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How to start a voice over business.

How To Start Voice Over Business. This post is part of our series on how to become a voice actor . You might have a remarkable voice, but if you don’t get clients then you don’t have a business, you have a hobby. Starting of with good focus on developing a voice over business is critical to success.

What you will learn in this post.

• #1 – Getting Off To The Right Start.

#2 – Developing A Winning Mindset.

#3 – what you need to get in place..

• #4 – The Business Plan – One Pager.

#5 – The Marketing Plan.

• #6 – Create Your Own Unique Brand.

How To Start A Voice Over Business.

What is a voice over business? and why you need to care.

Setting out to be independent, to enjoy the freedom of controlling your own destiny is exhilarating. But, the thrill and thoughts of freedom have to be tempered by the reality of getting your voice over business setup. There are a lot of things to consider and do. This can all seem a bit overwhelming as you set out on a new career path.

Learning how to start a voice over business the right way can save you a lot of time and money. There are lots of rookie mistakes people make that can hold them back from winning clients and thriving in the voice over industry.

We’ll cover the main points in this post, but if you want to get your business off to a good start, it is worth becoming a Gravy For The Brain member.

#1- Getting Off To The Right Start.

Before you start to jump in and start doing lots of things it is worth developing a plan. We don’t advocate creating a massive plan. Just a simple one pager will do. Businesses, if single person ones, that plan are over 60% more likely to succeed. That means taking time to think about your goals, not just as a business but your life goals. If you align your life goals to your business you will be more motivated to succeed.

Life goals not only involve planning your finances, your pension and disposable income. Your life plan involves what you want to do with your life. Quite a big question, but if you can think of it as what would I look back on in my life and be remembered for.

A good place to start is to sketch ideas out first. Then when you have these the next question to answer is how can my voice over career help me reach my life goals. By marrying up your life goals and your business goals you are well on your way to succeeding.

When you’re in the middle of trying to get your voice over business of the ground it can be overwhelming. Everybody at this point can suffer from self doubt and question if they are doing the right thing. This is in fact one of the defining points for many people as to whether they quit or go on to succeed.

Instead, trust in the power of your own pursuit. Trust that by showing up on your behalf, and taking bold, consistent action toward what you want, that energy is going to come back to you in clear and surprising ways.

Because here’s the reality:

You can either stand up for yourself and passionately pursue what you want, or you can throw up your arms and say “why bother?” and nothing will change.

Developing a successful voice over business starts with your mind-set. Your point of view serves as a filter and guide for how you engage with your business as well as your personal life. A positive mind-set, combined with talent, skills and business knowledge, is a powerful way to develop an interesting and dynamic voice over career.

Choosing to live in that mind-set and implement strategies that that grow from it lead to a successful and fulfilling voice over career. As a voice over actor you live on projects. Now you can let fear rule the fact that as each projects comes to an end you have to have another job. Or you can embrace the methods that strengthen how you build bridges and effectively see each project as a stage to the next. Building a voice over business also means finding and winning clients that use you on a regular a basis.

There will be times when you fail, when you fall over. As a child we know we have to do these things to learn and develop. We do not fail we merely learn. Each setback is not a setback it is a point of reflection for you to learn how to improve. Seize this mind-set and you will make more connections, build more relationships and get more work. Do this and your voice over business will quickly thrive

Everybody approaches starting a voice over business differently. But the building blocks for any successful voice over business, in fact any business are the same. The most important part about starting out in any new career is to learn about the market, the opportunities and the challenges. If you do this then you are already prepared for some of the challenges ahead and to seize the opportunities when they present themselves.

Here is a list of some of the things you need to get in place for your voice over business.

#1 – Branding, branding, branding

Before you start getting a logo designed or business cards printed just stop and take to develop your brand. You need to stand out in a crowded market and that means putting over you personality, skills and identity clearly. If you just look like another voice over, or worse look unprofessional, you are unlikely to get work or repeat work. It is vital to create a good first impression and look like you offer a high quality service.

• #1 – Business plan.
• #2 – Logo and brand identity.
• #2 – Website.
• #4 – Business email.
• #5 – Business cards.
• #6 – Financial plan.
• #7 – Bank account.
• #8 – Social media presence – register on Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin.
• #9 – Home recording studio.
• #10 – Home recording equipment.
• #11 – High quality demo reels.
• #12 – Home recording software.
• #13 – Marketing plan.
• #14 – Marketing system.

That might look like a small list, but in fact there is a lot to do in getting all of that in place for your voice over business.

#4 – The Voice Over Business Plan – One Pager.

How to define the future for your voice over business

One of the most important aspects of developing your life and your career is to develop a plan. When developing a plan, you need to follow a simple formula, abbreviated “GOST,” which stands for “Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Tactics.” Each element is essential to the success of the plan. Let me take you through each of the four steps.

How To Setup Your Voice Over Business – Goals

A goal is a broad primary outcome. if you don’t have a goal in life, you are spending your life running around and not achieving anything for yourself. Goals tend to be long term so think about them in terms of between one to three years. Some goals you can set around for your voiceover business might be.

• How much money you want to earn (in a year)
• The type or brand of client you want to work with
• An agent you want to be listed with
• A rate of pay you want to achieve
• A new sector of the market you want to gain experience in
• To get onto national TV

How To Setup Your Voice Over Business – Objectives.

An objective is a specific and measurable milestone that must be achieved in order to reach a goal. Each objective will start with a verb. Here are some good ones: increase, deliver, sell, work, find, decrease, speed up, earn, learn. Start an objective with one of these words, and then use numbers to make it measurable. This way you will start to things of the things that you need to do to achieve your goals.

Objectives then are more detailed, measurable and use a smaller time frame. If you haven’t already hear it then use SMART to set your objectives

• S – specific (include what is to achieved).
• M – measurable (how you are going to measure it).
• A – achievable (can you do this given the time frame and resources you have).
• R – relevant (will it help you achieve a goal – is it relevant).
• T – timed (how long will it take, when will you achieve it).

So if you want to earn $100k in a year and each job pays $500 you need to achieve 200 jobs in a year. Before you set this as an objective you would check if it is realistic e.g. if you are earning $200 per job at the moment it might take you more than a year to achieve this because you need to increase your rate of pay a lot.

How To Setup Your Voice Over Business – Strategy.

A strategy is a plan of action designed to achieve an objective. Strategies tell you how you’re going to get there, the overall direction you are going to take.

You need to realise that the most essential and valuable thing that you have to bring to your life and to your work is your ability to think, to act and to get results. We all have a limited amount of time – it is called being time constrained. So given the time we do have what is the best way to achieve an objective – in other words what is the best strategy. As an example if your objective is to earn $100k per year you might have a number of different strategies open to you:

• Get more business from existing big customers do bigger jobs ($1000 instead of $500).
• Win bigger clients (increase rate of pay so average goes up to $600 or more).
• Work more – do more auditions (do more auditions and more work overall).
• Convert more opportunities (improve how you convert more auditions to work).

How To Setup Your Voice Over Business – Tactics.

A tactic is a task you do in pursuing an objective associated with a strategy.

Tactics are the small steps you have to perform to achieve your strategies. Tactics are your daily “to-do” list, that give you the momentum towards achieving your objectives.

Tactics are also about the tools you use to help you get things done. Tactics are about: what concrete action needs to be taken and how effectively can you achieve them. So if you wanted to work with bigger clients a set of tasks might be:

• Draft list of potential clients.
• Research agencies and companies they use.
• Research contacts.
• Research who I know who knows them.
• Get contact details of the person who buys voiceover.
• Find out what they share on social.
• Share some of their stuff on social.
• Get introduced at networking event.

How to make sure you regular review your plan.

A common mistake by people is that they do not review their progress regularly. They might be doing well but don’t recognize how well or what needs to change in their plans.

The key point is that plans are not static, they often need to change and be adapted as your working life changes. If for instance you suddenly land a big long term contract, you might want to revise your goals based on what the client offers you in terms of future employment.

The best way to review plans is to put a regular set of dates and times in your diary. Time when you know you will not be busy with work. This may mean you take time out on a Monday morning to review your goals and objectives.

What is critical though is to do a review. Don’t be tempted to let that time be taken over by work or other appointments. It is your time to check that you are on track and heading in the right direction.

Useful Tool To Help You Plan Your Voice Over Business

LIVEPLAN LivePlan is a cloud-based solution that helps you generate a solid business plan, even without any knowledge of how to put one together. LivePlan guides you through the entire process with video and text instructions.

The voiceover industry has many different niche types of work. Voiceovers are used across a wide range of industries and for many different reasons. As a result the demand for voiceover work is driven by different media and media channels.

NICHE SECTORS FOR VOICEOVERS The main types of voiceover niche sectors are:

• Commercials.
• Movie Trailer.
• Audiobooks.
• Animation films and series.
• Phone Message.
• Training videos.
• Explainer videos.
• Documentaries.

Each of these types of voiceover work involve different types of clients, each of which may have different reasons for buying voiceover services. Some examples of buyers include: creative directors, voiceover casting directors, voiceover talent agents, ad agency executives, TV network producers and video game developers. As a voiceover artist you need to learn what drives these professionals, what their day-to-day work life involves, what they look for in vocal performances, and how they like to be contacted.

Now you have done the hard work and got the foundations in place you are on your way to taking your voiceover career to the next elevel. The next step is to market yourself. Marketing though is not a one off activity, it is a consistent set of actions that over time build your brand.

Imagine if a business launched a new product and only advertised it once. The chances are the company and the product would fail.

There are some rules to marketing that you need to follow:

• Consistent – make a mantra to consistently develop your brand, your business each day of the week.
• Connected – make your marketing connected. Join up your website, PR and social media to create a bigger impact.
• Relevant – be relevant and focus on having a service rather than a sales mindset.
• Authentic – Be you. You are your own unique brand so be true to who you are and demonstrate you personality.
• Creative – think like an entrepreneur and develop unique ways to be interesting and relevant to potential customers.
• Experiences – your brand is about telling your story and creating vibrant and memorable experiences each time you interact with people/

So the key is to create a simple and manageable schedule – a blueprint for how to market and develop your personal brand.

FOCUS ON OUTCOMES

Too many voiceover actors focus on the wrong things and as a result feel as through they aren’t getting anywhere. They keep doing auditions but not building success.

The most important thing is to focus on the right outcomes and that starts with people not jobs. If you treat your career as a series of transactions with people, and not relationships, you will fail.

Relationships Build strong lasting relationships with people that value you and your talent.

Reputation Build a credible reputation that people share and endorse. Your reputation is the cornerstone of your brand.

Resume Your relationships and reputation will deliver the results that help build your resume.

If you focus on being you, on using your creativity and having an entrepreneurial mindset you will:

So what are the methods to connect with the right people, the communication methods that work? The next sections will help you understand each of the main methods to connect and build leads with clients.

There are lots of ways to get work as a voiceover actor. The key is to plan your marketing so that you know exactly what you are aiming to achieve.

Once you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve you can start to think about the best marketing methods that are suited to your  goal.

There are six main ways you can promote yourself and each has pros and cons that you should consider. Some, like social media, take more time to develop. In contrast cold calling can be a very quick way to get work.

Marketing is part art and part science. So be prepared to be creative and come up with ideas that make you unique and help you stand out.

TIPS FOR BEING CREATIVE:

• #SET ASIDE TIME TO BE CREATIVE
• #IF OFTEN HELPS TO WORK WITH OTHERS
• #INITIAL IDEAS SHOULD NOT BE JUDGED
• #USE STICKY NOTES TO CREATE A BOARD OF IDEAS
• #ONCE YOU HAVE FINISHED THE IDEA STAGE
• #FILTER IDEAS BASED ON TIME, POTENTIAL (High/Low) AND EASE TO IMPLEMENT
• #SHORTLIST AND SCHEDULE

#6 Voice Over Business – Create Your Own Unique Brand.

What is personal branding.

Your personal brand is important …but what are you really doing to develop yours? If you’re serious about getting ahead, you’re probably taking action in a haphazard, no-method-to-your-madness sort of way. But the truth is, that’s not good enough.​

Companies all over the world create a brand identity to communicate who they are and what they represent. In a similar way personal brands like Oprah, Beckham, Jay Lo, JK Rowling and many others brand themselves.

