample using one of their recent blog posts to show how an audio version would sound.

This works really well because writers usually love hearing their words come to life.

If you can´t find an email or contact form on the blog, try connecting with them on Twitter or Facebook.

23- Use PlanetStream to build valuable partnerships with producers

You know, you don´t always have to work direct with end-clients -working with video producers as well means you get to benefit from their established client relationships.

And it´s not only you that benefits, because having a relationship with voice-over talent they know they can rely on makes life easier for the production company as well.

Step 1: Browse video producers

Go to PlanetStream, you don´t even have to join the site. Just scroll down to the footer section and click “directory”

You can see the companies as a list or on a map view, and you can refine your search even further to see the service they offer, their star rating on the site, and their exact location.

Step 2: contact the producer

When you view each profile you´ll see their contact details, so take a look at their website and showreel

If you´re a good match for the work they do, get in touch and start building a relationship.

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