Thanks to Karlyn who emailed us asking for advice on VO Websites and Hosting.
Before I share some great resources and tips, let’s talk about WHY you even need a VO website.
WHY HAVE A VO WEBSITE?
The main goal is to have a place you can direct people that offers a glimpse into who you are, what you sound like and how to contact you.
It’s important to have a site you can control that’s not your agent’s website or an online casting site. When someone searches your name, you want them to be able to find you and know how to contact you.
Before you get a WEBSITE, you’ll need to purchase a domain.
WHERE TO BUY A DOMAIN NAME?
If you go through Voice Actor Websites, you can do a free DIY version but you have to use the domain name voiceactor.com/site/yourname. If you’d like your own domain name, here are some sites to buy one for your website –
- GoDaddy (good pricing, mixed customer service reviews)
- Namecheap
- Cloudflare
- Porkbun
- IONOS
- Bluehost
WHAT DOMAIN NAME SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
Since YOU are the brand in voice over, I always suggest using your name instead of something else.
People search for your name, and search engines understand it better.
If your name is already taken, you can always try “yournameVO.com”
WHERE TO GET A VO WEBSITE?
When starting out, I wouldn’t spend a lot of money on your website. That can come later, after you start earning money to invest more in your career.
That said, I’d start with either
A| a free template through Squarespace, Wix or other platform
OR
B| use a template from VoiceActorWebsites.
Voice Actor Websites creates custom sites for voice actors (they did mine – HeidiRew.com) BUT they also offer a DIY version.
At VoiceActor.com, you can use their one page templates to set up a website for $0/month with the domain of voiceactor.com/site/yourname OR $20/month and use your preferred domain. I love their options since it’s tailored to voice actors.
One of our VO mentorship members, Cami Kaye Wickenhauser, said Squarespace and some of the other platforms have increased their fees BUT she found Carrd. Carrd creates a 1-page website and it’s only $20/month! Thanks so much for sharing Cami!
WHAT ABOUT HOSTING?
I use Brad Newman, founder of Upper Level Hosting, for my website. Brad is a voice actor and tech wiz. His prices are affordable and I’ve never had any issue.
WHAT TO INCLUDE ON A WEBSITE?
- Name
- About You
- Demos/Samples of your VO projects
- Contact Info (including any agent info)
GENERAL VO WEBSITE TIPS
DON’T OVERSPEND EARLY IN CAREER
Your website’s job is to:
- showcase your demos
- provide contact information
- establish credibility
It doesn’t have to be expensive.
DEMOS
Your demo player doesn’t have to be fancy. Just make sure that –
- demos that play reliably
- downloadable MP3s
- easy access
LEAD WITH YOU, NOT YOUR CREDENTIALS
Awards and logos are great…
…but they shouldn’t overshadow:
- your face
- your name
- your demos
Social proof works best after someone already knows who you are.
MAKE CONTACT INFO EFFORTLESS
Put your email where it’s easy to find.
Producers often want to listen and immediately reach out. The fewer clicks required, the better.
Thanks so much for this great question, Karlyn!
