Working Voiceover Online Tips to Stay Successful
Many business have jumped on the internet bandwagon, intent on reaching as many customers as possible. Freelancers such as photographers, web designers, consultation experts, clerks, customer service and voiceover talents have all gone on the internet, too, this time to reach as many clients as possible and have more prospects of work.
One would find many tips online on how to make one’s online business successful. Articles on how to reach as many customers as possible, how to get as many clients as possible to hire you. Truly, the internet has opened doors of opportunities, it’s up to you take take advantage of these and most voiceover talents – rookies and experienced ones know the basics. Put up a website where potential clients can ‘get to know you,’ read about your previous work and listen to your demos. Cultivate your network by joining voiceover websites and voiceover groups. Have active social media accounts to engage potential business.
Many still miss out, however, and it is surprising where the ball is dropped.
Be reachable. There is no point to putting up a website and setting up profiles when you are not reachable. Clients who try to get a hold of you if only to ask for rates, ask for a demo, etc – are clients who already have one foot on the door. Reel them in by being responsive. You are the one looking for a job, they are looking to hire. Even if you are not available when they need you, prospects want to see you have a solution to their problem and that you offer multiple choices for them to engage for example let them know when you will be back and ask if they are willing to extend their deadline.
Update your calendar. Make sure to mark off dates when you know you won’t be available for other projects or when you are on vacation. Set up vacation email responders as well that let those who are trying to reach you know that you are away and when you will be back.
Set up a voicemail account, a contact form, or a valid email address where people can reach you at and check them regularly. Actually, one of the first things you should do in the beginning of the day is this – check your VM, your email, accounts you are signed up with to see if there are any messages, audition invites and better yet, paid bookings.
Respond to people. Get back with those who have been looking for you. Even if you know you’re already late or it’s past the deadline. Offer a simple explanation. It demonstrates that you are a professional and that you are interested in doing business it’s just that something’s come up. Clients get it, they know that but let them know and of course, don’t let it happen too often – there are other voice out there, they might have chosen you first but there’s no stopping them from looking for another one who can deliver and is reliable.
Update when necessary. Sometimes demo’s need to be updated. Social media accounts also benefit from updating like a post on what your new project is about and new tips and practices that you’ve learned. Narrate your experiences in your own voiceover blog. Remember, there are a lot of voice talents trying to reach the same clients you are.
Simple, small things but when constantly practiced can make an impact on your online presence and reputation as a professional voiceover talent.
