How to find consistent work as a Voice Actor

As a voice actor, one of the key challenges you will face is finding consistent work. While talent is essential, building a stable career in voiceover requires marketing your services effectively, networking, and establishing long-term relationships with clients. In this article, we’ll explore strategies for securing regular work, from building your brand and diversifying your skill set to utilizing online platforms and word-of-mouth marketing.

1. Build a Professional Brand

Your brand is how you present yourself to the world, and it plays a critical role in attracting clients. A well-defined, professional brand communicates your expertise and style to potential clients, helping you stand out in the competitive voiceover industry.

• Create a strong online presence: A website and social media profiles are essential for showcasing your work, portfolio, and services. Make sure your website includes your demo reel, testimonials, a clear description of your services, and easy-to-find contact information.
• Tailor your brand message: Your brand message should convey what makes you unique as a voice actor. Do you specialize in character voices? Are you known for your soothing narrations? Whatever your strengths are, make sure your brand reflects them and resonates with your target audience.
• Consistency is key: Consistency across all your branding materials (website, social media, email signature, etc.) helps establish your voiceover identity. Keep your messaging and visuals consistent to make your brand memorable.

2. Utilize Online Casting Platforms

Online casting platforms can be a great way to find consistent work as a voice actor. These platforms connect voiceover artists with clients who are looking for talent, making them a valuable tool for building a steady stream of projects.

• Voices.com: One of the largest platforms for voice actors, Voices.com allows you to create a profile, submit auditions for jobs, and connect with clients worldwide. As you build a reputation on the platform, you may start receiving direct offers from clients who are impressed with your work.
• Voice123: Similar to Voices.com, Voice123 lets you set up a profile and audition for a wide variety of voiceover projects. It also offers paid services that increase your visibility and provide additional tools for job matching.
• Casting Call Club: This platform is great for both new and experienced voice actors, providing an avenue to audition for indie projects like video games, animation, and audiobooks. Casting Call Club is also a fantastic place to find small, independent projects that can lead to long-term work.

3. Network and Build Relationships

Networking is one of the most effective ways to find consistent work as a voice actor. Building relationships with clients, agents, producers, and fellow voice actors can open doors to repeat work, referrals, and collaborations. Here are some ways to network effectively:

• Attend industry events: Participating in events like voiceover conferences, webinars, and workshops can help you connect with industry professionals, casting directors, and other voice actors. Building personal relationships at these events can lead to consistent work down the line.
• Join voiceover communities: Online communities and forums for voice actors (such as those on Reddit, LinkedIn, or Facebook) offer a space to share experiences, ask for advice, and find work opportunities. Active participation in these communities can help you establish your reputation and connect with potential clients.
• Collaborate with others: Collaborating with other voice actors or creatives (such as writers, directors, or animators) can lead to more work opportunities. Many small independent projects may need voice talent, and working on these projects can help you build relationships that lead to future gigs.

4. Diversify Your Voiceover Skills

To increase your chances of finding consistent work, consider diversifying your skill set. Being able to perform various types of voiceover work will make you more appealing to a wider range of clients, ensuring that you don’t limit yourself to one genre or niche.

• Expand your character work: Many voice actors specialize in character voices for animation, video games, or commercials. Experimenting with different voices and accents will allow you to expand your range and attract a broader audience.
• Learn different styles: Voice acting isn’t just about character work. Narration, corporate voiceovers, e-learning, and audiobooks all require a different approach. By mastering a variety of styles, you can become a versatile voice talent, attracting clients across different industries.
• Offer additional services: Some voice actors also offer services like script writing, editing, or audio production. If you have the technical skills, these additional services can make you a one-stop shop for clients, ensuring that you remain a valuable asset for their projects.

5. Reach Out to Potential Clients Directly

While many voice actors rely on job platforms and casting agents to find work, reaching out to potential clients directly can be a great way to secure consistent work. By proactively contacting businesses and companies in need of voiceover talent, you can take control of your career and find opportunities that may not be listed on job boards.

• Target specific industries: Identify industries that frequently require voiceover talent, such as advertising agencies, e-learning platforms, or gaming studios. Create a list of potential clients, and send them a personalized email introducing yourself and your services.
• Offer a free sample: When reaching out to new clients, consider offering a free sample of your work. This can give them an idea of your style and talent, and may encourage them to hire you for a future project.
• Follow up: After initial outreach, follow up with a polite email or phone call. Many voice actors find work by nurturing relationships over time. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back immediately—clients may have future projects in need of voiceover talent.

6. Provide Exceptional Customer Service

Providing excellent customer service is one of the most effective ways to secure consistent work. Voice actors who are easy to work with, reliable, and responsive are more likely to be hired again and referred to other clients. Here are a few tips for offering top-notch customer service:

• Be responsive: Make sure you respond quickly to emails, messages, and inquiries. Voice actors who are prompt and professional in their communication often get repeat business.
• Meet deadlines: Always deliver your work on time. Clients rely on voice actors who can meet deadlines without excuses. By being punctual, you’ll build trust and make clients more likely to hire you again.
• Be open to feedback: Clients may offer suggestions or request revisions. Be open to feedback, and make the necessary adjustments to meet their expectations. Being flexible and cooperative shows that you’re committed to delivering high-quality work.

7. Keep Learning and Improving

The voiceover industry is always evolving, and staying current with new techniques, tools, and trends is essential for long-term success. Consistent learning will help you maintain your competitive edge and open doors to new opportunities.

• Take courses: There are many online courses, workshops, and webinars designed specifically for voice actors. Take advantage of these resources to improve your skills, learn new techniques, and stay up-to-date with industry trends.
• Practice regularly: Just like any other profession, voice actors need to practice their craft. Spend time every day recording scripts, experimenting with different character voices, and refining your delivery. The more you practice, the better your performances will be.
• Stay engaged with the industry: Follow voice acting blogs, listen to podcasts, and read industry news to stay informed about new trends and technologies. The more knowledgeable you are, the more opportunities you’ll have to stay ahead of the competition.

Conclusion

Finding consistent work as a voice actor requires a combination of talent, marketing, and client management skills. By building a strong personal brand, diversifying your skill set, networking, and proactively seeking out opportunities, you can ensure a steady stream of work and build a sustainable freelance business. Remember, success in voice acting doesn’t happen overnight, but with persistence, dedication, and continuous improvement, you can find the long-term career success you’re striving for.