8 Startup Tips for Building a Strong Client List as a Voice Actor

Do you want to become a voice actor? It can seem daunting at first. But when you create a plan to build a strong client list, you will soon get the hang of it. Here is a list of 8 things you can do to create a client list that will deliver and deliver again.

1. Define and Research Your Niche

Finding your niche and doing proper research is always key. You may be a person of many voices, but what do you excel at the most? Or, what niche is underrepresented that you could lend your talents to? Narrow that down, then do some research on it. You may look at clients who need a voice talent for that niche or research the most popular actors in that field to get inspired.

2. Start Building Your Profile

You need an online presence to find clients. You may set up a social media account or two, have a website, and appear on voice-acting sites like Voice Realm or freelancing sites like Fiverr. With all of these, you should have a bio explaining your life story and your talents. Also, upload demo reels that showcase your talents, complete with clean audio.

3. Devote Some Time to Network

In your plan, you may devote a set number of days to following other voice talents or potential clients, send them messages, or make plans to attend workshops or conventions. When you do connect with fellow voice actors, don’t make it all about you. Spend some time discussing the craft with them and even bond over things outside of the field. If you go into the community in hopes of lifting only yourself, you’re not going to go very far.

4. Look Into Cold Emailing

What is cold emailing? How can an email even be cold? Well, it’s simply an offshoot of cold calling. You gather a list of clients whom you want to work with, then send them an email without any prior contact with them.

It does sound like it would be useless. If a client doesn’t need work, why contact them? Well, sometimes the client does need work and hasn’t sent out a job notice yet. Or, your email may be considered in the future.

That said, don’t send the same email to every client, as this can come across as spammy. Be sure each email includes proper research on the company, including identifying any unique voice actor needs they want from a talent.

5. The Power of Simply Following Up and Offering Referrals

You did work for a client, and they liked it, but you never heard from them again. Does this mean that they are done working with you? That is not the case. They may think you’re busy, or you just slipped their minds by the time they’re ready to hire for the next project.

Be sure to follow up with previous clients every now and again, and they may have work for you. But what if they don’t? They may know someone who does. That’s why I like to remind my clients to refer me to any other professional they know who needs help. Many people in these fields know one another, so it is effective. You can also sweeten the deal by offering discounted rates to clients who referred you to someone else successfully. That said, don’t undervalue yourself too much when offering incentives. You still need to pay the bills.

6. Have a Content Creation Plan

Every brand needs to have content these days for SEO purposes and to come across as an authority in their field. It can be blog content you upload on your website (like what you’re reading right now!) or vlog content about your adventures as a voice actor. Either way, research the best ways to get your content out there, be it the perfect YouTube thumbnail or the best Google SEO practices. You don’t need to be consistently churning out content; some actors find better success simply reaching out to clients. However, it can be an avenue worth pursuing.

7. Have Some Time to Learn About Voice Acting Trends

I have an entire article about voice-acting trends, so read that if you want. But if you’re in a rush, know that, like any field, the voice field is always evolving with new trends. This includes performance styles or tech like AI. Please spend some time reading up on the news or watching new media, and hearing how the latest performers and their characters. Then, polish your performances or adapt to the ever-changing landscape. That said, don’t let technology walk all over you. For example, if you’re going to lend your voice to AI, be sure that you get fairly compensated and have control over your own voice.

Also, use this as a way to diversify your income streams. You may have a prominent niche that’s the breadwinner of your career. However, there may be upcoming niches you may want to get into as they grow in popularity and give you an even more significant income.

8. Deliver Great Performances and Be Easy to Work With

Finally, the most important thing you can do as a voice talent is deliver great work, respond to your clients in a reasonable time frame, make any changes (within reason), and try to make things right should an upset happen.

Not every client will be satisfied (I have an article about dealing with negative feedback,) but a majority will want to work with you again and again and also recommend you to other clients.

Final Thoughts

These are just some tips to get you started with building a client base and maintaining it as you grow as a voiceover artist. In addition, you should learn how to achieve a work-life balance and stay healthy throughout your career. By eating well, exercising, and taking good care of your voice, you will go far. Good luck!