To stand out in a market, a business must develop its own brand identity, based on identifying how it fits to the market and to customers. A brand must be packaged and communicate so is different from other products.

Developing a brand is equally important for a person as it is a business. A personal brand needs to be as carefully crafted if it is to provide a strong connection to potential clients.

Personal branding gives you a unique position in an often crowded marketplace. It also provides a distinct visual identity that is easily recognisable.

Branding on a business level is common, but today branding is becoming just as important on a personal level. After all, you will have to compete with many other to win the attention of clients. Clients though do not make decisions rationally, they are influenced by perceived value and this is based on how people package and brand themselves. Improve your personal branding to stand out and deliver a high quality professional image.

AN EASY WAY TO CREATE A POWERFUL VOICE OVER BUSINESS BRAND

Strong brands maintain their reputation and loyalty by fulfilling their brand promise. It’s not just about being different, it’s about the difference the brands make, the qualities they have, the feelings people get from buying and using them.

The unique mix of qualities you have combined with your values form the foundations for your marketing. Strong personal brands succeed because they recognise, and add value, to their customers. The brand you create needs to consistently fulfil it’s brand promise and add value to your clients.

This workbook is a guide to help you focus on your strengths and identify your own unique value. By using this guide you create a powerful personal brand and that will accelerate your voiceover career. The guide follows an eight step process as follows:

• Set Your Goals
• Identify Your Values
• Find Your Strengths and Weaknesses
• Identify Your Personality
• Define Your Value
• Create Your Brand Promise
• Create Your Brand Identity
• Write Your Brand Story

Your Voice Over Business

At Gravy For The Brain we are helping lots of people develop their talent and establish themselves in the voice over market. Creating your voice over business is only one of the many ways we can help you. Join as a member and we will hold your hand and help you on this exciting part of your life.

For more information on voice acting visit our series of posts on how to become a voice actor

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9 Steps to Launch Your Own Profitable Voice-Over Company

By henry sheykin, voice-over company bundle.

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Are you looking to start your own voice-over company business but don't know where to begin? In today's digital age, the demand for voice-over services is constantly growing, with industries such as advertisement agencies, video game developers, and educational content creators seeking professional voice talent for their projects. According to a recent industry report, the global voice-over market is expected to reach $9.9 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 4.4%.

With the right guidance and a solid plan, launching a successful voice-over business can be a rewarding venture. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through 9 essential steps to open a voice-over company, from conducting market research and developing a business plan to setting up a recording studio, hiring talent, and implementing a marketing strategy to attract clients.

Whether you are a seasoned voice actor looking to take your career to the next level or an entrepreneur seeking to enter the booming voice-over industry, this checklist will provide you with the tools and insights needed to thrive in this competitive market. Follow along as we dive into the key strategies and best practices for starting and growing a successful voice-over company business.

• Conduct thorough market research
• Create a comprehensive business plan
• Prepare financially for the launch
• Establish legal structure and obtain necessary permits
• Set up studio and acquire required equipment
• Hire talented individuals for the team
• Develop services offered
• Create a strategic marketing plan
• Execute the launch and begin operations

9 Steps To Start a Voice-Over Company Business

Market Research

Before diving into the process of starting a Voice-Over Company, it is essential to conduct thorough market research to understand the landscape of the industry. By conducting comprehensive market research, you will be able to identify the demand for Voice-Over services, typical client profiles, and key competitors in the market.

Identifying Demand: Start by analyzing the demand for Voice-Over services in the market. Look into industries such as advertisement agencies, video game developers, and educational content creators that often require Voice-Over services. Understand the specific needs and preferences of these potential clients to tailor your services accordingly.

• Utilize online surveys or interviews with industry professionals to gather insights into the demand for Voice-Over services.
• Research industry reports and trends to understand the growth potential of the Voice-Over market.
• Engage with potential clients to gather feedback on their specific Voice-Over needs and pain points.

Typical Client Profiles: Once you have identified the demand for Voice-Over services, create typical client profiles to better understand the target audience. For example, advertisement agencies may require Voice-Over services for commercials, while video game developers may need Voice-Over for character dialogues. By defining these client profiles, you can tailor your services to meet their specific needs.

Key Competitors: Research the key competitors in the Voice-Over industry to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and market positioning. Analyze their service offerings, pricing strategies, and client base to identify potential gaps in the market that your Voice-Over Company can fill. Use this competitive analysis to differentiate your services and create a unique value proposition.

Creating A Detailed Market Analysis: Use the data gathered from your market research to create a detailed market analysis segment in your business plan. Include information on the demand for Voice-Over services, typical client profiles, and key competitors in the market. This market analysis will serve as a foundation for your business strategy and help you make informed decisions as you launch your Voice-Over Company.

Business Plan Development

Developing a comprehensive business plan is crucial for the success of your Voice-Over Company. This document will serve as a roadmap for your business, outlining your vision, mission, service offerings, pricing strategy, marketing and sales strategy, and operational plan. Additionally, it should include financial projections such as startup costs, revenue forecasts, and break-even analysis.

Vision and Mission: Define the long-term goals and values of your Voice-Over Company. Your vision should encapsulate what you aspire to achieve, while your mission should outline how you plan to accomplish it.

Service Offerings: Clearly define the voice-over services you will provide, including any additional services like scriptwriting, editing, and sound design. Specify the pricing structure for each service to ensure transparency with your clients.

Pricing Strategy: Determine how you will price your services based on factors such as the length of the script, complexity of the recording, and experience of the voice talents involved. Conduct market research to ensure your pricing is competitive yet profitable.

Marketing and Sales Strategy: Outline how you plan to attract clients and generate revenue for your Voice-Over Company. Consider digital marketing tactics, networking at industry events, and building relationships with potential clients.

Operational Plan: Define the day-to-day operations of your Voice-Over Company, including workflow processes, project management tools, and quality control measures. Ensure that you have the necessary resources and systems in place to deliver high-quality services efficiently.

Tips for Developing a Business Plan:

• Include a SWOT analysis to identify your company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
• Seek feedback from industry experts or mentors to refine your business plan.
• Regularly revisit and update your business plan as your Voice-Over Company grows and evolves.

Financial Projections: Estimate your startup costs, including expenses for studio setup, equipment purchase, talent acquisition, and marketing. Develop revenue forecasts based on projected sales and market demand. Conduct a break-even analysis to determine when your Voice-Over Company will become profitable.

By developing a comprehensive business plan for your Voice-Over Company, you will have a clear roadmap to guide your business towards success. It will help you make informed decisions, attract potential investors, and set achievable goals for your company's growth.

Financial Preparation

Before launching your Voice-Over Company, it is crucial to estimate your initial capital requirements and operational costs. This will help you create a detailed financial model that outlines your financial projections and funding sources. By planning for cash flow management, you can ensure the sustainability of your business in the early stages.

Estimate Initial Capital Requirements:

• Calculate the cost of setting up your Voice-Over Company, including studio equipment, talent acquisition, and legal permits.
• Consider operational costs such as rent, utilities, marketing expenses, and employee salaries.
• Factor in unexpected costs and budget for contingencies to avoid financial setbacks.

Prepare a Detailed Financial Model:

• Create a comprehensive business plan that includes your revenue streams, pricing strategy, and financial projections for the first few years.
• Use financial forecasting tools to project your cash flow, profit and loss, and balance sheet.
• Seek advice from financial experts or consultants to ensure the accuracy and feasibility of your financial model.

Consider Various Funding Sources:

• Explore personal savings, loans, or lines of credit as potential funding sources for your Voice-Over Company.
• Reach out to investors or venture capitalists who may be interested in funding your business in exchange for equity.
• Research grants or funding programs available for small businesses in the voice-over industry.

Tips for Financial Preparation:

• Regularly review and update your financial projections to reflect changes in the market or business environment.
• Consider setting aside a portion of your revenue for future investments or expansion opportunities.
• Monitor your cash flow closely and implement cost-saving measures to ensure financial stability.

Legal Structure And Permits

Choosing an appropriate legal structure for your Voice-Over Company is a crucial step in the business formation process. The legal structure you choose will impact various aspects of your business, including taxes, liability, and operations. The most common legal structures for a Voice-Over Company are Limited Liability Company (LLC) and Corporation.

Tips for Choosing the Right Legal Structure:

• Consult with a legal professional or business advisor to determine the best legal structure for your Voice-Over Company based on your specific needs and goals.
• Consider the tax implications, liability protection, and administrative requirements of each legal structure before making a decision.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations when registering your Voice-Over Company.

Once you have chosen the legal structure for your Voice-Over Company, you will need to register the business with the appropriate authorities. This process typically involves filing paperwork with the state where you plan to operate your business. Additionally, you may need to obtain certain business licenses and permits to legally operate your Voice-Over Company.

Obtaining necessary business licenses and permits is an important step to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. The requirements for business licenses and permits can vary depending on the location of your Voice-Over Company and the nature of your services. It is essential to research the specific licensing requirements in your area and obtain all the necessary permits before launching your business.

By choosing the right legal structure and obtaining the necessary licenses and permits for your Voice-Over Company, you can establish a solid legal foundation for your business and operate with confidence within the boundaries of the law.

Studio And Equipment Setup

Securing a suitable location for the Voice-Over Company's recording studio is essential to ensure high-quality audio production. The studio should be quiet, soundproofed, and equipped with the necessary tools and technology to facilitate professional voice recording sessions. Here are the steps to follow in setting up the studio and acquiring the required equipment:

Choose a location for the recording studio that is free from external noise and distractions. Consider soundproofing the space to create an acoustically optimized environment for recording. The studio should be comfortable for voice actors and conducive to long recording sessions.

Investing in high-quality equipment is crucial for delivering top-notch voice-over services. Purchase or lease the following essential items for the studio:

• High-quality Microphones: Invest in professional-grade microphones to capture clear and crisp voice recordings.
• Soundproofing Materials: Install soundproofing panels, curtains, and foam to minimize external noise and echo in the studio.
• Recording Software: Choose industry-standard recording software for editing, mixing, and mastering voice recordings.
• Editing Tools: Acquire editing tools like equalizers, compressors, and noise reduction plugins to enhance the quality of voice recordings.

Tips for Setting Up the Studio:

• Test the acoustics of the room before finalizing the studio setup to ensure optimal sound quality.
• Consider investing in a vocal booth or portable isolation shield to further isolate voice recordings from ambient noise.
• Regularly maintain and upgrade equipment to ensure consistent high-quality audio production.

By securing a suitable location and investing in the necessary equipment, the Voice-Over Company can create a professional studio environment that enhances the quality of voice recordings and attracts clients seeking top-tier audio services.

Talent Acquisition

One of the most crucial aspects of running a successful Voice-Over Company is acquiring talented voice actors to work with. The quality of voice talent can make or break a project, so it is essential to develop a solid talent acquisition plan.

Developing a Talent Acquisition Plan:

• Define Your Needs: Before you start looking for voice actors, determine the specific needs of your Voice-Over Company. Consider the types of projects you will be working on, the diversity of voices required, and the level of experience needed.
• Explore Different Channels: Talent can be found through various channels such as auditions, talent agencies, and online platforms where voice actors showcase their portfolios. Consider leveraging all these channels to find the best talent for your projects.
• Conduct Auditions: Hosting auditions can be a great way to discover new talent and assess the skills of voice actors. This can also help you understand the range and capabilities of different voices, allowing you to match them with the right projects.
• Consider Diversity: Voice-Over Company clients come from diverse backgrounds and have different needs. Make sure to consider diversity when hiring voice actors to cater to a wider range of client requirements.
• Build a network of voice actors through industry events and networking opportunities.
• Develop strong relationships with talent agencies to access a pool of experienced voice actors.
• Use online platforms to source new talent and discover unique voices for your projects.

Service Development

One of the key aspects of running a successful Voice-Over Company is to develop detailed service packages that cater to the varying needs of your clients. These service packages should be based on factors such as script length, complexity, and talent experience. In addition, offering additional services like scriptwriting, editing, and sound design as upsells can add value to your offerings and help increase revenue.

