While the first comes naturally most times, the second needs a dedication to learning how to record your voice as a marketable product and the third you must not overlook. It’s a business and has to be treated as such no matter how small you’re starting.
This is no small industry, I am not saying that to scare you. A lot will be required of you as an actor. Even with its demands, you still get to have lots of fun and make a lot of money.
So How do you get started?
We have mentioned that the first skill needed is your artistic skills and for you to excel you must hone those acting skills of yours. You must not be Brad Pitt to get on camera and do a voice over. The emotion behind your voice is very important. More reason you have to invest in yourself. Remember when talent doesn’t work hard, hard work beats talent.
Here are some steps to prepare yourself;
I will recommend Adobe Audition: This is one powerful tool that will allow you get into some serious audio auditioning (from producing commercials with music beds to adding sound effects and even more) Yet still very easy and simple to make use of.
Other programs include;
Where do you start getting voice over jobs once you’ve gotten yourself ready?
Do you still think it’s not worth it? Check this out
This lady has completed over 4000 projects(excluding those who didn’t leave a review) and let’s assume each job was done for $5.
4647 x $5= $23,235 -20%
$18,588(This is just an estimation as we didn’t include unreviewed jobs and of course she would have jobs worth more than $5). I just believe you get the point here?
When you search for your local chamber of commerce websites, go to the member directory. There you should find businesses or companies that would gain value from your voice over services and reach out to them. Connect with them on social websites of by a quick email. Just think of where a voice over fits in their business, let them know about it and if you impress them with your work, you might just earn yourself another voice over job.
I did a search for Illinois Chamber of Commerce and here’s what I found
I will suggest having a personal website/blog to upload some of your work. Designing a blog can go a long way in helping to show your voice over works. You an even decide to do a custom sample just to WOW your prospect.
You can register for Bodalgo and select “I want to register as a voice talent”. You can only see public job postings as a free member. I recommend you upgrade as they have 3 membership paid plans.
A monthly plan called the “Bodalgo 30”- it costs $30 per month
A 6-month plan called “Bodalgo 180”-which costs $130
A year plan called “Boldago 360” which cost $250
You can always start with the monthly plan if you are not ready for the yearly plan. Trust me it would pay off massively.
You have a free forever plan once you register with them and can be found in searches be able to submit up to 10 demos. But in case you want more, you can sign up for a premium account ($395/year). You’ll have better search rankings and get invited to audition.
Getting an account is easy. Head to Upwork and sign up as a freelancer and choose the basic membership to get started. Once the account is created, start searching for voice over jobs. And if you find one you’re interested in, submit a proposal.
Now go make some money
Conclusion: I have covered a lot of methods/techniques to choose from and start earning. However, choose what you are comfortable with. Don’t try to start with all at the same time. Starting one method will just be perfect in finding voice over jobs. Is there anything you think I didn’t cover in this post? Please do let me know in the comment box.
If you have a question you would like me to consider answering or topics you’d love to see on this blog you can send it (3-4 paragraphs/500 words max) to this email address: Questions@jonathanmelody.com
From My Heart To You
Jonathan Melody
Author, Graphic Artist, Peak Performance Coach, and Entrepreneur
My name is Jonathan Melody, and I am an ecommerce expert and a sales funnel strategist. I also help men to regain balance in all areas of their lives (including personal finances, relationships and wealth building)