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If you’re a voice actor, then you know that one of the best ways to find new gigs is through personal connections. And what better way to make new connections than on LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional networking site? With more than 610 million users in over 200 countries and territories, LinkedIn provides a great opportunity for voice actors to connect with potential clients from all over the world. But with so many users, it can be a bit overwhelming to know where to start. Luckily, we’re here to help with some tips on how to use LinkedIn to find voice-over gigs.
Start by creating a catchy headline and summary.
Your headline and summary are like your elevator pitch—they should be concise and attention-grabbing, and they should give potential clients an idea of what you do and what makes you unique. When writing your headline, be sure to include relevant keywords so that you come up in searches. And in your summary, be sure to mention any relevant experience or skills that you have.
Optimize your profile with keywords
LinkedIn provides an opportunity for users to add up to 50 keywords to their profiles. These keywords are searchable, which means that they can help you come up in searches by potential clients. Be sure to include relevant keywords that describe your skills and experience, as well as terms related to the kinds of voice-over gigs you’re looking for.
Use LinkedIn’s powerful search features
Take advantage of LinkedIn’s advanced search features to find potential clients who may be interested in hiring you for their next project. You can search by location, industry, company size, or other factors.
Join relevant groups
LinkedIn has thousands of groupsl Attjoining a few relevant ones is a great way not only expand your network but also get your name out there as a voice actor. Many groups have job boards where members can post and apply for gigs, so be sure to check those frequently. You can also start or join discussions in groups—this is a great way to showcase your knowledge and build credibility within the industry. Just be sure not stop there—be sure to also engage with other members outside of the group discussion forums.
Use InMail messages strategically
InMail messages are LinkedIn’s internal messaging system, and they can be extremely useful for reaching out to potential clients who you don’t have a direct connection with yet—but you’ll need a paid subscriptionto use them. If you decide to go this route, be sure to personalize each message so that it doesn’t sound like a generic form letter, and make sure that your message is brief but provides enough information about why you’re reaching out and how you could be of value.
Connect with other voice actors
One of the best ways to find new work is through word-of-mouth referrals, so don’t forget to connect with other voice actors on LinkedIn! Not only will this help you expand your network, but it will also give you an opportunity to learn about new opportunities (and possibly even land some gigs). Most importantly, though, connecting with other professionals in your field is simply good practice—you never know when one of those connections might come in handy down the road!
Connect with casting directors
One of the best ways to land gigs is to build relationships with casting directors. Follow casting directors on LinkedIn and interact with their content. If you know anyone who’s connected with a casting director, be sure to ask for an introduction.
Share your work
Post links to your recent projects on LinkedIn so that other voice actors and industry professionals can discover your work.
Post consistently
Regularly update your profile and post new content such as blog articles or videos. This will keep people coming back to your profile and remind them of your skills as a voice actor.
Don’t ignore job postings
Keep an eye out for job postings that may be relevant to your skills as a voice actor. You can set up job alerts so that you’ll be notified whenever a new posting goes up that matches your criteria.
LinkedIn can be a powerful tool in your voiceover career
LinkedIn can be an extremely powerful tool for voice actors looking for new gigs—but only if it’s used correctly. By following these tips, you can make the most out of LinkedIn and increase your chances of landing some great voice-over work!
M. Bruce Abbott is the Creative Director/Partner at Radio Lounge. Bruce has over 30 years experience as a voice actor, casting and production director, as well as extensive advertising, marketing, and podcasting experience.
