A website is the calling card for the contemporary voice actor’s business. It is one of the most important assets that will be used to showcase your work and help secure voice over jobs in the modern day.
Written by Paul Castro Jr
Paul is an Actor and Filmmaker from New York City. In the world of V.O., he has voiced countless commercials and promos for networks like Nickelodeon and various animated shows and video games. On television, he has appeared on shows such as God Friended Me, Blue Bloods, and Limitless. As a producer, he recently released the documentary Madonna and the Breakfast Club on Hulu. His passion for voice acting led him to Los Angeles where he now resides with many projects in production. www.PaulCastroJr.com @PaulCastroJr
Fortunately for aspiring voice actors, in addition to hiring a web designer, there are numerous website builders that allow the average person with little to no web design experience the ability to create a stunning website.
Some of my favorite website builders that offer customizable templates are:
Many of these builders will require you to have your own web hosting for a monthly or yearly pricing plan as well as a domain that is typically included with the hosting package. Your domain should be something simple, easy, and relative to your name or business, easily discoverable on any search engine. If you are unable to secure a “.com” or “.net” with your “stage name” I recommend adding “vo” or “actor” to the end of it. Additionally, you will want to enable or optimize the SEO of your site for the various genres of voice-over you provide, aided by branding terms specific to your “type” in order to assist with search engine visibility. Knowing the audience your voice speaks to is imperative for breaking into the already saturated voice-over market. Your website should also be optimized for mobile viewing which many of these builders can do automatically with some minor adjustments.
Using a website builder allows you to be in control of your content. As actors who often work from gig to gig, there is always more media or content to upload. Learning how to maintain your own site will minimize the fees associated with the constant upkeep your site will require and keep you relevant.
If your website is solely dedicated to voice over, the main tabs or page categories to cover are:
HOME, DEMOS, STUDIO, ABOUT, CLIENTS/RESUME & CONTACT.
HOME
Whether you decide to use a “single page” with clickable anchors that bring the viewer to each section or a navigation menu with multiple tabs/individual pages, the first information that appears should be your main demos. Any remaining samples and reels should also be listed under your DEMOS tab. Casting directors or agencies are sifting through hundreds of submissions, demos, and websites, so if they are unable to find the material they need instantly in order to hire or consider working with you, it’s highly probable you’ll be tossed to the wayside.
Your homepage is also an area where you can update visitors on news or recent bookings. If you are in the process of courting an agent or manager, listing all your recent success on your homepage is a wonderful way to establish that you are making money even without representation. This will show the agent that you are bookable and worth consideration for their roster.
Hiring a graphic designer to create a logo can support establishing your brand and aid in making your website sleek and memorable.
DEMOS
When it comes to showcasing your demos, many of these builders have their own audio hosting players available as apps or add-ons. However, using a service like Spotify, Soundcloud, or VoiceZam is also preferable. Gone are the days of relying on a single demo to encompass your VO abilities. It’s critical to have individual demos that cover each category you work in such as: Animation, Videogames/Interactive, Promo, Commercial, Anime, Narration, Audio Book, Medical, e-Learning, Announcer, Singing, Explainer, Radio Imaging, Political, Voice Match, Industrial, IVR, and more.
If you have video footage of your past work – a television commercial you narrated or even scenes from an animated series or video game – these will serve as even better tools to engage your visitor or potential client in the context of the work you can produce.
STUDIO
Working with clients remotely and recording from your home studio is becoming the new norm. You will want to make sure you have all your audio equipment listed on your site and that it is up to date. Furthermore, having photos of your equipment or home studio on your page will validate your authenticity and reflect the professional quality of the work you provide.
The most important things to note are your:
INTERFACE(s), MICROPHONE(s), DAW(s), REMOTE CONNECTION (ISDN, ipDTL, SOURCE CONNECT etc.)
Depending on the genre of voice-over you are working on, a client might prefer one microphone to another. If you are working in animation or video games, they might request a large-diaphragm microphone to handle movement or to closely match other talent, and if it’s promo/commercial they might be interested in something more like the Sennheiser 416. Accurately listing your gear could be the difference between securing a job or being overlooked.
ABOUT
This section of your website is your opportunity to let your visitors know who you are and what your professional background or journey has been thus far. It can also be considered as a biography page. No need to divulge your entire life story here but showcasing some of your personality will help resonate with a potential employer and create a more personal connection with a client. This would be a great place to display a headshot or portrait of you rocking out in the booth.
CLIENTS/RESUME
Any notable clients or previous roles you have voiced should be listed on this page of your website. You can present them in the form of a traditional one sheet acting resume/CV, a client list, or with logos of the companies the work was for.
In a traditional resume, you can separate the information into three columns such as below:
Title
Role
Production/Network
Romeo and Juliet
Romeo
Dir: William Shakespeare, BBC
If you can secure testimonials or positive references from notable clients, there is no better way to prove to a prospective client that you are reliable and may include them on this page as well.
CONTACT
This final tab should list your business contact information or the email/phone numbers of your representation/management. You can also opt to provide a CONTACT FORM that is connected to your email address if you would like to retain your email privacy. Refrain from listing any personal information such as your home address or phone numbers. You should also list and link your social media accounts here if you are active on any platforms (which you should be!)
CONCLUSION
It is called SHOW BUSINESS for a reason, and like any other business in the world, your website must be professional and relevant. Working with a trusted web designer that specializes in voice actor websites such as VoiceActorWebsites.com is a great alternative to the DIY presented here if you are ready to take the next leap in the professional market. A website is an investment and one of the most profitable ones at that.
