VO Pro: The Business of Voice Over and Voice Acting

Paul Schmidt

Voiceover Business Strategies That WorkThe VO Pro Podcast is the go-to show for voice actors who want to grow their voiceover business without relying on casting sites or waiting for agents to hand them work. Hosted by voice actor and business coach Paul Schmidt, this podcast delivers no-fluff, tactical advice on how to market your voiceover services, attract high-quality clients, and build a profitable VO business in a world of AI-generated voices and shifting industry standards.You’ll learn practical voiceover marketing tips, how to master direct marketing for voice actors, build a solid client base, and use tools like email outreach, SEO, and strategic positioning to stand out. We cover how to price your work, optimize your VO website, and navigate topics like AI and voiceover with clarity and confidence.Each week, we bring you insights and strategies from Paul, and interviews with working voice actors, coaches, casting directors, and experts who understand the business of voiceover from the inside out.If you're a freelance voice actor looking to take control of your career and actually get booked, this is the podcast for you. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Audible, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, SoundCloud, Deezer, Podcast Addict, Castbox, and RSS, and wherever you get your podcasts. You’ll also find helpful information including my free Move Touch Inspire newsletter for voice actors at https://VOPro.pro/mti SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/vopro-pro?sub_confirmation=1 The Pro Blog: https://vopro.pro/blog The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vofreedommasterplan.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom

  1. 1d ago

    7 Client Experience Mistakes that Cost Voice Actors Repeat Business

    Are you sabotaging your own voiceover career with client mistakes you don’t even notice? Discover the 7 hidden habits that keep talented voice actors from landing repeat clients and building a sustainable business. In this video, we’ll reveal exactly what’s holding you back—and the step-by-step fixes top pros use to turn every job into a long-term opportunity. Don’t let simple missteps cost you money, trust, and your dream career. 7-Day VO Outreach Challenge Roadmap: https://welcome.vopro.pro/7-day-outre... VO Pro: https://vopro.pro/workwithme #VoiceoverTips #ClientExperience #VoiceActing #BookingSuccess #VOPro #FreelanceVoiceover #VoiceoverBusiness Links: (When possible, I use affiliate links and may earn a commission. See disclosure below.) ▶️ Subscribe: https://vopro.pro/youtube 🎗️ Support: https://vopro.pro/support 🆓 Free Voice Actor Resources: https://vopro.pro/freesources 📈 Work with Me: https://vopro.pro/workwithme 🎧 The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 🪜 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://vopro.pro/7steps 📭 Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors and Creative Pros: https://vopro.pro/mti 🖥️ Facebook: https://vopro.pro/facebook 🛒 The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop 🎙️ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com Tools and Tech: 💲 Solopreneur and small business accounting: https://vopro.pro/quickbooks (Get 50% off) 📑  Create beautiful resources, e-books, and presentations like mine in minutes: https://vopro.pro/typeset 📘 Recommended Book List with Links: https://vopro.pro/booklist ⚙️ Tools I Use with Links: https://vopro.pro/gearlist 🎯 Lead generation and targeting: Apollo.io: https://vopro.pro/apollo 🛒 The world's best checkout cart: SamCart: https://vopro.pro/samcart 🌳 Way Better than Linktree: https://vopro.pro/pillar 🖊️ The best social media publisher I've found: https://vopro.pro/publer Disclosure: Affiliate marketing is an great way to generate revenue as a content creator. Some links in my video descriptions are affiliate links and I may earn a commission should you make a purchase after clicking them. I only link to items I recommend. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. About (Paul) Schmidt: Paul Schmidt is a successful voice actor, community builder, and voiceover business coach.  He's also the creator of the VO Freedom Master Plan, a voiceover marketing program designed to generate consistent opportunities for voice actors to book work, and the VO Pro Community, a private, professional, global community created to meet the needs of voice actors and audiobook narrators who want to take their careers to the next level.  Paul has been a voice actor for over 25 years and full-time for the last several. He lives in beautiful Richmon Send us Fan Mail Support the show