When designing your service packages, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Script Length: Determine different pricing tiers based on the length of the script. Shorter scripts may be priced lower, while longer scripts may come with a higher price tag.
• Complexity: Take into account the complexity of the recording. For example, a straightforward narration may be priced differently than a voice-over with multiple characters and sound effects.
• Talent Experience: Consider the experience level of the voice actors involved in the project. Experienced voice talents may command a higher fee, which can be reflected in your pricing structure.

Tips for Creating Service Packages:

• Offer different tiers of service packages to cater to a variety of client budgets and needs.
• Clearly outline the deliverables and pricing for each service package to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings.
• Consider bundling services together for a discounted rate to encourage clients to purchase additional services.

By offering a range of service packages that are tailored to the specific requirements of your clients, Voice-Over Company can attract a wider audience and generate more revenue. Additionally, including upsells like scriptwriting, editing, and sound design can provide added value to clients and set your business apart from competitors.

Marketing Strategy

Developing a strong marketing strategy is essential for the success of your Voice-Over Company. To effectively target potential clients, you need to utilize a combination of digital marketing, networking, and traditional advertising methods. By focusing on building a strong brand identity and online presence, you can attract a steady flow of clientele.

Utilize digital marketing channels such as social media, SEO, and email marketing to reach a wider audience. Create engaging content that showcases your Voice-Over Company's services and expertise. Utilize targeted ads to reach potential clients who may be in need of voice-over services.

Tips for Digital Marketing:

• Utilize social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to showcase your voice-over talents and attract potential clients.
• Optimize your website for SEO to increase visibility and attract organic traffic.
• Implement email marketing campaigns to keep clients informed about your latest projects and promotions.

Attend industry events, conferences, and seminars to network with potential clients and industry professionals. Building relationships through networking can lead to collaborations and partnerships that can benefit your Voice-Over Company. Additionally, consider forming partnerships with other businesses in related industries to expand your reach.

While digital marketing is essential in today's business landscape, do not underestimate the power of traditional advertising methods. Consider investing in print ads, radio spots, and direct mail campaigns to reach a more traditional audience. Make sure that your branding is consistent across all marketing channels to create a cohesive image for your Voice-Over Company.

Ensure that your Voice-Over Company has a strong and distinct brand identity that resonates with your target audience. Develop a logo, color scheme, and tagline that reflects the personality of your business. Consistency is key when it comes to building brand recognition, so make sure that your branding is present across all marketing materials and platforms.

Having a strong online presence is essential for attracting clients in today's digital age. Make sure that your website is user-friendly, visually appealing, and optimized for search engines. Showcase your voice-over talents through demo reels, client testimonials, and case studies. Utilize social proof to build trust with potential clients.

Tips for Building a Strong Online Presence:

• Invest in professional web design and ensure that your website is mobile-responsive.
• Regularly update your website with new content, blog posts, and client testimonials to keep it fresh and engaging.
• Utilize social media to engage with your audience and showcase your voice-over projects and talents.

Launch And Operation

After going through the process of market research, business plan development, financial preparation, legal structure, studio and equipment setup, talent acquisition, service development, and marketing strategy, it is finally time to launch your Voice-Over Company and begin operations. This step is crucial as it sets the tone for the success of your business in the long run.

One effective strategy for launching your Voice-Over Company is to plan a launch strategy that might include a promotional event or a special introductory pricing to attract new clients and generate buzz in the industry. This can help create awareness about your services and differentiate your company from competitors.

Tips for Launching Your Voice-Over Company:

• Collaborate with influencers or industry experts to promote your launch event
• Create a compelling marketing campaign to build anticipation among potential clients
• Offer exclusive deals or discounts to entice new clients to try out your services

Once the launch phase is complete, it is important to implement operational processes to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of your Voice-Over Company. This includes establishing project management, client relations, quality control, and feedback mechanisms to maintain high standards and customer satisfaction.

Continuously assessing and adjusting business operations based on performance metrics and client feedback is essential for the growth and success of your Voice-Over Company. By staying responsive to the needs and preferences of your clients, you can refine your services and maintain a competitive edge in the market.

Remember that the operational processes you put in place are not set in stone. It is important to be flexible and willing to make changes as needed to improve efficiency and effectiveness in delivering voice-over services to your clients.

By focusing on a strong launch strategy, implementing effective operational processes, and continually evaluating business operations, you can position your Voice-Over Company for long-term success and growth in the competitive voice-over industry.

Starting a voice-over company requires thorough planning, market research, financial preparation, and talent acquisition. By following the 9 steps outlined in this checklist, you can lay a solid foundation for your business and set yourself up for success in the competitive industry.

• Market Research: Identify demand, client profiles, and competitors.
• Business Plan Development: Outline vision, services, pricing, and marketing strategies.
• Financial Preparation: Estimate costs, create a financial model, and plan for funding.
• Legal Structure and Permits: Choose a legal structure, register the company, and obtain necessary licenses.
• Studio and Equipment Setup: Secure a location, purchase necessary equipment.
• Talent Acquisition: Develop a plan to hire skilled voice actors.
• Service Development: Create detailed service packages and upsells.
• Marketing Strategy: Develop a strategy to target potential clients.
• Launch and Operation: Plan a launch strategy and implement operational processes.

By focusing on delivering high-quality voice-over services and providing exceptional customer experiences, your voice-over company can thrive and grow in the industry.

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Voice Over Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Solomon O'Chucks

Home » Business ideas » Art & Craft Industry

A voice-over business involves providing recorded vocal performances for various media productions such as commercials, documentaries, audiobooks, video games, animations, and more. Voice-over artists use their voices to convey emotions, characters, and messages without appearing on screen.

This industry has seen substantial growth in recent years, driven by the expansion of digital media platforms and the demand for high-quality audio content.

In terms of revenue, the global voice-over market was valued at around $6.9 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach over $10 billion by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 5.8%.

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This growth is attributed to factors like the rising popularity of audiobooks and podcasts, the increasing demand for localization in multimedia content, and the proliferation of digital advertising.

Steps on How to Write a Voice-Over Service Business Plan

Executive summary.

Angela McKenzie® Voice Over Service, Inc. is a leading provider of premium voice-over services based in Los Angeles, California.

Founded by Angela McKenzie, an accomplished voice-over artist with over 15 years of experience in the industry, the company specializes in delivering exceptional vocal performances for a wide range of media productions, including commercials, animations, audiobooks, video games, and corporate narrations.

With a commitment to excellence and a passion for storytelling, Angela McKenzie® Voice Over Service, Inc. aims to elevate brands, captivate audiences, and bring scripts to life through the power of voice.

Angela McKenzie® Voice Over Service, Inc. has a roster of highly skilled and experienced voice-over artists, carefully selected for their versatility, professionalism, and ability to deliver outstanding performances across diverse genres and styles.

Our company operates state-of-the-art recording studios equipped with the latest audio technology, ensuring pristine sound quality and optimal production value for every project.

We prioritize client satisfaction and strive to exceed expectations by providing personalized service, quick turnaround times, and seamless communication throughout the production process.

As technology evolves and new opportunities emerge in the voice-over industry, Angela McKenzie® Voice Over Service, Inc. remains committed to innovation, creativity, and excellence.

By staying at the forefront of industry trends, investing in talent and technology, and fostering strong relationships with clients and partners, we are confident in our ability to sustain growth, expand our market presence, and continue delivering exceptional value to our clients for years to come.

Company Profile

A. our products and services.

Angela McKenzie® Voice Over Service, Inc. offers comprehensive voice-over solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of clients across various industries. Our services include:

• Commercial Voice Overs : Engaging and persuasive vocal performances for television and radio commercials, promotional videos, and digital advertising campaigns.
• Character Voice Acting : Dynamic and versatile voice acting for animated characters in cartoons, video games, and animated films, with a focus on authenticity and character development.
• Narration and Audiobooks : Professional narration services for documentaries, educational videos, e-learning courses, and audiobook productions, delivering clear, compelling, and immersive storytelling experiences.
• Corporate and Industrial Voice Overs : Clear, authoritative, and articulate voice-overs for corporate presentations, training videos, instructional materials, and business communications, enhancing professionalism and clarity of message delivery.

b. Nature of the Business

Angela McKenzie® Voice Over Service, Inc. operates through a multi-faceted business model. We work with a wide range of clients across the media spectrum and industries.

c. The Industry

Angela McKenzie® Voice Over Service, Inc. will operate in the entertainment industry, specifically within the sector related to audiovisual content production.

We will intersect with various sub-industries such as film, television, radio, advertising, animation, gaming, audiobooks, and corporate communication.

d. Mission Statement

At Angela McKenzie® Voice Over Service, Inc., our mission is to deliver captivating and authentic voice-over performances that elevate brands, inspire audiences, and bring stories to life.

We are committed to providing exceptional service, unparalleled professionalism, and creative excellence to our clients, ensuring that their visions are realized and their messages are conveyed with clarity, emotion, and impact.

e. Vision Statement

Our vision at Angela McKenzie® Voice Over Service, Inc. is to be recognized as a global leader in the voice-over industry, renowned for our talent, innovation, and dedication to quality.

We aspire to continually push the boundaries of creativity, leveraging cutting-edge technology and artistic expertise to deliver unparalleled audio experiences that captivate, entertain, and inspire audiences around the world.

f. Our Tagline (Slogan)

Angela McKenzie® Voice Over Service, Inc. – “Where Every Word Finds its Voice”

g. Legal Structure of the Business (LLC, C Corp, S Corp, LLP)

Angela McKenzie® Voice Over Service, Inc. will be formed as a Limited Liability Company (LLC).

h. Our Organizational Structure

• Founder/CEO/Owner
• Studio Manager
• Creative Director
• Voice Over Artists
• Sales and Marketing Officer
• Customer Service Representative

i. Ownership/Shareholder Structure and Board Members

• Angela McKenzie (Owner and Chairman/Chief Executive Officer) 56 Percent Shares
• Jessica Garcia (Board Member) 14 Percent Shares
• Tony McKinney (Board Member) 10 Percent Shares
• Brian Clark (Board Member) 10 Percent Shares
• Emily Thompson (Board Member and Secretary) 10 Percent Shares.

SWOT Analysis

A. strength.

• The company has a roster of highly skilled and experienced voice-over artists, providing a diverse range of voices and styles to cater to various client needs.
• Based in Los Angeles, the heart of the entertainment industry provides access to a vast network of clients, industry professionals, and opportunities for collaboration.
• Angela McKenzie® Voice Over Service, Inc. operates cutting-edge recording studios equipped with the latest technology, ensuring high-quality audio production and client satisfaction.
• Angela McKenzie’s reputation as a talented voice-over artist lends credibility and prestige to the company, attracting clients seeking top-tier voice-over services.
• The company prioritizes client satisfaction, offering personalized service, quick turnaround times, and clear communication throughout the project lifecycle, fostering long-term relationships and repeat business.

b. Weakness

• The company’s success is closely tied to Angela McKenzie’s brand and reputation, posing a risk in the event of her absence or inability to perform.
• While based in Los Angeles, reaching clients outside of the local area or expanding into international markets may require additional resources and strategic efforts.
• The voice-over industry is highly competitive, with numerous freelancers and established companies vying for market share, requiring continuous innovation and differentiation to stand out.

c. Opportunities

• The growing demand for audio content on digital platforms, such as podcasts, audiobooks, and online videos, presents opportunities for Angela McKenzie® Voice Over Service, Inc. to diversify its service offerings and reach new audiences.
• Leveraging technology for remote collaborations and localization services can enable the company to tap into international markets and cater to clients worldwide.
• Forming strategic partnerships with production companies, advertising agencies, and digital content creators can expand the company’s reach and facilitate access to new clients and projects.

i. How Big is the Industry?

The voice over service industry is a big and global industry with the potential to grow even bigger as the year goes by.

ii. Is the Industry Growing or Declining?

The voice-over service industry is experiencing substantial growth due to the rising demand for audio content. In terms of revenue, the global voice-over market was valued at around $6.9 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach over $10 billion by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 5.8%.

iii. What are the Future Trends in the Industry?

Future trends in the voice-over service industry include increased demand for localization services to cater to diverse global audiences, leveraging artificial intelligence and voice synthesis for efficiency and cost-effectiveness, and expansion into emerging markets such as virtual reality and augmented reality applications.