Related Articles
A website is the calling card for the contemporary voice actor’s business. It is one of the most important assets that will be used to showcase your work and help secure voice over jobs in the modern day.
Written by Paul Castro Jr
Paul is an Actor and Filmmaker from New York City. In the world of V.O., he has voiced countless commercials and promos for networks like Nickelodeon and various animated shows and video games. On television, he has appeared on shows such as God Friended Me, Blue Bloods, and Limitless. As a producer, he recently released the documentary Madonna and the Breakfast Club on Hulu. His passion for voice acting led him to Los Angeles where he now resides with many projects in production. www.PaulCastroJr.com @PaulCastroJr
Fortunately for aspiring voice actors, in addition to hiring a web designer, there are numerous website builders that allow the average person with little to no web design experience the ability to create a stunning website.
Some of my favorite website builders that offer customizable templates are:
Many of these builders will require you to have your own web hosting for a monthly or yearly pricing plan as well as a domain that is typically included with the hosting package. Your domain should be something simple, easy, and relative to your name or business, easily discoverable on any search engine. If you are unable to secure a “.com” or “.net” with your “stage name” I recommend adding “vo” or “actor” to the end of it. Additionally, you will want to enable or optimize the SEO of your site for the various genres of voice-over you provide, aided by branding terms specific to your “type” in order to assist with search engine visibility. Knowing the audience your voice speaks to is imperative for breaking into the already saturated voice-over market. Your website should also be optimized for mobile viewing which many of these builders can do automatically with some minor adjustments.
Using a website builder allows you to be in control of your content. As actors who often work from gig to gig, there is always more media or content to upload. Learning how to maintain your own site will minimize the fees associated with the constant upkeep your site will require and keep you relevant.
If your website is solely dedicated to voice over, the main tabs or page categories to cover are:
HOME, DEMOS, STUDIO, ABOUT, CLIENTS/RESUME & CONTACT.
HOME
Whether you decide to use a “single page” with clickable anchors that bring the viewer to each section or a navigation menu with multiple tabs/individual pages, the first information that appears should be your main demos. Any remaining samples and reels should also be listed under your DEMOS tab. Casting directors or agencies are sifting through hundreds of submissions, demos, and websites, so if they are unable to find the material they need instantly in order to hire or consider working with you, it’s highly probable you’ll be tossed to the wayside.
Your homepage is also an area where you can update visitors on news or recent bookings. If you are in the process of courting an agent or manager, listing all your recent success on your homepage is a wonderful way to establish that you are making money even without representation. This will show the agent that you are bookable and worth consideration for their roster.
Hiring a graphic designer to create a logo can support establishing your brand and aid in making your website sleek and memorable.
DEMOS
When it comes to showcasing your demos, many of these builders have their own audio hosting players available as apps or add-ons. However, using a service like Spotify, Soundcloud, or VoiceZam is also preferable. Gone are the days of relying on a single demo to encompass your VO abilities. It’s critical to have individual demos that cover each category you work in such as: Animation, Videogames/Interactive, Promo, Commercial, Anime, Narration, Audio Book, Medical, e-Learning, Announcer, Singing, Explainer, Radio Imaging, Political, Voice Match, Industrial, IVR, and more.
If you have video footage of your past work – a television commercial you narrated or even scenes from an animated series or video game – these will serve as even better tools to engage your visitor or potential client in the context of the work you can produce.
STUDIO
Working with clients remotely and recording from your home studio is becoming the new norm. You will want to make sure you have all your audio equipment listed on your site and that it is up to date. Furthermore, having photos of your equipment or home studio on your page will validate your authenticity and reflect the professional quality of the work you provide.
The most important things to note are your:
INTERFACE(s), MICROPHONE(s), DAW(s), REMOTE CONNECTION (ISDN, ipDTL, SOURCE CONNECT etc.)
Depending on the genre of voice-over you are working on, a client might prefer one microphone to another. If you are working in animation or video games, they might request a large-diaphragm microphone to handle movement or to closely match other talent, and if it’s promo/commercial they might be interested in something more like the Sennheiser 416. Accurately listing your gear could be the difference between securing a job or being overlooked.
ABOUT
This section of your website is your opportunity to let your visitors know who you are and what your professional background or journey has been thus far. It can also be considered as a biography page. No need to divulge your entire life story here but showcasing some of your personality will help resonate with a potential employer and create a more personal connection with a client. This would be a great place to display a headshot or portrait of you rocking out in the booth.
CLIENTS/RESUME
Any notable clients or previous roles you have voiced should be listed on this page of your website. You can present them in the form of a traditional one sheet acting resume/CV, a client list, or with logos of the companies the work was for.
In a traditional resume, you can separate the information into three columns such as below:
Title
Romeo and Juliet
Role
Romeo
Production/Network
Dir: William Shakespeare, BBC
If you can secure testimonials or positive references from notable clients, there is no better way to prove to a prospective client that you are reliable and may include them on this page as well.
CONTACT
This final tab should list your business contact information or the email/phone numbers of your representation/management. You can also opt to provide a CONTACT FORM that is connected to your email address if you would like to retain your email privacy. Refrain from listing any personal information such as your home address or phone numbers. You should also list and link your social media accounts here if you are active on any platforms (which you should be!)
CONCLUSION
It is called SHOW BUSINESS for a reason, and like any other business in the world, your website must be professional and relevant. Working with a trusted web designer that specializes in voice actor websites such as VoiceActorWebsites.com is a great alternative to the DIY presented here if you are ready to take the next leap in the professional market. A website is an investment and one of the most profitable ones at that.
Related Articles