    7 Client Experience Mistakes that Cost Voice Actors Repeat Business
  2. Oct 8

    What Voices.com Really Costs Your Voiceover Business

    Voices.com vs direct marketing for voice actors: what does it actually cost to book voiceover work? Between Voices.com fees, unpaid audition time, and dependence on a casting platform, the price of a booking goes beyond your annual membership. In this video, we break down the 20% platform fee, how your audition-to-booking ratio affects your earnings, and what changes when you build direct client relationships. You’ll learn how voiceover client outreach, targeted prospecting, and consistent follow-up can help you build a business with more control over where your work comes from. You don’t have to quit casting platforms overnight. But you do need to know what they cost and have a plan for finding clients beyond the audition queue. Explore voice actor marketing training and The Marketing Master Plan at https://vopro.pro How many auditions does it take you to book a job? Share your booking ratio in the comments. The Auditions Calculator: https://welcome.vopro.pro/auditions-c... The VO Marketing Master Plan Waitlist: https://vopro.pro/waitlist #VoicesCom #VoiceActorMarketing #VoiceOver #VoiceActing #DirectMarketing #VoiceOverBusiness #vopro Links: (When possible, I use affiliate links and may earn a commission. See disclosure below.) ▶️ Subscribe: https://vopro.pro/youtube 🎗️ Support: https://vopro.pro/support 🆓 Free Voice Actor Resources: https://vopro.pro/freesources 📈 Work with Me: https://vopro.pro/workwithme 🎧 The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 🪜 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://vopro.pro/7steps 📭 Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors and Creative Pros: https://vopro.pro/mti 🖥️ Facebook: https://vopro.pro/facebook 🛒 The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop 🎙️ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com Tools and Tech: 💲 Solopreneur and small business accounting: https://vopro.pro/quickbooks (Get 50% off) 📑  Create beautiful resources, e-books, and presentations like mine in minutes: https://vopro.pro/typeset 📘 Recommended Book List with Links: https://vopro.pro/booklist ⚙️ Tools I Use with Links: https://vopro.pro/gearlist 🎯 Lead generation and targeting: Apollo.io: https://vopro.pro/apollo 🛒 The world's best checkout cart: SamCart: https://vopro.pro/samcart 🌳 Way Better than Linktree: https://vopro.pro/pillar 🖊️ The best social media publisher I've found: https://vopro.pro/publer Send us Fan Mail Support the show

    What Voices.com Really Costs Your Voiceover Business
  3. Oct 1

    Why Your Narration Sounds Good But Falls Flat

    Documentary narration takes more than a great voice. Veteran voice actor and coach Thom Pinto joins me to explore the voiceover techniques that turn a polished read into compelling storytelling, and the habits that can hold your performance back. With more than 30 years of documentary and docuseries narration experience, Thom shares how he approaches script analysis, emotional range, visualization, and connecting with an audience. His credits include the History Channel, Smithsonian, BBC, and the Weather Channel. We get into why your default narrator voice can work against you, how to make familiar words sound like a fresh discovery, and what it takes to bring your own perspective to an audition. Because sounding good and making someone care are two very different skills. In this conversation, you’ll learn: • How to use “think visually, act vocally” in your voiceover work  • Why smooth delivery can flatten a story’s tension and surprises  • How Thom’s Colors of Your Voice technique develops emotional variety  • What watching documentaries can teach you about narration  • How to adapt your delivery to the audience, visuals, and subject matter  • Why distinctive choices matter more than imitating another narrator  • How to stay relevant as your voice and the industry change  Thom also shares the thinking behind his course, Primetime Narration: Mastering Documentary Storytelling, and the lessons he wants to pass on to the next generation of narrators. CHAPTERS  00:00 Meet Thom 01:17 Creating Primetime Narration  07:45 Lessons from his first documentary jobs  11:22 What makes a story compelling  14:53 Think visually, act vocally  20:44 Beyond a beautiful voice  25:39 The Colors of Your Voice technique  30:33 Understanding your audience  35:13 Staying relevant in voiceover  39:51 Who Primetime Narration is for  44:04 Finding the confidence to leave your stamp  Build the business behind your voice with VO Pro:  https://vopro.pro Subscribe for more conversations about voice acting, voiceover marketing, and building a sustainable VO career. What narration habit are you working to break? Tell us in the comments. #VoiceOver #DocumentaryNarration #ThomPinto Links: (When possible, I use affiliate links and may earn a commission. See disclosure below.) ▶️ Subscribe: https://vopro.pro/youtube 🎗️ Support: https://vopro.pro/support 🆓 Free Voice Actor Resources: https://vopro.pro/freesources 📈 Work with Me: https://vopro.pro/workwithme 🎧 The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 🪜 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://vopro.pro/7steps 📭 Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors and Creative Pros: https://vopro.pro/mti 🖥️ Facebook: https://vopro.pro/facebook 🛒 The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop 🎙️ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com Tools and Tech: 💲 Solopreneur and small business accounting: https://vopro.pro/quickbooks (Get 50% off) 📑  Create beautiful resources, e-books, and presentations like mine in minutes: https://vopro.pro/typeset 📘 Recommended Book List with Links: https://vopro.pro/booklist ⚙️ Tools I Use with Links: https://vopro.pro/gearlist 🎯 Lead generation and targeting: Apollo.io: https://vopro.pro/apollo 🛒 The world's best checkout cart: SamCart: Send us Fan Mail Support the show

    Why Your Narration Sounds Good But Falls Flat
  4. Sep 24

    Does Direct Marketing Still WORK for Voice Actors?