The rise of interactive voice technologies, like smart speakers and voice assistants, presents opportunities for voice-over artists to adapt their skills for interactive storytelling and branded content.

The industry will also see continued growth in audiobook and podcast production, driven by consumer preferences for on-the-go and immersive audio experiences.

Overall, staying abreast of technological advancements and evolving consumer behaviors will be important for voice-over professionals to thrive in this dynamic and competitive landscape.

iv. Are There Existing Niches in the Industry?

Yes, there are existing niches when it comes to the voice-over service business, and here are some of them:

• Medical Narration Voice Overs
• Language Learning and Instructional Voice Overs
• Meditation and Wellness App Voice Overs
• Virtual Reality and Gaming Voice Overs
• Character Voices for Podcasts and Audio Dramas
• IVR (Interactive Voice Response) System Voice Overs
• Children’s Educational Content Voice Overs.

v. Can You Sell a Franchise of Your Business in the Future?

Angela McKenzie® Voice Over Service, Inc. will not sell franchises.

• Advances in voice synthesis and artificial intelligence may pose a threat to traditional voice-over services, potentially reducing demand for human voice talent in certain applications.
• Economic fluctuations or recessions could lead to budget cuts in advertising and entertainment industries, impacting demand for voice-over services and discretionary spending on production projects.
• Rapid changes in consumer preferences, content consumption habits, and industry standards require the company to stay agile and adaptable to evolving market dynamics to remain competitive.

i. Who are the Major Competitors?

• Edge Studio
• Voices For All
• Such A Voice
• Creative Media Design
• ProComm Voices
• The Voice Realm
• Worldly Voices
• Great American Voices
• Blue Wave Voiceover
• Big Fish Voice Company
• Just Voices Agency
• Dynamite Voice
• Outspoken Voices
• Voiceover Gurus
• Voiceover America
• Artistic Voice Productions.

ii. Is There a Franchise for Voice over Service Business? 

No, there are no franchise opportunities for voice-over service businesses.

iii. Are There Policies, Regulations, or Zoning Laws Affecting Voice Over Service Business?

While there might not be specific regulations targeting voice-over services, certain general business regulations and local ordinances may apply.

Voice-over service businesses in the United States may need to consider certain policies, regulations, and zoning laws, although these are often related to general business operations rather than specific to the voice-over industry.

Voice-over service businesses must comply with federal, state, and local tax regulations, including income tax, sales tax, and payroll tax if they have employees.

If the business collects and stores client information, it may need to adhere to data protection laws and regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) if dealing with healthcare clients.

Marketing Plan

A. who is your target audience.

i. Age Range: Adults, typically ranging from 25 to 60 years old, encompassing professionals, marketers, producers, and content creators.

ii. Industry or Sector: Advertising agencies, marketing firms, film and television production companies, animation studios, e-learning platforms, audiobook publishers, gaming companies, corporate enterprises, and small businesses.

iii. Ethnicity: No specific ethnicity is targeted; services are tailored to cater to diverse audiences and clients.

iv. Language: Primarily English-speaking clients, but services can accommodate various languages for localization and international projects.

v. Geographical Location: Initially focused on clients within the United States, with a particular emphasis on the entertainment hubs of Los Angeles, New York, and other major metropolitan areas. However, services are available globally, leveraging remote collaboration and digital platforms.

vi. Lifestyle: Professionals and creatives involved in media production, marketing, and content creation, including busy executives, entrepreneurs, content creators, and freelancers seeking high-quality voice-over services to enhance their projects and brands.

Additionally, individuals with an interest in audiovisual content consumption, such as podcast listeners, audiobook enthusiasts, and gamers, may also be targeted.

b. Advertising and Promotion Strategies

• Use FOMO to Run Photo Promotions.
• Share Your Events in Local Groups and Pages.
• Turn Your Social Media Channels into a Resource
• Host Themed Events That Catch Attention.
• Tap Into Text Marketing.
• Develop Your Business Directory Profiles
• Build Relationships with Other Businesses in our Area

i. Traditional Marketing Strategies

• Broadcast Marketing -Television & Radio Channels.
• Marketing through Direct Mail.
• Print Media Marketing – Newspapers & Magazines.
• Out-of-Home” marketing (OOH marketing) – Public Transits like Buses and Trains, Billboards, Street Furniture, and Cabs.
• Including direct sales, direct mail (postcards, brochures, letters, fliers), tradeshows, print advertising (magazines, newspapers, coupon books, billboards), referral (also known as word-of-mouth marketing), radio, and television.

ii. Digital Marketing Strategies

• Social Media Marketing Platforms.
• Influencer Marketing.
• Email Marketing.
• Content Marketing.
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Marketing.
• Pay-per-click (PPC).
• Affiliate Marketing
• Mobile Marketing.

iii. Social Media Marketing Plan

• Create a personalized experience for our customers.
• Create an efficient content marketing strategy.
• Create a community for our audience.
• Start using chatbots.
• Gear up our profiles with a diverse content strategy.
• Use brand advocates.
• Create profiles on the relevant social media channels.
• Run cross-channel campaigns.

c. Pricing Strategy

At Angela McKenzie® Voice Over Service, Inc., our pricing strategy is based on the complexity and scope of each project, ensuring fair and competitive rates for our clients.

We offer transparent pricing with options for both flat fees and hourly rates, tailored to accommodate various budgets and requirements.

We will also provide customized quotes based on factors such as script length, usage rights, turnaround time, and additional services like editing and post-production, ensuring value and flexibility for every client.

Sales and Distribution Plan

A. sales channels.

At Angela McKenzie® Voice Over Service, Inc., we utilize multiple sales channels to reach our diverse clientele. Our primary channels include a user-friendly website where clients can browse our services, request quotes, and submit project details.

We also leverage social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to showcase our work and engage with potential clients.

In addition, we maintain relationships with advertising agencies, production companies, and industry networks to secure direct contracts and collaborations.

b. Inventory Strategy

At Angela McKenzie® Voice Over Service, Inc., our inventory strategy revolves around maintaining a diverse talent pool of voice-over artists to meet the varied demands of our clients.

We continuously scout and recruit talented professionals with diverse vocal styles and specialties, ensuring we have the right talent for every project.

Our inventory management focuses on effectively organizing and categorizing our talent roster based on skills, languages, accents, and experience levels.

Angela McKenzie® Voice Over Service, Inc. will also invest in ongoing training and development programs to enhance the skills and versatility of our voice-over artists, ensuring we can consistently deliver high-quality performances across a wide range of projects.

c. Payment Options for Customers

• Online Payment Portal
• Credit and Debit Cards
• ACH Bank Transfers
• Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
• Check Payments
• Wire Transfers
• Mobile Payment Apps.

d. Return Policy, Incentives and Guarantees

Return policy:.

If for any reason a client is not satisfied with the delivered voice-over performance, we offer a flexible return policy. Clients can request revisions or modifications to the audio recording within a specified timeframe, typically within 7 days of delivery.

Our team will work closely with the client to address any concerns and ensure the final product meets their expectations.

In rare cases where a resolution cannot be reached, we may offer a partial refund or credit towards future services, depending on the circumstances.

Incentives:

To express our appreciation for our clients’ loyalty and support, we offer various incentives and rewards programs. These incentives may include discounted rates for bulk orders or recurring projects, referral bonuses for clients who refer new business to us, and exclusive promotional offers for seasonal or special occasions.

Additionally, we may provide access to premium features or priority scheduling for clients who enroll in our membership programs or commit to long-term partnerships.

Our goal is to incentivize repeat business, foster client relationships, and demonstrate our commitment to delivering exceptional value.

Guarantees:

As part of our commitment to excellence, we offer several guarantees to ensure client satisfaction:

• Quality Guarantee : We guarantee that all voice-over recordings will meet or exceed industry standards for clarity, professionalism, and audio quality.
• Timeliness Guarantee : We guarantee prompt delivery of completed voice-over projects within the agreed-upon timeframe, ensuring clients’ deadlines are met without compromising quality.
• Satisfaction Guarantee : We guarantee that clients will be fully satisfied with the voice-over performance and overall service experience. If a client is not completely satisfied, we will work diligently to address any concerns and ensure their expectations are met or exceeded.
• Confidentiality Guarantee : We guarantee the confidentiality and privacy of all client information, project details, and proprietary materials. We adhere to strict confidentiality protocols to protect our client’s sensitive information and intellectual property.

e. Customer Support Strategy

At Angela McKenzie® Voice Over Service, Inc., our customer support strategy is focused on delivering exceptional service and fostering positive client experiences.

We offer multichannel support through phone, email, and live chat, ensuring prompt and personalized assistance for inquiries, requests, and concerns.

Our dedicated support team is knowledgeable, courteous, and proactive, providing timely updates, guidance, and solutions throughout the project lifecycle.

We prioritize clear communication, transparency, and empathy in all interactions, striving to exceed client expectations and build long-term relationships based on trust, satisfaction, and mutual success.

Operational Plan

Angela McKenzie® Voice Over Service, Inc. executes a comprehensive operational plan to ensure efficient and high-quality voice-over production.

This plan includes talent acquisition, where we scout diverse voice artists, and ongoing training to enhance skills. Our state-of-the-art studios equipped with cutting-edge technology facilitate top-notch audio production.

We employ streamlined project management processes, from script review to final delivery, ensuring timely completion and client satisfaction.

a. What Happens During a Typical Day at a Voice-Over Service Business?

A typical day at a voice-over service business is dynamic and multifaceted. It begins with talent management, where artists are scheduled for recordings based on project requirements. Script review and preparation follow, ensuring clear understanding and direction.

In the recording studio, voice actors deliver performances under the guidance of directors. Post-production involves editing, mixing, and mastering to achieve optimal audio quality.

Client communication is ongoing, addressing inquiries, providing updates, and finalizing projects. Marketing efforts, such as promoting services and networking, may also occur.

Each day concludes with administrative tasks, including invoicing, scheduling, and planning for future projects, ensuring operational efficiency and client satisfaction.

b. Production Process

Script review and preparation:.

• Reviewing client-provided scripts to understand project requirements.
• Analyzing tone, style, and intended audience.
• Preparing script annotations and directions for voice actors.

Talent Selection and Scheduling:

• Selecting appropriate voice-over artists based on script requirements.
• Scheduling recording sessions based on the availability of talent and studio space.
• Communicating session details and expectations to voice actors.

Recording Session:

• Setting up recording equipment and ensuring optimal sound quality.
• Directing voice actors to deliver desired performances.
• Recording multiple takes for flexibility and options in post-production.

Post-Production:

• Editing recordings to remove mistakes, pauses, or background noise.
• Mixing multiple audio tracks to achieve the desired balance and clarity.
• Adding music, sound effects, or other elements as needed.
• Mastering final audio for consistency and quality across all deliverables.

Client Review and Revisions:

• Sending completed audio files to clients for review.
• Addressing any feedback or revision requests from clients.
• Making necessary adjustments to meet client specifications.

Final Delivery:

• Delivering finalized audio files to clients in their preferred format.
• Ensuring prompt delivery according to agreed-upon deadlines.
• Providing any additional support or follow-up as needed.

Administrative Tasks:

• Managing project documentation, contracts, and agreements.
• Handling billing, invoicing, and payment processing.
• Updating project tracking systems and databases.
• Conducting post-project evaluations and gathering client feedback for continuous improvement.

c. Service Procedure

At Angela McKenzie® Voice Over Service, Inc., our service procedure is designed for efficiency and excellence. It begins with a thorough script review and talent selection, ensuring alignment with client needs.

We schedule recording sessions in our state-of-the-art studios, providing expert direction to voice actors for optimal performances. Post-production involves meticulous editing, mixing, and mastering to deliver top-quality audio.

We prioritize client communication, providing regular updates and accommodating revisions to ensure satisfaction. Upon completion, we deliver finalized audio files promptly.

Our streamlined administrative processes ensure seamless project management, from initial inquiry to final delivery, consistently exceeding client expectations.

d. The Supply Chain

At Angela McKenzie® Voice Over Service, Inc., our supply chain encompasses various elements crucial to delivering exceptional voice-over services. This includes sourcing talent from diverse backgrounds and specialties to meet client needs.

