Hiring Voice Talent and Maximizing Collaboration

In the world of digital marketing, the right voice can make all the difference. When hiring voice talent for your business, you’re essentially selecting the voice that will represent your brand in videos, explainer content, websites, social media, radio, TV commercials, voicemail, and audio demos. However, the affordability of using professional voice talent depends on several factors, including script length, usage of recordings, and who you choose to complete your productions.

While there’s a number of options, including ad or media agencies, video production companies, casting agencies or marketing firms to handle your projects – hiring voice talent separately can save you both time and money.

Understanding Script Length and Usage

Script length is a critical factor in determining the cost of hiring voice talent. This includes both the number of words in the script and the anticipated duration when recorded. For instance, 90 words generally equate to about 30 seconds of audio, but variations occur when scripts are read at different paces. Voice talent often provide quotes or estimates based on word count and their experience with script duration.

Usage of the recording is another significant consideration. A 30-second TV commercial broadcast in a major market typically costs more than a 30-second narration for a website. Voice talent factor in the exposure of the recording when quoting a script. Rates also differ for radio, TV, and non-broadcast mediums like YouTube commercials (commonly referred to as Pre-Roll spots). Additional rate factors may include script revisions and handling technical or medical terminology, areas where experienced voice talent shine.

The Turnaround Time

When considering the time frame for your project, turnaround is a crucial factor. Scripts are often recorded and delivered within 1-48 hours, depending on script length, submission time, and the recipient. If you opt to hire a voice talent directly, the turnaround can be as fast as 1-48 hours. However, involving a video production company or an ad agency may extend the voiceover process.

Maximizing Your Collaboration with a Voiceover Actor

Now that you’ve decided to work with a voiceover actor, especially for the first time, being prepared is essential. Consider these factors to ensure a smooth collaboration:

• Script Quality: Review your script for grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Ensure it’s well-written and represents your brand effectively.
• Pronunciation: Identify any tricky or regionally pronounced words and provide samples.
• Direction: Define your voice type, target audience, and desired reading style.
• Recording Length: Determine if you need a specific duration or if there’s flexibility based on pace and word count.
• Deadline: Clearly communicate your timeline and what “urgent” means in your context.
• Communication: Decide on the best way to convey your expectations, whether through a phone call, email, or instant messaging.
• Usage and Technical Details: Specify how and where the audio file will be used, along with technical requirements like file format and delivery method.
• Payment: Determine your payment process and any necessary forms the talent may require.

By addressing these points, you’ll not only streamline your project but also enhance the overall results.

Defining What an Urgent Deadline Means

In the world of voice-over professionals, the daily grind often revolves around a solitary pursuit: delivering top-notch audio recordings. This solitary existence, while ideal for some, can lead to a communication gap with colleagues and clients. For many of us, brevity is a hallmark of our service – a simple script sent our way, often without detailed direction, swiftly transformed into a polished voice-over with no questions asked.

This streamlined approach has its merits, but it also means that we might not delve deeply into the specifics of our clients’ daily routines. Consequently, it prompts a relevant question: What exactly constitutes “urgency” in the realm of voice-over work?

The Voice-Over Emergency

Voice-over emergencies aren’t uncommon, and they occasionally evoke a wry smile. It’s a shared understanding that while our work is vital, there are situations far more urgent in the grand scheme of things. Nonetheless, deadlines are the lifeblood of the broadcasting, entertainment, and various other industries.

In my world, “urgent” translates to immediate action, a drop-everything-and-go approach – the client needed it yesterday.

But what about your job? How do you define “urgent” in your daily tasks? Is it within ten minutes, within the hour, or simply by the end of the business day?

Navigating Urgency Across Industries

The concept of urgency can vary significantly from one industry to another. In some, a matter of minutes could be the difference between success and failure. In others, a 24-hour turnaround might be considered lightning-fast.

For voice-over professionals, understanding the urgency inherent in each project is crucial. It’s about aligning our sense of immediacy with our clients’ expectations. In a world where communication often revolves around brevity, taking the time to define what “urgent” means in a given context can bridge the gap between solo excellence and collaborative success.

The voice you choose plays a pivotal role in conveying your brand’s message. Understanding the variables that impact voice-over costs and being well-prepared when collaborating with a voiceover actor can lead to a successful partnership. Whether it’s for marketing videos, website content, or any other medium, these considerations will help you maximize the impact of your voiceover project.

This blog post is a compilation of:

• What is the truth about your urgent deadline? Originally published 10/21/15
• How to Hire a Voice for Branding your Startup. Originally published 08/10/16
• How to receive the best possible service from a voiceover actor. Originally published 09/01/15