    Are you worried AI and low reply rates have killed direct outreach? Think again. In this video, we break down why smart, targeted marketing is still essential for VO pros in 2026 and the exact steps to avoid burnout and land real gigs. Learn practical strategies to connect with the right buyers, build lasting relationships (not just inbox activity), and measure real business results. We’ll cover new industry data, expert advice from Tom Dheere and J. Michael Collins, and a proven process for modern outreach. Tom's Post: https://www.vostrategist.com/post/ai-... JMC's Post: https://www.jmcvoiceover.com/2026/09/... Get the free Invisible Funnel Flowchart: https://welcome.vopro.pro/invisible-f... Explore The Marketing Master Plan™: https://vopro.pro/waitlist #VoiceOverMarketing #DirectOutreach #VoiceActorTips #GrowYourVO #VOBusiness #VoiceOver #MarketingMasterPlan Links: (When possible, I use affiliate links and may earn a commission. See disclosure below.) ▶️ Subscribe: https://vopro.pro/youtube 🎗️ Support: https://vopro.pro/support 🆓 Free Voice Actor Resources: https://vopro.pro/freesources 📈 Work with Me: https://vopro.pro/workwithme 🎧 The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 🪜 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://vopro.pro/7steps 📭 Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors and Creative Pros: https://vopro.pro/mti 🖥️ Facebook: https://vopro.pro/facebook 🛒 The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop 🎙️ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com Disclosure: Affiliate marketing is an great way to generate revenue as a content creator. Some links in my video descriptions are affiliate links and I may earn a commission should you make a purchase after clicking them. I only link to items I recommend. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

    Does Direct Marketing Still WORK for Voice Actors?
  5. Sep 3

    There's No Winning The Blame Game

    Are you stuck blaming the industry, AI, or luck for your stalled VO career? It’s time for real change. Discover why blame is secretly draining your power and stopping your voice over dreams before they start. In this actionable guide, you’ll shift from feeling powerless to taking smart, strategic control without toxic positivity. Uncover the mindset and tactics top pros use to bypass obstacles and finally move from stuck to unstoppable. The Voice Actor’s First 50 Contacts Swipe File: https://welcome.vopro.pro/first-50-co... #voiceover #VOPro #voiceacting #careeradvice #mindset #entrepreneurs #selfsabotage #accountability Links: (When possible, I use affiliate links and may earn a commission. See disclosure below.) ▶️ Subscribe: https://vopro.pro/youtube 🎗️ Support: https://vopro.pro/support 🆓 Free Voice Actor Resources: https://vopro.pro/freesources 📈 Work with Me: https://vopro.pro/workwithme 🎧 The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 🪜 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://vopro.pro/7steps 📭 Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors and Creative Pros: https://vopro.pro/mti 🖥️ Facebook: https://vopro.pro/facebook 🛒 The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop 🎙️ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com Tools and Tech: 💲 Solopreneur and small business accounting: https://vopro.pro/quickbooks (Get 50% off) 📑  Create beautiful resources, e-books, and presentations like mine in minutes: https://vopro.pro/typeset 📘 Recommended Book List with Links: https://vopro.pro/booklist ⚙️ Tools I Use with Links: https://vopro.pro/gearlist 🎯 Lead generation and targeting: Apollo.io: https://vopro.pro/apollo 🛒 The world's best checkout cart: SamCart: https://vopro.pro/samcart 🌳 Way Better than Linktree: https://vopro.pro/pillar 🖊️ The best social media publisher I've found: https://vopro.pro/publer Disclosure: Affiliate marketing is an great way to generate revenue as a content creator. Some links in my video descriptions are affiliate links and I may earn a commission should you make a purchase after clicking them. I only link to items I recommend. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. About (Paul) Schmidt: Paul Schmidt is a successful voice actor, community builder, and voiceover business coach.  He's also the creator of the VO Freedom Master Plan, a voiceover marketing program designed to generate consistent opportunities for voice actors to book work, and the VO Pro Community, a private, professional, global community created to meet the needs of voice actors and audiobook narrators who want to take their careers to the next level.  Paul has been a voice actor for over 25 years and full-time for the last several. He lives in beautiful Richmond, VA. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

