Hiring your first voiceover artist can be a daunting experience! Luckily, there are some questions you can ask the artist to get a better understanding of their quality of work and decide if they will be a good fit for your brand.
Here are some questions to ask a voiceover artist before you take the leap.
"What equipment do you use?"
Knowing what equipment a voiceover artist uses can give you an idea of the quality of sound you'll receive and whether it will work for your project. If they're working on a Blue Yeti or a USB mic, you may not receive broadcast quality sound, but it's probably sufficient for a YouTube video narration. Keep in mind, equipment only goes so far. The best recording equipment in the world does not make up for a lack of training or acting skills.
"What is your recording schedule and turnaround time?"
Before you commit to a voice over artist you should ask them what their general turnaround time is for initial deliveries as well as revisions. Be sure your schedule aligns with theirs for moving forward. Be specific about deadline dates and times.
"Can I hear a sample of my script?"
Many voiceover artists are happy to record samples of scripts so potential clients can get an idea of what the project would sound like using their voice. Treat this sample as a finished audio file. Time sync it to your video. Listen closely to the quality of the audio itself and the acting. Ask friends or colleagues if they think the voice fits your brand's personality and project.
"What is your revision policy?"
Some voiceover artists include a certain amount of revisions or script changes for free, while others may charge you a session fee. Be sure to get clarity on their revision policy before you move forward with work to avoid pricey, unexpected charges.
"Can I hear some samples of your recent work?"
A demo is an important tool to gauge a voiceovers artists skill level, but in some cases, samples of actual, recent work can give you a better idea of what your completed project will sound like. For example, if you're a tech startup doing an explainer video, ask the artist if they have any relevant samples they can show you from recent projects.
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