We maintain relationships with recording studios equipped with state-of-the-art technology for optimal sound quality. Our administrative processes ensure seamless coordination of schedules, contracts, and payments.

e. Sources of Income

At Angela McKenzie® Voice Over Service, Inc., our primary sources of income include fees charged for voice-over services, which vary based on project complexity and scope. We generate revenue through client contracts for commercials, documentaries, audiobooks, and more.

Additionally, we offer additional services such as script writing, editing, and post-production, contributing to our income streams. Our diversified revenue sources ensure financial stability and growth opportunities.

Financial Plan

A. amount needed to start your voice over service company business.

Angela McKenzie® Voice Over Service, Inc. would need an estimate of $250,000 to successfully set up our voice-over service studio (company) in the United States of America. Note that this amount includes the salaries of all the staff for the first month of operation.

b. What are the Costs Involved?

• Business Registration Fees – $750.
• Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits – $2,300.
• Marketing, Branding, and Promotions – $5,000.
• Business Consultant Fee – $2,500.
• Insurance – $2,400.
• Rent/Lease – $50,000.
• Studio Equipment and Setup: $150,000
• Operational Cost (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $30,000
• Website: $600
• Opening party: $3,000
• Miscellaneous: $2,000

c. Do You Need to Build a Facility? If YES, How Much Will It Cost?

Angela McKenzie® Voice Over Service, Inc. will not build a new facility for our voice-over service company. We will start by leasing a standard studio facility.

d. What are the Ongoing Expenses for Running a Voice Over Service Business?

• Salaries and Wages
• Monthly rental or lease payments for office space, recording studios, or other facilities.
• Equipment Maintenance
• Costs associated with software licenses for audio editing, project management, and accounting software.
• Ongoing expenses for promoting the business through online advertising, social media campaigns, and industry networking events.
• Insurance Premiums
• Professional Fees for legal services, accounting services, and other professional consulting fees.
• Royalties and Licensing Fees for the use of copyrighted material, such as music or sound effects, in voice-over productions.
• Investments in workshops, courses, and seminars to keep voice-over artists and staff up-to-date with industry trends and developments.

e. What is the Average Salary of Your Staff?

• Founder/CEO/Owner – $75,000 Per Year
• Studio Manager – $60,000 Per Year
• Creative Director – $55,000 Per Year
• Accountant – $50,000 Per Year
• Voice Over Artists – $45,000 Per Year
• Sales and Marketing Officer – $40,000 Per Year
• Customer Service Representative – $40,000 Per Year

f. How Do You Get Funding to Start a Voice Over Service Business?

• Raising money from personal savings and sale of personal stocks and properties
• Raising money from investors and business partners
• Sell shares to interested investors
• Applying for a loan from your bank/banks
• Pitching your business idea and applying for business grants and seed funding from, the government, donor organizations, and angel investors
• Source for soft loans from your family members and friends.

Financial Projection

A. how much should you charge for your product/service.

We offer flexible pricing models, including per-task rates, hourly rates, and subscription-based plans. This ensures that our services are accessible to a wide range of clients while providing them with the flexibility to choose a payment structure that aligns with their needs.

b. Sales Forecast?

• First Fiscal Year (FY1): $250,000
• Second Fiscal Year (FY2): $350,000
• Third Fiscal Year (FY3): $450,000

c. Estimated Profit You Will Make a Year?

Angela McKenzie® Voice Over Service, Inc. is projecting to make;

• First Fiscal Year (FY1): (20% of revenue generated)
• Second Fiscal Year (FY2): (25% of revenue generated)
• Third Fiscal Year (FY3): (30% of revenue generated)

d. Profit Margin of a Voice-Over Service Company Business

The profit margin of a voice-over service company business is not fixed. It could range from 10 percent to 30 percent depending on some unique factors.

Growth Plan

A. how do you intend to grow and expand by opening more retail outlets/offices or selling a franchise.

At Angela McKenzie® Voice Over Service, Inc., our growth strategy focuses on expanding our client base through targeted marketing efforts, strategic partnerships, and exceptional service delivery.

We aim to diversify our service offerings to meet evolving industry demands, invest in talent development and technology upgrades, and expand our geographical reach.

b. Where do you intend to expand to and why?

Angela McKenzie® Voice Over Service, Inc. plans to expand to

• Los Angeles, California
• New York City, New York
• Atlanta, Georgia
• Chicago, Illinois
• Nashville, Tennessee
• Miami, Florida
• Dallas, Texas
• San Francisco, California
• Seattle, Washington
• Austin, Texas.

Internationally, we plan to expand to Canada.

The reason we intend to expand to these geographic locations is the fact that available statistics show that the cities listed above have a growing voice-over services market, making them potentially attractive markets for voice-over service businesses.

The founder of Angela McKenzie® Voice Over Service, Inc. plans to exit the business via family succession. We have positioned structures and processes in place that will help us achieve our plan of successfully transferring the business from one family member to another and from one generation to another without difficulties.

The company has successfully developed a detailed transition plan to smoothly hand over responsibilities to the new successor.

This includes transferring ownership, training key personnel, and communicating with employees, customers, and suppliers about the change.

How to Start a Voice-Over Service

A voice-over business provides custom recordings for clients based on a diverse set of needs. The business works well as an offline as well as online service.  Your clients may need voice-over work for many different things. These include movies of varying lengths, presentations, video games, and various other services. The ability to operate the business fully online if you so choose makes this an attractive business with potentially very low investment and overhead.

Learn how to start your own Voice-Over Service and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services .

Start a voice-over service by following these 10 steps:

• Plan your Voice-Over Service
• Form your Voice-Over Service into a Legal Entity
• Register your Voice-Over Service for Taxes
• Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
• Set up Accounting for your Voice-Over Service
• Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Voice-Over Service
• Get Voice-Over Service Insurance
• Define your Voice-Over Service Brand
• Create your Voice-Over Service Website
• Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your voice-over service. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas .

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

What will you name your business?

• What are the startup and ongoing costs?
• Who is your target market?

How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Voice-Over Service Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship , you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name , we recommend researching your business name by checking:

• Your state's business records
• Federal and state trademark records
• Social media platforms
• Web domain availability .

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your voice-over service?

Business name generator, what are the costs involved in opening a voice-over service.

One of the best ways to keep your costs down when starting this business is to create a home studio. If you have space in your own home, you can create such a studio for $5,000 or less. This cost assumes you already have a computer and merely have to purchase things like professional recording and editing software, a pop filter, a microphone, and an audio interface. If you purchase a separate computer for the office, you should budget $2,000 for this purchase. You may want to professionally soundproof your studio, but this is not necessary to record voice-overs. Beyond the costs of the studio, you may want to budget $2,000 or less for advertising. This includes creating a professional webpage and social media presence as well as some modest local advertising via radio and newspaper. If you wish to lease a separate building to create your office, these opening and ongoing costs can go up dramatically: even a small studio can easily cost $30,000 a year to rent, and for the money, will likely not provide a significant improvement in quality over a home studio.

What are the ongoing expenses for a voice-over service?

One of the best features of a voice-over business is that there are almost no ongoing expenses. Once you have your equipment in place and are working in a home studio, you should not have to upgrade for years, nor will you be paying a monthly lease and utilities. You may choose to spend $500-$1000 a month on traditional advertisements, but once you have demos in place on your website, most of your pitching to potential clients will occur online, and will cost nothing except $250 a year or less on website hosting charges.

Who is the target market?

Despite the possible diversity of your work, your best clients will likely be mid- to large-size businesses. This is because such organizations will typically be in need of training videos for their many employees, and such businesses are likely to become a steady source of revenue for you.

How does a voice-over service make money?

On the most basic level, a voice-over business makes money by charging clients to record voice-over material. It is up to you and your business whether you wish to charge by words read, hours recording, or simply charge for entire projects based on their size.

How much you can charge is typically based on the exact services offered. For instance, you may charge between $250-500 to record an hour of a lecture or other educational presentation in which you are doing simple narration. That price may jump to between $1000 and $2000 per hour of recorded presentations, training videos, and so on. You will typically bill clients by the hour, but different projects will be divvied up differently: one hour may cover a single lengthy lecture, but it could cover dozens of short instructional videos. In some cases, you may be re-recording what someone else has already recorded, meaning you will be doing some transcribing as well. Remember to anticipate the non-recording time (such as reading, transcribing, editing, and so on) that goes into each recording session and price your services accordingly.

How much profit can a voice-over service make?

The exact profit you can make with this business is up to how much you charge and how much work you get. For instance, there are instances of extreme profit such as a woman who makes a minimum of $9,000 month doing voice-over gigs she finds on the website Fiverr. While you will ideally have steadier clientele and higher-paying gigs, the overall idea is the same: to do as much work as possible for as many clients as you can find. The ability to do this work from home means that you can easily record day and night if you need to, which may just be the key to you turning this into a six-figure job.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Don't be afraid to actively inquire about voice-over needs at companies that you already do business with, allowing you to leverage a pre-existing relationship. You may also seek businesses putting videos on Youtube that do not have an announcer or narrator—if they have many subscribers and videos, then they have a built-in audience and a built-in need for your services. Finally, don't underestimate the power of social media—aggressively advertising yourself and networking with others via services like Facebook and Twitter can easily lead to your next big break.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship , partnership , limited liability company (LLC) , and corporation .

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your voice-over service is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services . You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website . If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil .

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

• Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
• Build your company's credit history , which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a voice-over service. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits .

For information about local licenses and permits:

• Check with your town, city or county clerk’s office
• Get assistance from one of the local associations listed in  US Small Business Associations directory of local business resources .

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses .

Service Agreement

Voice over businesses should consider requiring clients to sign a service agreement before starting a new project. This agreement should clarify client expectations and minimize risk of legal disputes by setting out payment terms and conditions, service level expectations, and intellectual property ownership. Here is an example service agreement.

Recommended: Rocket Lawyer makes it easy to create a professional service agreement for your voice over business when you sign up for their premium membership. For $39.95 per month, members receive access to hundreds of legal agreements and on call attorneys to get complimentary legal advice.

Certificate of Occupancy

A voice-over service is run out of either a commercial or home recording studio. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).  A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

• If you plan to lease a space :
• It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
• Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a voice-over service.
• After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
• If you plan to purchase or build a space :
• You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
• Review all building codes and zoning requirements for you business’ location to ensure your voice-over service will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance . This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance . If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Voice-Over Service needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Voice-Over Service.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners , we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended : Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker .

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator . Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a voice-over service

As mentioned before, you should advertise via traditional venues such as radio and newspaper as well as your own website and social media accounts. Another great way to market yourself is to record a variety of demos that you can feature on your website. This allows potential clients to know what they are getting and helps showcase your diverse skills.

How to keep customers coming back

One way to attract customers is competitive pricing. Find out what the going rate is in your region and price yourself in such a way that companies may be enticed into trying the new person. You may also consider advertising yourself via Youtube—this is a newer way of attracting clients and building your brand via videos that may go “viral” and help establish you. As for retention, just make sure you are giving 110% percent to each job—the industry has a lot of repeat business, so getting it right the first time with a client can often lead to many more opportunities.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business .

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

• All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
• Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
• Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended : Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders .

Other popular website builders are: WordPress , WIX , Weebly , Squarespace , and Shopify .

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

It's no surprise that a voice-over business is ideal for those who are naturally good speakers. This may include people who have experience giving prepared lectures (such as teachers) as well as people who often have leadership roles in their work environment. This is because confidence is one of the most important parts of your voice-over delivery, no matter what the assignment.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a voice-over service?

Part of any given day for a voice-over business is for you and/or your employees to be providing the voices required based on scripts you have received. Other daily activities include receiving the scripts and interpreting the client's needs based on that script. Communication with the client before, during, and after the assignment is also crucial to making sure you get it right the first time. Skilled voice-over artists may also spend part of their days practicing different deliveries, intonations, and even accents to ensure that they can provide the whatever voice a client needs.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful voice-over service?

Any previous voice-acting experience can be helpful when it comes to this job. This may include producing advertisements for TV or radio, or even making your own recordings for Youtube. On top of the voice-acting itself, any experience you may have had in a recording studio can help you know which equipment you need and what kind of setup you will need for your own equipment.

What is the growth potential for a voice-over service?

