Brand
Who are YOU? Who who, Who who.
Branding. It’s one of those buzzwords that gets tossed around so much it starts to feel intimidating. Fancy logos, pictures, pricey websites, expensive demos and reels, and perfectly curated social media feeds…even PR managers!!—does it feel like you need to drop a small fortune just to stand out in the VO world?
Well, let me set the record straight: you don’t.
Really, great branding isn’t about flashy design or spending big bucks. It’s about clarity, consistency, and most importantly, authenticity (I know I know, we are kinda sick of this word but it ain’t goin’ anywhere, toots). It’s about showcasing what makes YOU unique, in a way that resonates with the people who need your voice.
But before you put any time or energy (or gasp! money) into it, you have to know the answer to what makes you unique. You need to self-reflect so you can have that answer top of mind whenever anyone asks.
What branding really means for voiceover actors
Branding isn’t your logo. It’s not your website. It’s not even your social media aesthetic. Those are tools you can use to express your brand. Your brand itself is how people experience you and your work.
Think about it like this:
What do clients think of when they hear your name?
What’s the vibe they get when they hear your voice?
What do CDs come to expect when they hear your auditions?
What makes you memorable?
Branding is the answer to those questions. And it doesn’t require a designer, a marketing degree, or a massive budget to make it happen. It requires the mirror and your time.
The heart of your brand: YOU
The most important element of your brand is YOU—your voice, your personality, your unique perspective. Forget trying to be everything to everyone. Lean into what makes you different. Before I got onto TikTok and crafted Astoria Redhead, I wasn’t that person in my professional life. But strangely, being myself through Astoria Redhead has empowered me to be that way in all things! If I can speak to potentially millions of people in my “normal” way, then why can’t I let that translate into who I am professionally?
Maybe you’ve got a warm, conversational sound that makes you the go-to for healthcare spots. Or a snarky, sassy edge that’s perfect for comedic campaigns. Or maybe you’re bilingual, bringing something extra to the table for international clients.
Instead of trying to guess what your brand is, listen to what people consistently say about your voice and style. Those patterns? That’s your brand talking to you.
KISS- Keep It Simple Sweetie (but oh, and Affordable, too)
Here’s the thing: branding doesn’t have to cost a fortune. You can build a strong, effective brand with minimal investment if you focus on the essentials:
A Professional Email Address
A Gmail or custom domain email is inexpensive and instantly makes you look more polished. (GET RID OF YOUR FREAKING YAHOO ADDY FOR WORK)A Basic Website or Profile
You don’t need a 10-page site with all the bells and whistles. A simple landing page with your audio clips, contact info, and a little about who you are is more than enough to get started.Consistent Messaging
Make sure your bio, audio, and communication all convey the same tone and personality. (And yes, your email signature can have personality, too!)A Personalized Presentation
It’s not about having the most expensive demo—it’s about showcasing what you do best. Record high-quality samples in your home studio that reflect your talents.Your Presence on Social Media
Pick one or two platforms where your target clients hang out and show up regularly. Be yourself. Share insights into your work, post snippets of your projects (with permission), and engage. Don’t make it a chore. Keep it fun and enjoy what you’re doing or don’t do it at all.
What clients really care about
Spoiler alert: Clients aren’t booking you because your website has cool animations or your headshot is Hollywood-grade. They’re booking you because:
Your voice fits their project.
You’re professional and easy to work with and not a dick.
You solve their problem and make their lives easier.
If you focus on those things—showing up authentically, delivering quality work, and being a pro—you’re already way ahead of the game.
Your brand is always evolving
One last thing: branding isn’t static. It grows and evolves as you do. You like something? Keep it? You hate it? Ditch it! You have the power over this.
Also, the more you refine your skills and figure out what kind of work lights you up, the more your brand will take shape. The key is to start where you are, with what you have, and let it develop over time.
Challenge
This week, take 15 minutes to:
Write down three words that describe your voice and style.
Ask a friend, coach, or client to describe what stands out about you.
Make sure your website, social media, and demos reflect those traits.
And remember: branding doesn’t need to be expensive, fancy, or complicated. It just needs to be you.
Got questions about branding? Let’s chat in the comments. I’d love to hear how you’re making your brand work for you!