As an entrepreneur, not getting as much work as you’d like can be discouraging, especially when you’re passionate about your craft and have bills to pay. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned pro, there are many factors that could be affecting your voice over bookings.

Let's explore common reasons why you might not be landing enough voiceover work and share actionable tips to help you overcome these challenges.

1. Lack of skills

It may sound kind of harsh, but let’s take a moment to reflect. Voice over work requires talent and skill, and staying relevant in today’s market means continually improving. This includes honing your acting abilities, vocal techniques, and adaptability to direction. If you’re not landing jobs, it might be time to level up your performance skills.

Take classes or workshops to refine your craft and stay ahead of industry trends. Work with a voice over coach to receive personalized feedback on your strengths and areas for growth. Investing in your skills can make a world of difference in your career.

2. Your demo reel doesn’t showcase your best work

You’ve probably heard it a million times—your demo is your calling card in the voice over world. It’s often the first thing casting directors and potential clients hear when considering you for a job. If your demo doesn’t highlight your skills and versatility or if it’s poorly produced, it’s unlikely to land you work.

Make sure your demo reel is high-quality, up-to-date, and showcases your best work. A well-produced demo can make all the difference in leaving a lasting impression and securing jobs. Always put your best voice forward!

3. You don’t have a marketing strategy

Even with talent and a stellar demo, you won’t get hired if no one knows you exist. Marketing yourself is essential, and for many voice over professionals, it takes up to 85% of their time. This includes networking, maintaining an updated website, using social media, and reaching out to potential clients through email.

To stand out in a competitive industry, think outside the box. Use creative marketing strategies and explore unique niches that align with your skills. The more you differentiate yourself, the more opportunities you’ll create. Effective marketing is just as important as your performance behind the mic!

4. You’re targeting the wrong niche

If you’re struggling to get hired, it may be time to evaluate whether you’re targeting the right niche for your voice and talents. The voice over industry is vast, with opportunities in areas like animation, commercials, audiobooks, e-learning, and documentary narration. Success comes from identifying your unique strengths and aligning them with market needs.

Focusing on a specific niche allows you to refine your skills, showcase your expertise, and build a brand that resonates with clients in that space. By niching down, you can master market nuances, stay ahead of trends, and position yourself as a sought-after professional in your chosen specialty.

5. You're afraid to put yourself out there

One of the biggest hurdles for new voice over actors is the fear of reaching out to potential clients. Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the industry for a while, the thought of rejection can be intimidating. But remember, the worst that can happen is a client says no or doesn’t respond—it’s not personal and doesn’t define your talent.

Imposter syndrome is also common, leaving many feeling like they don’t belong or aren’t good enough compared to others. Keep in mind, everyone starts somewhere. Don’t let self-doubt hold you back. The only way to secure opportunities is by putting yourself out there and reaching out to potential clients. Every step forward builds confidence and brings you closer to success.

6. Lack of networking

Networking is essential for growing your voice over business. Building relationships with industry professionals can lead to new opportunities, collaborations, and valuable connections. Attend industry events like conferences and workshops to meet other professionals, stay informed about trends, and gain insights from experienced experts through panels and sessions. Don’t overlook the value of online communities—social media groups and forums are excellent places to find new opportunities and engage with others in the industry. Networking is a vital tool for expanding your reach and growing your career.

7. You’re not being coachable

The voice over industry is always evolving, and continuous improvement is essential for success. Being coachable—open to feedback and willing to apply it—is a critical trait for growth. Coachable voice actors actively listen to feedback from directors, producers, and other professionals invested in their success. By embracing constructive criticism with an open mind and applying it to their work, they demonstrate a commitment to improvement. This adaptability not only enhances skills but also sets them apart, increasing their chances of landing more jobs. Being coachable is a key ingredient for long-term success in the industry.

8. Your recording equipment and environment

One common reason voice over artists struggle to get work is poor sound quality caused by subpar environments or equipment. Background noise, echo, and poor acoustics can negatively impact recordings and distract from the overall production. A proper recording space should be quiet, distraction-free, and soundproofed to minimize unwanted noise.

Equally important is investing in quality equipment. A good microphone, audio interface, and headphones can drastically improve the clarity and professionalism of your recordings. While these upgrades may seem costly, they’re essential for standing out in a competitive industry. High-quality recordings not only enhance your performance but also increase your chances of booking more jobs.

9. Lack of professionalism

A lack of professionalism can be a major barrier to getting more voice over work. This includes being unresponsive to emails, missing deadlines, delivering subpar work, or failing to communicate effectively with clients. Reliability is a cornerstone of professionalism. Clients depend on voice over artists to deliver high-quality work on time. Missing deadlines can disrupt production and harm your reputation. Similarly, prompt and clear communication demonstrates dependability and fosters trust. By maintaining professionalism and consistently delivering excellent work, you can build a positive reputation, attract new clients, and retain existing ones.

10. Lack of versatility

Versatility is key to standing out in the competitive voice over industry. The ability to perform in various styles or genres not only sets you apart but also appeals to a broader range of clients. Conversely, a lack of versatility can limit your opportunities.

To expand your skill set, consider taking classes or workshops to learn new techniques, practicing different voice over styles, or collaborating with other voice actors to explore new genres. Developing a diverse range of skills opens the door to more opportunities and positions you as a versatile, in-demand talent.

11. You may be procrastinating

Procrastination can be a major roadblock in the voice over industry, leading to missed deadlines, subpar work, and lost opportunities. It often stems from poor time management, lack of motivation, or fear of failure. To combat procrastination, focus on developing strong time management skills and staying motivated. Break larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks, and set clear deadlines to stay on track. This approach reduces stress, keeps you organized, and helps you consistently meet your goals, paving the way for success in your voice over career.

12. Lack of persistence

The difference between success and failure often comes down to persistence. It’s about not giving up, staying committed to your goals, and maintaining a positive attitude despite challenges or setbacks. Rejection and tough days are part of the journey, but persistence means pushing forward and learning from those experiences. By staying focused, resilient, and optimistic, you’ll build the foundation for lasting success in the voice over industry.

13. Your rates are too high (or too low!)

Setting your rates can definitely be a challenging balancing act, and can also impact your ability to secure work. If your rates are too high, potential clients may choose to work with a more affordable artist. On the other hand, if your rates are too low, clients may question the quality of your work.

It's important to research industry standards and set rates that reflect your experience, skill level, and the type of work you are doing. There are several rate guides available online that can help you understand the average rates for different types of voice-over work. Some popular rate guides include the Global Voice Acting Academy (GVAA) Rate Guide, the Gravy for the Brain Rate Guide, and the Voice Over Resource Guide Rate Card. You should also consider the amount of time and effort that goes into each project when setting your rates.

Want more voiceover jobs? Follow these guidelines to stay at the top of your game!

Navigating the voiceover industry can be challenging, but understanding potential hurdles and taking steps to overcome them can make a significant difference in the amount of jobs you book. There are many factors that can impact your ability to secure work. Ultimately, it's essential to remain adaptable, committed, and determined in the pursuit of your goals. Remember, success in the voice-over industry requires persistence, hard work, and a willingness to continually learn and grow.

Thanks for reading! - Anne

About Anne

Anne Ganguzza is California-based Voice Actor, Voiceover Coach, and award-winning Director & Producer specializing in target-marketed Voiceover Demo Production.