Marketing should be (or will be) a big part of your voice over business. In fact, you may sometimes find yourself devoting more time to marketing each week than to actual recording time. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Remember, all your marketing efforts are what’s going to be bringing you the work.
Email marketing is a very popular method for reaching out to potential clients. It’s how I generate the majority of my voice over work. If it’s a method you’re currently employing, or plan to in the near future, here are few things to consider…
Don’t Do These 5 Things
1) Multiple Languages: I received a marketing email the other day from a voice actor. This individual was a multilingual talent. Being able to offer voice over services in more than one language certainly opens you up to a much larger pool of potential clients. But before you reach out, do your research and compose your email in the appropriate language.
Do not include multiple languages in a single email.
2) Lengthy Signatures: Email signatures is a heavily debated topic. In fact, I wrote about it last week. (Keeping Your Emails Professional) However, there is one rule I hold fast to… keep your signature simple. One particular signature I saw last week included several lines of contact information, a graphic and 13 links. Yes. 13.
Do not provide information overload in your email signature.
3) Appropriate Length: An introductory email is just that… an introduction! You’re introducing yourself, introducing your voice over services, and requesting a chance to discuss them further. Short. Simple. (Read A Tip For Your Marketing Emails)
Do not include your professional resume, life story and list of every service you offer.
4) Attachments: I know some people will argue this point with me, but in my own personal experience, sending an unsolicited demo or other file as an attachment in a marketing email is bad form. Not to mention the fact that it’s often a great way to get your email delivered straight to a spam folder.
Do not attach unsolicited demos in introductory marketing emails.
5) @Hotmail.com: Personally, when I think of a professional service, I expect that service to have a registered domain. When I receive emails from “professionals” and their address is @hotmail.com, @yahoo.com, etc… I immediately question the legitimacy. Maybe that makes me an email snob, or something. But I’m guessing I’m not alone. Buy a domain. It’ll cost you $10!
Do not send marketing emails from a generic email address.
Put Your Best Foot Forward
You never get a second chance to make a first impression. That means if you tank your introductory marketing email you’re going to have an even bigger uphill climb if you hope to develop a relationship with the potential client.
Avoid the 5 things I’ve listed above, and you’ll already be ahead of the curve!
Want more? Read How To Get More Voice Over Work
