Time To Bail From Online Casting Sites?

Expensive annual subscriptions with often limited returns.

Voice talent are casting-off casting sites.

As a professional voice talent with experience voicing commercials and narration for corporate and educational projects, you might be looking to step away from online casting sites like Voice123 and Voices.com. On the one hand, pay to play casting sites conveniently and algorithmically match you to lists of voice buyers and their projects. But the downsides is, you'll pay for that convenience. And the casting sites' algorithms are far from perfect. Expensive with often limited ROI, casting sites have none the less provided a significant portion of voice talents' revenue stream.

So If you’re ready to take control of your own marketing and connect directly with voice buyers, the sky is the limit. These 8 Tips will show you how to find new clients and grow your business.

How to Market Yourself as a Voice Talent Without Relying on Casting Sites

1. Build a Strong Online Presence

Your website is your digital storefront. Voice buyers are often looking for talented professionals with a polished and easy-to-navigate website. Here’s what to focus on:

• Create a Portfolio Of Successful Past Projects You've Voiced: Showcase your demo reels, including work in different niches such as commercials, eLearning, and corporate narrations.

• Optimize for SEO: Use keywords like “corporate narration voice talent,” “commercial voice actor,” and “eLearning voice-over” to ensure you rank in search engine results. Regularly update your website with blogs or voice-over tips to attract traffic.

• Engage on Social Media: Platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram are powerful tools for connecting with industry professionals. Share samples of your work, client testimonials, and insights into the voice-over industry.

2. Target the Right Clients

Understanding your ideal client is key to marketing yourself effectively. Since you have experience in corporate and educational narration, focus on:

• Corporate Clients: Research businesses that regularly produce internal training videos or need corporate communications. Reach out with customized demos that show your ability to enhance their messaging.

• eLearning Companies: With eLearning on the rise, position yourself as a go-to voice for educational content. Highlight your clear, engaging delivery, which is perfect for instructional material.

• Production Companies: Establish relationships with video production companies that often outsource voice talent for their corporate and commercial projects.

3. Cold Outreach

Reaching out directly to potential clients can be highly effective if done strategically:

• Personalized Emails: When contacting businesses, personalize your email with specific details about how your voice can benefit them. Include a demo relevant to their industry.

• LinkedIn Messaging: Use LinkedIn to connect with content creators, marketing directors, and video producers. A short, direct message with a demo link can get you noticed.

4. Build Partnerships

Voice buyers often rely on recommendations from trusted partners. Here’s how you can create those connections:

• Partner with Scriptwriters and Video Producers: These professionals work with clients who need voice-over services. Building relationships with them can lead to referrals.

• Offer Referral Incentives: Create a referral program where clients receive a discount or bonus for sending new business your way.

5. Create Tailored Demos

A generic demo reel may not speak directly to a client’s needs. Instead:

• Industry-Specific Reels: Create tailored demos for different industries. For example, have a demo for corporate narration, another for eLearning, and a third for commercial scripts. Send the relevant one depending on the client. VoiceZam is a great resource for this.

• Highlight Past Work: Showcase specific projects from your years of experience. A corporate narration for an instructional video or a commercial for a well-known brand can make your demo stand out.

6. Use AI and Technology to Offer Unique Services

Given the rise of AI in voice technology, buyers are often looking for versatile voice-over solutions. As an expert in AI, you could:

• Offer Voice Cloning: For clients with smaller budgets, offer AI voice services using your cloned voice, providing a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality.

• Position Yourself as a Solution Provider: Instead of just selling a service, present yourself as a partner who helps solve their specific needs—whether they need a human voice or AI integration.

7. Network Locally and Online

Getting involved in your local community and the broader industry can create valuable connections:

• Attend Networking Events: Join local business meetups, creative industry events, or online webinars to meet potential clients in person.

• Engage with Industry Groups: Be active in online forums or LinkedIn groups focused on video production, marketing, and eLearning. Offer advice and insight, and you’ll establish yourself as an expert voice talent.

8. Retain and Re-engage Previous Clients

Never underestimate the power of existing relationships. Reach out to clients you’ve worked with over the past decade:

• Follow-Up Emails: Send occasional emails to remind them of your services and offer assistance with new projects.

• Client Testimonials: Ask happy clients for testimonials that you can showcase on your website and social media, enhancing your credibility.

By taking control of your marketing strategy and focusing on direct outreach, you can build a strong client base that values your unique voice talent. With these techniques, you’ll not only avoid relying on casting sites but also establish long-term partnerships that drive your voice-over career forward.

Interested in hearing how my voice can help your next project? Contact me today for custom demos and voice-over solutions tailored to your needs! avsvoice.com