So you’re a voice actor, full of energy, talent, and passion, but how do you actually get people to hire you? The answer is simple…direct marketing. Direct marketing is like crashing the party, but in a polite, professional way – but don’t worry, if you play your cards right, they’ll be happy you showed up. Here’s your guide to making a splash in the voice-over world with some smart, actionable, and even a little bit fun direct marketing techniques.
Build a Killer Website
First things first, you need a killer website. Think of it as your personal online studio where the magic happens. A website isn’t just a placeholder, it’s your digital home, your voice-over headquarters, your online presence, and your chance to show off all that talent in one place. Your website should be clean, easy to navigate, and packed with all the right information. Have a solid portfolio, with a range of demo reels (commercials, animation, e-learning, audiobooks).
Don’t forget your contact info! You’d be surprised how many people forget this step (trust us, it happens more often than you think). It’s also a good idea to optimize your site for SEO—this means using keywords that help search engines find you, like “voice-over artist,” “commercial voice talent,” or “audiobook narrator.”
Create a Targeted Outreach List
Now that your website is up and running, it’s time to get the word out. But don’t just blast your demo out to anyone and everyone…be smart about it. Start with a targeted outreach list. Think of it like dating: don’t send a love letter to just anyone. You want to find people who are genuinely a good match for your voice. Look up ad agencies, production houses, audiobook publishers, and even video game studios. Platforms like LinkedIn, industry directories, and even Facebook groups can be goldmines for this kind of research. And once you’ve found the right people…then it’s time to slide into their inbox (professionally, of course).
Craft the Perfect Pitch Email
Speaking of inboxes, let’s talk about the perfect pitch email. This is where you get to show off your writing chops and your voice-over skills all in one! Start with a subject line that grabs attention. Then, in the email, keep it short and sweet, introduce yourself, explain what you do, and link to your demo reel (because they’ll want to hear your magic AS Show that you’ve done your homework and that you know what they’re working on. For example, “I noticed your recent commercial for XYZ company—my voice would be perfect for your next campaign!” You’ll also want to tailor your pitch to demonstrate how you can add value. Maybe you have an ultra-fast turnaround time, or you’re great at staying on top of revisions. Or perhaps you can bring a unique style that’s just what their client needs. If you’re an expert in a niche, like video game characters or corporate narration, play that up! Show that you’re not just any voice talent, you’re a problem solver who can make their life easier. And remember, it’s not about you, it’s about how you can help them.
Follow-Up Like a Pro
You may not hear back immediately, and that’s okay! Follow-up emails are your secret weapon. If you don’t get a response after a week or so, gently nudge them with a quick, polite follow-up. It’s like knocking on a door again, just in case they didn’t hear you the first time. Keep it friendly and professional—don’t be pushy, but remind them that you’re still around and ready to help. If you don’t hear back after a couple of attempts, you can move on. But remember, persistence is key!
Use Social Media to Your Advantage
Social media is your best friend in this marketing game. Post regularly and share clips of your work, behind-the-scenes moments, or funny stories from your voice-over adventures. The goal is to show off your personality, not just your voice. Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook are great for this, and don’t forget the power of hashtags—#voice-over, #audiobooknarrator, and #commercialvoice-over can help people find your content. LinkedIn is also great for connecting with other professionals, including ad agencies and production companies. Send connection requests to key people and engage with their posts. If you’re genuinely interested in their work, show it! And hey, if you meet them at an event or conference, follow up with a LinkedIn message, drop your demo, and ask if they’re looking for fresh talent. Sometime, a well-timed connection is all it takes to land a gig.
Reach Out Directly to Ad Agencies and Production Houses
When it comes to reaching out directly to ad agencies and production houses, here’s where you can get a little more creative. These folks are often working on a tight deadline, so your email or pitch needs to be targeted and professional. Research what kind of work they do. If they’ve done a recent campaign for a product or service that matches your style or voice, mention that in your message. Make it clear that you’re not a one-size-fits-all voice, you’re the exact fit for what they n Show off your demo reel that aligns with their current work. For example, if you know they’re looking for a laid-back, conversational tone, highlight your work that fits that vibe. It’s like telling them, “I already made the pizza, now I’m just waiting for you to take a bite.”
Don’t Be Afraid to Try Cold Calling or Direct Mail
Lastly, cold calling or sending a direct mail package can still work wonders. I know, I know, it sounds… old-school, but it shows initiative. A well-crafted email can go a long way, but a personalized phone call or even a snazzy package with your demo on a flash drive (if you’re local, stop by, a box of donuts goes along way!) might make you stand out. Just make sure your cold call is polite, to the point, and doesn’t turn into a five minute monologue.
Stay Consistent and Keep Your Focus
To sum it all up: direct marketing as a voice actor is all about showing up, staying consistent, and keeping things personal. Build a website that makes you look like a pro, target your outreach to the right people, send pitch perfect emails, and use social media to keep your audience engaged. When reaching out to ad agencies and production houses, don’t just send a generic message, show them you’ve done your homework and that you’re the voice they need. With a little persistence, a lot of personality, and some well-placed outreach, you’ll soon find yourself landing those coveted gigs. So go ahead, start marketing yourself…your future self will thank you!
P.S. If you haven’t yet taken our introductory voice-over class, where we go over everything one needs to know about getting started in the voice-over industry, sign up here!
