Tips for starting a voiceover career: monetizing your voice

Do you have a voice that can captivate, persuade or entertain an audience? Do you enjoy speaking, reading, or acting? If so, you might be interested in starting a voiceover career.

Voiceover is the art of using your voice to narrate, explain or perform a script for various media projects, such as commercials, audiobooks, podcasts, documentaries, video games, and more. Voiceover artists can work from home or in studios depending on the project and client.

By starting a voiceover career, you can benefit from the following:

• Expressing your creativity and personality through your voice
• Working on diverse and exciting projects across different genres and industries
• Setting your schedule and rates
• Working remotely or from anywhere in the world
• Making money with your voice

But how do you get started with monetizing your voice? Here are some tips you can follow:

Practice on your own.

Before starting your voiceover career, make it part of your daily routine to practice your voice-acting skills. You can read books, articles, scripts, etc., aloud and record yourself using a smartphone or computer. Listen to your recordings and critique yourself on clarity, tone, pace, emotion, accent, etc. You can also imitate other voice actors or characters you admire and mimic their style and delivery.

Consider professional training.

While not required, pursuing professional training in voice acting can help you develop your skills, learn new techniques and get feedback from experts. You can enroll in online courses, workshops, webinars, etc., that teach you the fundamentals of voice acting, such as breathing, articulation, projection, diction, etc. You can also find a mentor or a coach who can guide you personally and help you improve your performance.

Invest in the right equipment.

To start a voiceover career, you need to have some essential equipment that will allow you to record quality audio files. The essential equipment is:

Quality Microphone

• A quality microphone: This device captures your voice and converts it into an electrical signal. It would be best to have a microphone with high sensitivity, low noise, and good frequency response. Some popular types of microphones for voiceover are condenser microphones, dynamic microphones, and USB microphones.

Mic Stand

• A mic stand: This device holds your microphone in place and allows you to adjust its height and angle. A mic stand will also make your job extra comfortable in your home workspace2.

Pop Filter

• A pop filter: This device attaches to your mic stand and reduces the popping sounds caused by plosive consonants (such as p,b,t,k, etc.). A pop filter will also protect your microphone from saliva and dust.

Wireless Headphones

• A pair of headphones: This device lets you listen to your recordings or playback without disturbing others. You need headphones with good sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfort. Some popular headphones for voiceover are closed-back headphones1, open-back headphones, and earbuds.

Audio Interface

• An audio interface: This device connects your microphone to your computer and converts the analog signal into digital data. You need an audio interface with low latency, high resolution, and multiple inputs/outputs. Some popular audio interfaces for voiceover are USB audio interfaces, FireWire audio interfaces1, and Thunderbolt audio interfaces.

Laptop

• A computer: This device stores, edits, and processes your audio files. You need a computer with enough memory, speed, and storage space to handle large audio files. Depending on your preference and mobility, you can use a desktop or a laptop.

Recording Software

• A recording software: This program allows you to record, edit and process your audio files. It would help if you had to record software with features such as multitrack recording, editing tools, effects, plugins, etc. Some popular recording software for voiceover is Audacity, Adobe Audition, and Pro Tools.

Create a demo reel.

A demo reel is a short audio sample that showcases your voice acting skills and range as you start your voiceover career. It is your portfolio and the marketing tool that you use to attract clients and get voiceover jobs. To create a demo reel, you need to:

• Choose scripts that suit your voice type, style, and niche. You can write your scripts or use existing ones from various sources such as books, articles, commercials, etc.
• Record yourself reading the scripts using your equipment and software. Try to vary your tone, pace, emotion, and accent to demonstrate versatility and flexibility.
• Edit and process your recordings using your software. Cut out any mistakes or noises, adjust the volume levels, add background music or sound effects if needed, etc.
• Compile your recordings into one about 60 to 90 seconds long file. Arrange them in an order that highlights your best work and captures the listener\’s attention.
• Save your file in a format compatible with most devices and platforms, such as MP3 or WAV.
• Upload your file to a website or platform to share it with potential clients, such as SoundCloud, YouTube, Voices.com, etc.

Find and pursue auditions.

Auditions are opportunities where you can showcase your voice acting skills and apply for voiceover jobs so that you can start your voiceover career. To find and pursue auditions, you need to:

• Search for online platforms that post voiceover jobs, such as Voices.com, Voice123, VoiceBunny, etc.
• Create profiles on these platforms where you can upload your demo reel, resume, rates, and contact information.
• Browse the available voiceover jobs and select the ones matching your skills, interests, and availability.
• Submit your audition by following the instructions given by the client or the platform. You may need to record yourself reading a specific script or part of it or use an existing sample from your demo reel. You may also need to include a cover letter or proposal that explains why you are suitable for the job and how much you charge for your services.

Negotiate contracts and deliver quality work.

Once you get hired for a voiceover job, you need to:

• Negotiate contracts with the client or the platform that specify the terms and conditions of the job, such as deadlines, payments, revisions, rights, etc. Make sure you read and understand everything before signing anything.
• Deliver quality work that meets or exceeds the client\’s expectations. Follow the script and directions given by the client or the platform. Record yourself using your equipment and software. Edit and process your recordings using your software. Save your file in a format compatible with the client\’s or platform\’s requirements. Upload or send your file to the client or platform before the deadline.
• Receive feedback and make revisions if needed. Listen to the feedback and suggestions given by the client or the platform. Make any changes or corrections that are requested. Resubmit your file for approval.
• Receive payment and invoice if needed. Get paid for your work according to the contract terms and conditions. You may need to send an invoice to the client or platform that includes your name, contact information, job details, the amount due, etc.

Recommended reading:

• From side hustle to full-time business: tips for monetizing your skills
• Creating a Digital Product: A Step-by-Step Guide to Monetizing Your Expertise

Conclusion

These are some tips for starting a voiceover career and monetizing your voice. By following these steps, you can turn your voice into a valuable asset that can generate income and satisfaction. What are you waiting for? Get that buck by just talking.