The growth potential for a voice-over business is good. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics groups voice actors in with the field of acting, which itself should experience a ten percent boost between 2014 and 2024. And, things like the aforementioned training videos will only become more important as more jobs are either outsourced to oversea workers or part-timers as part of the “gig economy,” necessitating clear training videos for new workers who may be unfamiliar with a company.

Not sure if a voice-over service is right for you? Try our free Business Idea Generator and find your perfect idea.

TRUiC's YouTube Channel

For fun informative videos about starting a business visit the TRUiC YouTube Channel or subscribe to view later.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor.

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a voice-over service?

Start networking with local and regional businesses right away in order to start a working relationship with them. Take the time to develop a catchy logo to help you build your brand as you get started. Finally, go for as many kinds of work as you can—you may develop a specialty later, but when starting out, it's important to explore all of your options.

How and when to build a team

Many voice-over businesses are one-person teams. This is because it helps keep the overhead low and ensures that the business does not have to split any profits that come in. Plus, the ability to work from home means that you can get a lot of work done for many clients on any given day. If, however, you are regularly having to turn down work because of too many existing commitments, you should consider building a team. However, unless they will use your studio or they have their own, keep in mind that building a team will necessitate the extra investment and overhead of leasing a separate business space.

Useful Links

Industry opportunities.

• World Voices Organization
• American Voice Talent Association

Real World Examples

• Online service
• Michigan service
• Atlanta service

Further Reading

• What You Need to Know to Start a Voice-Over Business
• Tips for Starting Your Business

Have a Question? Leave a Comment!

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Creating Your Voice-Over Business Plan

(802) 275-0154

We’ve all heard the term business plan. Fundamentally, the term seems straight forward, but what is a business plan really? Is it just your brilliant idea on a napkin, your secret sauce to creating millions in your voice-over business, or is it more than that?

In this blog post, we will outline what a solid business plan for your voice-over business should look like, how it should be executed, and what can be expected as a result.

A well thought out comprehensive business plan is an essential component to any successful voice-over business.  After all, a goal without a plan is just a wish, right?  So what should a competent business plan in your voice-over business look like?

Simply put, a business plan is a written out statement of the business goals and a working blueprint (or roadmap) of how those business goals will be accomplished. A good business plan has a plethora of benefits, but we will be focusing on three main benefits in this blog post.

To start, a well written business plan is a critical tool to attract business partners. Partners in your voice-over business can provide various kinds of leverage. Referrals, marketing assistance, and quality production are a few of these. Having a strategic partner in your voice-over business may help you to break into specific kinds of voice-over work or produce a better quality product for your client more quickly than you could do on your own.

Here’s an example: website developers are seeking business clients who need website upgrades or websites produced from scratch. As a freelance voice-over professional you can offer your services to the web developer as a value-add to produce professional quality audio on the website. This could come in the form of an audio recording or as a voice-over video on the website. You are benefiting the web developer by providing an additional feature to the website. You are also setting yourself up for future work.

Another critical reason for having a comprehensive business plan is to attract investors. All growing businesses will need to acquire capital from time to time in order to grow to the next level. Even if your voice over business is doing great and making money, additional capital can take it to the next level. If you’ve ever seen television programs like Shark Tank, the Profit, or Hungry Investors then you’ve seen this process in action. The entrepreneurs on shows like Shark Tank are essentially pitching their business plan to potential investors to make their businesses grow. The clearly identified goals, logically thought out planning, reliable market research, and promising returns on investment are key components of the business plans that receive funding.

One of the great advantages of a voice over business is that the low overhead and other low costs of doing business make profitability much easier to attain. In voice-over, your product is literally your voice. Your studio is a space in your home, and your marketing strategy is the world wide web. All of this lends itself to little or zero need for capital, but what if you are just getting started or jumping from part-time to full-time? Business startups can rapidly increase their trajectory to success when properly capitalized. A part time voice-over artist can make that jump to full time much easier with small influxes of capital into their business. A well put together business plan is an essential tool to acquiring this capital.

The last, and arguably the most important reason to have a comprehensive business plan, though, is for the creation of a crystal clear, laser focused, super consistent, and unwavering outline of strategies and tactics to follow to accomplish your business goals. After all, in the words of coach Taylor from Friday Night Lights, “Clear eyes and full hearts can’t lose.” Your business plan provides the clear eyes. Your desire generates the full heart. Planning and your work and working your plan is what sets you up to win in your voice-over business.

At Such A Voice, we are dedicated to the provision of all resources, tools, and planning necessary to set up our students for extraordinary success in your voice-over business. Strategic planning is a big part of this. Our newest program, the Marketing and Career Advisory Program offers our students an opportunity to create their own personal business plan for their voice-over business under the supervision of a professional voice-over coach. If you’d like more information on this new program, call 847-693-4428 or schedule a call using this this link:  Schedule a call with Lonny . You can also receive more information on this program by clicking here .

Lonny Hogan is a marketing and business development expert, working directly with Such A Voice to grow the brand.

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• Voice Over Marketing

Developing a Marketing Plan for Your Voice Over Business

by tvr_admin ·

The industry of voice over has grown more competitive over the years but more diverse due to revolutionary marketing demands for new technologies and advances and trends in the voice over industry. Whether you are a freelance voice talent, sound engineer, voice over casting director or producer you have to realize that you run a business of providing service. As a voice talent, think yourself as the business. Then how do you package and sell your services? Like any other business industry, you need to draw up a marketing plan or strategy to structure your business and understand the rates of financial returns for every investment (equipment, technology and acting/voice training) you spend on.

First, let’s define what marketing is —- these are all plans, strategies and activities to sell a product or service to a target audience.  The following is a basic framework or template of a marketing plan:

The next step will be to provide the details to your marketing framework. The following points and questions specific to the voice over market should help you develop the details for each item of your marketing plan.

After you have outlined the details of your marketing framework further sort this out to two levels – Strategic and Tactical. Often these two words are intertwined in any business plan but, are distinct in terms of implementation. It is not enough or substantial to think of strategy and tactics as long and short-term plans as both defines on how you will achieve your goals and objectives.

Strategy is your bridge to getting from where your business is right now to where you envision it will be. Strategy is your general resource and allocation plan. Tactics show how you specifically and tangibly will achieve your business goals. These are your specific set of activities to achieve your business goals. Most industries frame their tactics as activities aligned with each strategy. What are some of the elements of these two marketing levels?

Remember that once you realize that your voice talent/skill is your business then you understand that focusing on the quality of your business – you are your brand, is your best marketing strategy.

Tags: marketing voice over for beginners voice over professional

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How to Become a Voice Actor – Learn How to Get Into Voice Over Acting

We have put together the most comprehensive list of voice acting resources on the internet. This includes voice acting classes, marketing help, home studio information, podcasts, demo producers, conferences and a lot more.

Browse our continually growing collection of free voice over scripts. We have assembled thousands of voice over scripts for voice actors to use for practice. Including Commercial, Narration, PSAs, Imaging and Video Games.

Our voice over script timer helps you figure out how long a script will take you to read. Simply enter your script into the text field. The time it will take for you to read your script will be instantly calculated for you.

What is a voice actor?

Let’s start with the basics. Any time you hear a voice and don’t see the speaker, that is a voice actor. Voice actors are performers who lend their voices to a wide variety of projects. This can include animation , audio books, commercials, narration, e-Learning, video games, trailers, promo, documentary, IVR and much more. A voice actor is first and foremost an actor. Acting skills are a must have, but there is a lot more that goes into being a successful voice artist. It requires technical knowledge, marketing abilities, a home voice over studio and all the various aspects of running a business. Most successful voice talent have spent time training with coaches, have professionally produced demos of their voice and are always honing their abilities.

Tips on how to get into voice over

The voice actor market is continuing to grow, thanks to the increased need for broadcast, animated and digital content. From e-learning courses to smartphone games, to online ads, there’s a wide range of opportunities for talented voice actors. Learning how to become a Voice Actor means understanding the voice over industry, working with a voice over coach on voice over training, getting some good voice over demos produced and a great website to show off your new voice over career.

If you’re interested in becoming a professional voice actor , you may be wondering where to start – and whether this could be a rewarding career for you. Read on for our top tips on how to get started in voice over.

The Voice Over Marketplace

Understand the voice acting marketplace. historically, voice actors often worked with agents who worked with casting directors (to manage the process) that were hired by advertising agencies or larger production companies who in turn were creating a product for an end clients. It’s still a great way to get work if you can sign with a good agent. But today’s online marketplace has changed the dynamic. Now, talent-seekers and producers often work directly with voice actors. This has brought more competition to the market, making quality voice actors hard to find.

That said, you need to stand out from the rest of the pack, and that means investing in yourself — after all, you are the business. Here’s how:

Voice Actor Training

Invest in training. You may have tons of natural talent, but education and training will set you apart from hobbyists, introduce you to key terminology and best practices, and help you deliver the quality your clients expect.

There’s a wide array of courses and coaches to choose from. Ask yourself:

• Does this program or person offer case studies, testimonials or other results?
• Do they specialize in the type of voice over market I’m interested in (e.g., commercials, video games, e-learning)?
• Is the subject matter thorough and comprehensive?
• Is it a mix of theory and hands-on practice?
• When can I expect to make my investment back?

When you’re evaluating options on how to become a Voice Actor, don’t underestimate the value of getting personalized feedback from a real person. Many voice over coaches can advise you on how to read copy. They’ll pick up on things the average listener might be aware of on a subconscious level. This could be the inflection when you end a sentence, or the excitement in your voice when there should be concern.

Voice over coaches can also help you connect with your target audience — for instance, an e-learning spot for seniors might need to be read at a slower pace.

Voice Over Business Plan

Having a business plan will help you map out what your voice over business is going to look like, how it will function and what steps you will need to take at each stage of your business development .

Voice Over Equipment

Get the right equipment. Do you need the highest-end studio setup? Not necessarily. But you should have the hardware and software it takes to produce clear, crisp recordings. You don’t want a hiss in your audio to take away from the character and nuance in your voice. You also need a dedicated, enclosed home studio with sufficient noise-canceling capabilities. Voice acting is not a business you can run from your kitchen table.

The good news is, you can build a nice home studio for under $4,000. Here are the basics you’ll need to get started:

• Audio mixer and booth
• Audio mixing software
• Room or closet with acoustic treatment material on the walls

As you get further into the field, you may want to upgrade your equipment, but make sure you’re paying for quality items that will make your job easier or help you become more marketable.

Voice Over Demos

Creating voice acting demos. Different genres of voice acting require different terminology, vocal characteristics, personalities and stamina. For instance, longform narration for audiobooks requires hours of recorded copy, while 30-second Pandora spots might only take an hour to record. Video game voice acting can require screaming and other sound effects, while corporate content will feel more tame and subdued.

Examine the different genres and what they entail, then focus on a few to start. You’ll need a demo for each industry you want to break into, and a quality demo can cost $1,000-$4,000. The most cost-effective approach is to pick a few genres that seem interesting and a good fit for you.

Voice Over Branding and Marketing

Put your best face forward. If you want to be treated like a pro, you have to show up like one. In today’s competitive voice acting market, you need to convince clients that you’re the best pick. And that starts with projecting a strong, distinctive, unified image across all your client touch points.

For example, many actors question why they need their own voice acting websites, when there are many platforms where they can advertise their services. But when you send potential customers to a talent platform, you’re just inviting them to compare you with thousands of competitors. By investing in your own branded website, you signal to customers that you’re not just dabbling — you’re serious about your profession.

Think like a business owner. It’s true that voice acting is an art. But to succeed as a professional voice actor, you also need to treat it like a business. As a business owner, you’ll need to get involved in everything from accounting to marketing to customer service. And depending on your goals, you may need to file legal documents to incorporate your business. In order to thrive as a business owner, you’ll need to stay flexible and willing to learn new things.

Keep in mind that the most successful voice actors have an entrepreneurial spirit and are self-starters. They listen to clients, adapt to meet their needs, and always look for ways to get better and learn more. The voice acting market is rapidly evolving, and the best voice actors love the challenge of staying current in the field.

The bottom line: Voice acting is a dynamic, rewarding profession with a solid employment outlook. To be a successful voice actor, you’ll need to adopt a business owner’s mindset, harness your passion through training, invest in quality equipment and project a professional image.

When it comes to marketing yourself online, we’re here to help with professional, customized, mobile-optimized websites for voice actors. Best of luck in your new voice acting business!

Voice Over Business Tools and Resources

We have launched a comprehensive list of voice over resources including casting, training, home voice over studio, demo producers, conferences and a lot more. Make sure to check out our Voice Over Library of resources.

Voice Over Tips, Tricks And Articles

• The Essential List of Voiceover Tools 
• Acoustic Treatment vs Soundproofing for Home Voice Over Studios
• How to Move your Home and Voice Over Home Studio
• Digital Interfaces – Another Critical Part of your Voice Over Audio Chain
• Basic Audiobook Editing Techniques

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Corporate Structure for Voice Acting Business

As a voice actor, it's important to consider the best corporate structure for your voice over business. The right structure can provide legal and financial benefits, impact your tax situation, and influence your business's overall growth potential. We explore various corporate structures available for voice acting businesses and discuss their advantages and disadvantages. After reading this, we have you have a better understanding of which structure might be the best fit for your unique voice acting business.

Sole Proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is the simplest and most common business structure for voice actors just starting. In this structure, there's no legal distinction between the business owner and the business itself. The owner is personally responsible for all debts and liabilities, but also enjoys all the profits generated by the business.

Advantages:

• Easy and inexpensive to set up
• Complete control over business decisions
• Fewer regulations and paperwork
• Business income is taxed at the owner's personal income tax rate

Disadvantages:

• Unlimited personal liability for business debts and obligations
• Difficult to raise capital
• Limited growth potential
• Lack of continuity in case the owner is unable to run the business

Partnership

A partnership is a business structure where two or more individuals come together to jointly own and operate the business. Partnerships can be general, where all partners have equal rights and responsibilities, or limited, where some partners contribute capital but don't participate in the day-to-day operations and have limited liability.

• Easy to set up and manage
• Shared financial responsibility and decision-making
• Increased access to capital and resources
• Business income is taxed at the partner's personal income tax rate
• Unlimited personal liability for general partners
• Potential conflicts between partners
• Limited life of the partnership if a partner leaves or dies
• Difficulty transferring ownership

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a hybrid structure that combines the limited liability protection of a corporation with the taxation benefits of a partnership or sole proprietorship. This structure is a popular choice for voice actors who want to protect their personal assets while maintaining flexibility in their business operations.

• Limited personal liability for business debts and obligations
• Flexible management structure and decision-making
• Pass-through taxation, where profits and losses are reported on the owner's personal tax return
• The option to be taxed as a corporation if desired
• More complex and expensive to set up and maintain than a sole proprietorship or partnership
• State-specific regulations and fees
• Potential self-employment taxes on profits

Corporation

A corporation is a separate legal entity from its owners (shareholders), which means the corporation itself is responsible for its debts and liabilities. There are two main types of corporations: C Corporation and S Corporation.

C Corporation:

A C Corporation is a separate taxable entity and pays corporate income tax on its profits. This structure is more suitable for larger businesses with multiple shareholders and significant growth potential.

• Limited personal liability for shareholders
• Ability to raise capital through the sale of stock
• Continuity of the business, independent of its owners
• Complex and expensive to set up and maintain
• Double taxation, where the corporation pays taxes on its profits and shareholders pay taxes on dividends
• Increased regulation and record-keeping requirements

S Corporation:

An S Corporation is a special type of corporation that avoids double taxation by passing its profits, losses, deductions, and credits through to its shareholders, who report this information on their personal tax returns.

• Pass-through taxation
• Eligibility restrictions, such as the number of shareholders and type of stock issued

Cooperative

A cooperative is a less common business structure, where the business is owned and controlled by the people who use its services or the workers who operate it. In a voice acting cooperative, members contribute to the business and share in its profits based on their level of involvement or investment.

• Democratic decision-making process, with each member having an equal vote
• Members share the profits and benefits of the business
• Potential tax benefits, depending on the cooperative's structure
• Complex to set up and manage
• Slower decision-making process due to democratic nature
• Limited access to external capital

Choosing the right corporate structure for your voice acting business is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your business's growth and success. Each structure has its advantages and disadvantages, so it's essential to carefully consider your business's unique needs and goals before making a choice.

For voice actors just starting or those who want to maintain complete control over their business, a sole proprietorship might be the best option. Partnerships and cooperatives may be more suitable for voice actors who want to collaborate with others and share resources. LLCs provide a balance between personal liability protection and taxation benefits, making them an attractive option for many voice actors. Finally, corporations are ideal for those looking to raise capital and grow their business on a larger scale.

What is the best structure for a voice over business?

The best structure for your voice over business depends on many factors, including where you live, each state has its own regulations and fees.

It's always a good idea to consult with a legal or financial professional to help you determine the best corporate structure for your voice acting business. With the right structure in place, you'll be well on your way to building a successful and thriving voice acting career.

• Acting Skills
• General Education
• Home Voice Over Studio
• Terminology
• Vocal Health
• Voiceover Genres
• Video Games
• Commercials
• Corporate Narration

Voice Over Business Plan Sample PDF Example | Free Download Presented by BizMove

Watch This Video Before Starting Your Voice Over Business Plan PDF!

Checklist for Starting a Voice Over Business: Essential Ingredients for Success

If you are thinking about going into business, it is imperative that you watch this video first! it will take you by the hand and walk you through each and every phase of starting a business. It features all the essential aspects you must consider BEFORE you start a Voice Over business. This will allow you to predict problems before they happen and keep you from losing your shirt on dog business ideas. Ignore it at your own peril!

For more insightful videos visit our Small Business and Management Skills YouTube Chanel .

Here’s Your Free Voice Over Business Plan DOC

Free book for you: how to start a business from scratch (pdf).

Copy the following link to your browser and save the file to your PC:

https://www.bizmove.com/free-pdf-download/how-to-start-a-business.pdf

Do not waste any time when you are planning for your retirement. The most important way to increase your savings for retirement is to start as soon as possible and build your bankroll immediately. This will increase your chances at the highest interest rate and cause it to compound faster than if you were to wait.

If your company offers you a 401K plan, contribute as much as you can to it, up to its maximum. This is a great way to save for your retirement. All you need to to do is to contact your HR department, and funds will be deducted from your paycheck automatically each month and deposited into your 401K account.

Ask your employer if they match your 401K savings. Many employers will match the savings you place into your 401K, but only if they meet minimum requirements. Figure out if your company offers this kind of deal and what the minimum deposit is before the employer will match the saving.

If you are over the age of 50, you can make "catch up" contributions to your IRA. Generally speaking, the IRA limit is $5,500. Once you've reached 50, though, the limit increases to about $17,500. It is great if you get started late but still need to save a lot.

Make spending money on yourself a priority in retirement. While many parents continue supporting their adult children in some way or another after retirement, you should not do so unless you can truly afford to. Make your children act as independent adults, and use your money to meet your necessary expenses, wants and needs.

There is more to retirement than money, so consider any other things you'll want to do. Would you like to write a book? Would you like to volunteer? You have to include these factors into your plans so you know where you'll be and how you'll be getting there.

What does your retirement income look like these days? This will include employer pension plans, savings interest income, and government benefits. The more you have in terms of money, the more secure you'll be with your finances. Are there any other sources of income you could create now that would still flow in after retirement?

If retirement is looking too expensive for your budget, talk to your employer about becoming a virtual employee. If you can meet all of your responsibilities from the comfort of your home PC, working will be easier as you age, but still fund your lifestyle. The extra money will certainly help, and you'll be keeping your mind sharp too!

If you've realized that your retirement income won't be up to snuff, consider taking on a part-time job once you retire. This will keep you busy so you don't end up bored, plus the extra money can be a huge help without wearing yourself out at a full-time job.

Ensure that you have your mortgage paid in full before retiring. Not having a mortgage payment can help ensure that you have enough retirement funds to maintain your lifestyle. Additionally, purchase a new car and pay for it in full before retiring. This will help ensure that you do not have to go in debt for a vehicle once you retire.

Many seniors move to a smaller home after they retire. This can be a good choice since their living expenses will be lower, there will be less upkeep in a smaller home and they can add to their retirement fund with the extra cash gained from selling their larger home.

Make a savings plan. Each paycheck, you should be putting money into a savings account. Stick to the amount you have determined you can afford. Consider the money put in there as you do a bill. This means that you do not take it back for any reason except those you have planned.

Don't feel bad if everyone you know doesn't suddenly have time for you after retirement. It may look like you're being left out, when in fact people are still running the old rat race. Those who retire often fell lonesome or isolated, but it's up to you to find things to do and people to do them with!

Try to save 10% of your current salary to use for retirement. This will provide you with a good foundation on which to build your retirement earnings in the years ahead. If you feel that you can afford to save more, bump that amount up to at least 15-20 percent if you can.

Write out some goals before you retire. Consider what retirement means to you. You will have plenty of free time. What you want to do in your golden years will affect how much money you need during retirement to pay for everything.

Keep your mind and body working post-retirement. A part-time job might be an outstanding way to earn a bit of extra money and keep both your body and your mind nimble. Even if you work a few hours per week, it will increase the amount of money you have in your wallet

Section of Each Supervisor's time is devoted to the presentation of Programs or ideas. In this article we will delve into some detail to developing Presentation Ideas and effective Presentation Skills. The very first step in preparing a presentation would be to establish a purpose or an objective. What's to be achieved by the presentation? After this was determined, necessary steps can be taken to support this, and guidelines established to organize it. If the demonstration is logically organized by topic matter at the beginning, it will do a lot to guarantee success of this presentation. Successful presentation skills is made to Give information, give Instruction, sell a strategy or idea, or accomplish a combination of those things. Through voice and visual aids, a demonstration performs a service to the listener. A carefully worded presentation can translate facts, trends, or statistics into basic relationships that will affect actions or policy. After the objective of the presentation has been established, the general Form of this demonstration must be considered. The message ought to be communicated in as few words and using as several visual aids as required to present a plan or idea effectively. A concise, persuasive presentation of 10-minutes' duration may accomplish readily the desirable objective - and be economical - compared to one lasting an hour. In other words, the efficacy of the demonstration depends more upon the soundness of this message than its length, the presenter's skill in shipping, or the grade of the visual aids. However, too long a presentation, lack of ability in its own delivery, and/or poor visual aids could spell disaster. Presentation Strategy - The First step to Successful Presentation Skills. Once The objective was established the next step is about the presentation strategy. The answers to your fundamental questions will help in this process: What exactly are you selling? To whom are you selling it? Against what are you currently competing?In what environment do you expect the message to be received? What exactly are you really selling? Why are you really making the demonstration? Take another Look at the objective. Are you promoting a plan of action, a need for action, a product, a service, or service for an idea? Pinpoint the reason behind making the presentation. Express it in as few words as you can. John Witherspoon once explained:"Never grow to speak until you have something to say, and when you've said it, stop." To whom are you promoting it? If you understand your audience, you have some idea Of its place on the subject. A demonstration that's immensely successful before one viewer could be a failure before another one. The presentation strategy should be attuned to the viewers. Can the people in the audience create a last decision, or should they take your recommendations to a higher authority? Before the demonstration, know as much as you can about the people in your market - their own thought patterns, interests, ability, and even their psychological needs. Do they prefer a certain sort of visual aid, a fracture through the presentation, or coffee services? Is their time limited? Bear in mind, people in the audience will have different preferences. C. W. Spalding, put it this way:"People differ. Some thing to the enthusiast along with others to the enthusiast." Against what are you competing? When you understand the psychological needs of your Viewers, the message can be geared into the listener's standpoint. The benefits to the listener could be targeted. In what environment do you expect the message to be obtained? There are a Number of questions which may be raised to ascertain the environment in which the presentation will be given. At the final analysis, the strategy you formulate as a presenter Ought to Be Based upon an understanding of what you are selling, to whom you're selling it, the barriers you'll be encountering, and the air in which the presentation will be supplied. Presentation Organization. A successful demonstration comprises more than Great material and also the most convincing arguments. It displays good business of subject matter. The strongest and persuasive presenter may fail to have a plan, thought, or advice accepted from the audience in the event the message isn't organized well. The introduction and conclusion cannot be neglected. At the outset, the Demonstration should achieve the interest of the audience and communicate to the listeners what is to be covered. At the end, the presenter should review the key points of this Presentation and pinpoint the actions to be taken, if any. The body of this demonstration, located between the introduction and the Conclusion, comprises the bulk of the message. It needs to be presented to the listener at a meaningful shape. An outpouring of plans, thoughts, or information without relationship or form won't hold the attention of any viewer very long. Organization of the demonstration involves fitting the components into a coherent Entire. The method is dependent upon the subject matter to be introduced as well as also the strategy to be used. The most recognizable form of presentation is most likely the time-sequenced-chronological-approach. The problem-solution pattern is a sensible option for many"in- house" presentations. Whenever there is a requirement to compare alternative solutions to a issue, the comparison- comparison approach is a fantastic choice. Within a short presentation, a cause-effect technique may be used. When the function of the demonstration is to describe or explain the meaning or character of something, the definition procedure is suitable. Another form commonly used involves discussing the"parts" containing the whole, for example subdivision of an organization, or subsystem for components of a missile. Related to this technique would be that the demonstration built around systems, also serves qualities-sub-systems of an aircraft, acts of components within an organization. If the material for use doesn't fit into one of the commonly used organizing patterns, then the presenter should establish a pattern of his/her own. When one has an outstanding purpose to make in a demonstration, it Ought to Be Made normally at the beginning. This has an edge over"building up" to the major point. If it"sells" the strategy or thought, the equilibrium of the demonstration then involves"nailing down" the plan or idea. Another reason for leading off with the main point, or points, is the fact that significant listeners could be called off prior to the presenter is finished. If they're, they won't miss the major point. After a plan or an idea has been offered by citing its major benefit, or Advantages the equilibrium of the presentation should usually be treated as Reinforcement of this plan or idea. The things to be made should be presented In descending order of importance. Bear in Mind, Once the main point fails to Deliver the message, the lower points won't get it done! Speaking of making sure the Message comes through clearly, I am reminded of this 10-year-old describing the Plot of"My Fair Lady" to her husband. She explained,"It is About a filthy girl who gets therapeutic reading."

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Own Your Voice As A Woman Business Owner

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Written by Dr. Janis Shinkawa, 2024-2025 NAWBO National Board Chair

Owning your voice as a woman business owner means expressing yourself authentically, sharing your knowledge, experiences and opinions, listening and being heard. It’s important, because you are worthy—we are all worthy—and the more you do it, the more confident you become.

So where do you begin? Owning your voice starts with knowing yourself and your business. Define your core messages and what makes you special. For instance:

• What was your “why” when you first started?
• What are you most passionate about today?
• What is your personal mission statement and does it need to evolve?
• What do you hope to make better for yourself and others?
• What sets your company apart from everyone else out there?
• What expertise do you personally bring to the table that’s unique?
• Are you in alignment with your career and goals?
• Are you truly speaking from your heart?

Once you know your voice, you are ready to find opportunities to use it. Maybe it’s at a team or client meeting, during a speaking opportunity, in an article or on a podcast or even just at home with your family or friends. Expressing yourself, sharing your knowledge, experiences and opinions, listening and being thoughtful with your words can ultimately elevate your brand, help you better connect with others and position you as a respected leader and community impact maker.

Seizing the Opportunity to Use Our Voice

At the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), we seize the opportunity to use our bi-partisan advocacy voice—that’s now almost 50 years strong—to help women-owned businesses now and for generations to come. NAWBO has long had a seat at the table with our nation’s legislative decision makers, since we were founded as the first business advocacy organization for women entrepreneurs in 1975.

Additionally, the power and impact of women business owners in our communities and nation only continue to grow. According to the 2024 Wells Fargo Impact of Women-Owned Business Report , women-owned businesses continue to fuel the economy, representing 39.1% of all businesses—over 14 million—employing 12.2 million workers, and generating $2.7 trillion in revenue.

Our organization’s most recent event, NAWBO Days in Washington, DC, brought together more than 200 women business owners from across the U.S. committed to using their collective voice. We met on Capitol Hill to advocate around our advocacy agenda , designed with valuable input from NAWBO members and leaders to create the avenue and environment to build sustainable women-owned businesses.

Creating an Avenue for Sustainable Businesses

This agenda includes proposed bill language to address the needs of the “microbusiness” and encourage emerging entrepreneurs. With women starting their own businesses between 2019 and 2023 at nearly double the rate of men (and 4.5 times the rate between 2022 and 2023) and the majority of these being microbusinesses, there’s never been a more important time for this conversation.

NAWBO’s long had a seat at the table when it comes to shaping legislation that impacts women and small business owners. H.R. 5050 , The Women’s Business Ownership Act, was passed in 1988 with the help of NAWBO, giving women entrepreneurs recognition and resources and eliminating discriminatory lending practices by banks that favored male business owners. And we’ve helped to shape so many other impactful pieces of legislation since then.

If you are interested in owning and using your voice in this way, too, know that you are worthy—we are all worthy—and the more you do it, the more confident you become. NAWBO, both nationally, virtually and in our local chapters across the country, provides opportunities for you to listen and be heard with resources to support you. Learn more and get started here .

Experience what it’s like to belong with NAWBO—watch this video recap of our last national conference:

Dr. Janis Shinkawa

Dr. Janis Shinkawa is the Medical Director and Founding Partner of Ohana Pet Hospital, a small animal practice in Ventura and Santa Paula, California. Prior to becoming a veterinarian, she was an audit manager, business consultant and CPA with Ernst & Young, LLP in health care, government, hospitality and retail. Her partnerships in three veterinary startups gross over $20M per year with 200 employees. Dr. Jan developed veterinary assistant programs for local high schools, Charter College and an Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Techonology at Ventura College. Dr. Jan has a passion for creating sustainable business strategies and compassionate management that enable companies to develop healthy and happy employees. She is NAWBO’s 2024-2025 National Board Chair.

This is a content marketing post from a Forbes EQ participant. Forbes brand contributors’ opinions are their own.

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From mimicry to highly paid voice artistes

A female voice artiste in a recording studio.

By  Marion Sitawa

Business and Lifestyle Reporter

Nation Media Group

Over the past few decades, Kenya’a voice acting landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation, from a low-paying radio entertainment-only art to the present day where diverse and dynamic opportunities abound.

Peter Kyalo is among artists who have ridden on the industry transformation over the years to carve a niche for themselves.

Growing up, Peter liked mimicking people. There was an animated quality to his voice.

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“I would pick up newspapers and start to read out loud like a news anchor. Those are the moments that showed me there was something about my voice. I was also a good orator,” he says.

His journey to voice acting was not easy. “I went to several media houses for voice casting but kept failing,” says Peter who did not give up.

Shortly after, he was picked to be making announcements in his church, giving him a stage to demonstrate his skills.

“After a few months, I was invited to do a demo for the church radio station. I was chosen to be the station's voice. We would work for three days straight to get everything in place,” says Peter, now a preacher.

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Peter Kaylo a Voice Over Artist gestures during the interview at his home in Langata, Nairobi on June 5, 2024. 

While working as a radio presenter, his voice became so popular that agencies sought him to do commercials.

Breakthrough commercials

One of the popular commercials Peter did was for a telecommunication campany advertising its internet packages.

“I did was the first Faiba TV advert for Jamii Telecommunications Limited. While I was voicing the script, it didn't come out exactly the way they wanted it to,” Peter says.

The production team had to come up with a better way to make the ad more interesting.

“I was in the voice booth and remembered an incident from a while ago, so I imitated the accent. I did it using the words in the script and that was it. We forgot the plan and went with the accented script,” he adds.

'Hey, mboss' advert

The line 'Hey, mboss' in the advert became a big thing in the city.

“The Faiba advert blew up because of the Kamba accent. Faiba became a big brand 11 years ago because of that particular character. They even animated the character with a beard to look like me,” he laughs and adds, “I still did the voice of the announcer in the project.”

‘Mawowowo’ advert

Just like Peter, when asked about about his career defining moment, Yafesi Musoke, a creative consultant and a screenwriter laughs and takes a deep breath. Then he says, "Wueh! There have been a couple, but ‘Mawowowo’, the Ilara Milk ad, is the most viral advert I have ever done. More than six years later, people still recognise me because of it,” he says.

Voice artist Yafesi Musoke.

He recalls an incident when a pastor approached him and asked him to jump on a table just so he could tell his family he met Yafesi.

“I think a selfie would have worked better, and no, I did not jump on the table. There was cake,” he laughs.

Yafesi’s first professional gig was 27 years ago, a radio commercial for a soft drink brand, for which he was paid Sh500. He was a student.

Highest pay

When the BDLife asks about his highest pay, he says, “The highest I have ever been paid for a single voice recording session was Sh350,000. I have been blessed to have that happen more than once.”

Read:  An introvert's art of crafting compelling speeches

Are there habits that a voice over artiste shouldn't indulge to maintain his or her voice?

“I can’t stress enough how much I don’t enjoy shouting. Also, avoiding overindulgence in anything, especially sugar. I have a weakness for chocolate and I try to limit myself to roughly half a bar of chocolate (40g) in a month, which is difficult. Also, as a side note, don’t eat peanuts before recording your voice. Just don’t," Yafesi cautions.

Industry skills

Voice over skills are so unique that even established actors find it difficult to master. It takes versatility, imagination and more than a little practice to do a wide range of voices for advertising jingles, films and more.

Manya Nyamweya doesn't remember exactly when she started using her voice professionally, but she's certain it was over a decade ago.

"I kept getting compliments from people telling me that I should consider doing voice overs. After my first audition for a radio commercial, I got the job the same day. I have also done different advertisement campaigns which varies because every other day it’s a different script that you are learning your voice to," she says.

Nivea commercials

Manya is currently the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) of Telkom Kenya, she is also the voice behind most of the Nivea commercials.

"Sometimes I meet people and my voice is familiar because it’s always on rotation so they can easily tell. I also do athletics commentary where I commentate on track and field," she says.

Manya Nyamweya a voice over artists during the interview at her Kitisuru home in Nairobi on June 10, 2024.

She prefers doing voice overs during mid-mornings when her voice is not tired.

"When it comes to lifestyle habits I don’t have exclusive habits such that I have had to kick to the curb," she says.

Manya has a home recording studio where she primarily works, allowing her to collaborate with others worldwide without the need to travel. Although she occasionally heads into an external studios to record, she says her home setup provides a significant advantage.

When it comes to payments, the value of voice work is often determined by the hiring company. However, being considered premium talent means an voice artiste stands to earn good money.

Miss Manya laughs in response to the BDLife's question about her pay. She is reluctant to reveal a specific amount, but says, "A good gig could pay me between Sh50,000 to Sh150,000 since I do voice for both Kiswahili and English."

Peter, also confirms that the highest he has earned is hundreds of thousands of shillings.

‘Voice over art is more of a passive income career although for the long-term contracts, you can be lucky to cross the Sh1 million mark," he adds.

Regulation gap

Yafesi however, notes the values can be subjective, "There are rate cards for voice actors in Kenya as a guide, but it has been difficult to structure the industry in terms of regulations involving usage of the voice and buy-out periods, and other technical terms. As it stands the value is determined by what agencies or production houses present to the companies, measured against the company’s budget, or Finance Department’s mood, whichever comes first."

In the developed countries, voice over artistes insure their voices as their tools of trade. For Peter, Manya and Yafesi, however, they can only hope that the local industry will develop to such levels.

"I leave that to Morgan Freeman (Hollywood actor). I don’t even know you can do that here," Yafesi laughs.

The challenges

Clients often struggle to articulate their need, leading artistes to re-record multiple times in a single session. This can strain their voices and require several costly and frustrating trips back to the studio. As a result, payments are often delayed leaving artistes to lament the difficulties they face despite their efficiency.

"If I can record in 10 or 20 minutes instead of two hours, it can't be that hard, can it? But the reason it takes me less time is because I've been doing it for over two decades, not because it's easy," Yafesi adds.

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PRIME Kenya’s domestic debt jumps by Sh577 billion in a year

Unqualified Treasury officials denying Kenya favourable loan terms