    There's No Winning The Blame Game
  6. Aug 27

    Why Voice Actors Quit BEFORE Things Start Working

    Most voice actors quit right before real success. Don’t let it happen to you. Here’s how to win. Discover why talented voice actors walk away just before their careers take off and how you can avoid being another almost-made-it story. This video exposes the hidden killers of VO dreams: impatience, burnout, and the myth of overnight success. Learn how to build lasting momentum, outlast the messy middle, and become the exception. 5-Day Mindset Reset Email Mini-Course: https://welcome.vopro.pro/5-day-minds... #VoiceActing #VoiceOverTips #VOBusiness #VOPro #VoiceActorSuccess #DontQuit #VoiceOverTraining Links: (When possible, I use affiliate links and may earn a commission. See disclosure below.) ▶️ Subscribe: https://vopro.pro/youtube 🎗️ Support: https://vopro.pro/support 🆓 Free Voice Actor Resources: https://vopro.pro/freesources 📈 Work with Me: https://vopro.pro/workwithme 🎧 The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 🪜 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://vopro.pro/7steps 📭 Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors and Creative Pros: https://vopro.pro/mti 🖥️ Facebook: https://vopro.pro/facebook 🛒 The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop 🎙️ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com Tools and Tech: 💲 Solopreneur and small business accounting: https://vopro.pro/quickbooks (Get 50% off) 📑  Create beautiful resources, e-books, and presentations like mine in minutes: https://vopro.pro/typeset 📘 Recommended Book List with Links: https://vopro.pro/booklist ⚙️ Tools I Use with Links: https://vopro.pro/gearlist 🎯 Lead generation and targeting: Apollo.io: https://vopro.pro/apollo 🛒 The world's best checkout cart: SamCart: https://vopro.pro/samcart 🌳 Way Better than Linktree: https://vopro.pro/pillar 🖊️ The best social media publisher I've found: https://vopro.pro/publer Disclosure: Affiliate marketing is an great way to generate revenue as a content creator. Some links in my video descriptions are affiliate links and I may earn a commission should you make a purchase after clicking them. I only link to items I recommend. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. About (Paul) Schmidt: Paul Schmidt is a successful voice actor, community builder, and voiceover business coach.  He's also the creator of the VO Freedom Master Plan, a voiceover marketing program designed to generate consistent opportunities for voice actors to book work, and the VO Pro Community, a private, professional, global community created to meet the needs of voice actors and audiobook narrators who want to take their careers to the next level.  Paul has been a voice actor for over 25 years and full-time for the last several. He lives in beautiful Richmond, VA. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

    Why Voice Actors Quit BEFORE Things Start Working
  7. Aug 20

    Positioning Problems in Voice Over Marketing

    Struggling to explain what you do as a voice actor? Unlock your brand & land more gigs! This video reveals why most voice actors fail at describing their work, how brand clarity unlocks full-time bookings, and the best messaging tips from real industry experiences. You'll discover actionable steps to stand out, get remembered, and actually get hired. 🎁 THE VOICE ACTOR'S GUIDE TO POSITIONING AGAINST AI: https://welcome.vopro.pro/ai-positioning-guide #VoiceActor #VoiceOver #Branding #VOPro #NicheMarketing #FreelanceVoice #VoiceOverTips Links: (When possible, I use affiliate links and may earn a commission. See disclosure below.) ▶️ Subscribe: https://vopro.pro/youtube 🎗️ Support: https://vopro.pro/support 🆓 Free Voice Actor Resources: https://vopro.pro/freesources 📈 Work with Me: https://vopro.pro/workwithme 🎧 The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 🪜 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://vopro.pro/7steps 📭 Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors and Creative Pros: https://vopro.pro/mti 🖥️ Facebook: https://vopro.pro/facebook 🛒 The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop 🎙️ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com Tools and Tech: 💲 Solopreneur and small business accounting: https://vopro.pro/quickbooks (Get 50% off) 📑  Create beautiful resources, e-books, and presentations like mine in minutes: https://vopro.pro/typeset 📘 Recommended Book List with Links: https://vopro.pro/booklist ⚙️ Tools I Use with Links: https://vopro.pro/gearlist 🎯 Lead generation and targeting: Apollo.io: https://vopro.pro/apollo 🛒 The world's best checkout cart: SamCart: https://vopro.pro/samcart 🌳 Way Better than Linktree: https://vopro.pro/pillar 🖊️ The best social media publisher I've found: https://vopro.pro/publer Disclosure: Affiliate marketing is an great way to generate revenue as a content creator. Some links in my video descriptions are affiliate links and I may earn a commission should you make a purchase after clicking them. I only link to items I recommend. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. About (Paul) Schmidt: Paul Schmidt is a successful voice actor, community builder, and voiceover business coach.  He's also the creator of the VO Freedom Master Plan, a voiceover marketing program designed to generate consistent opportunities for voice actors to book work, and the VO Pro Community, a private, professional, global community created to meet the needs of voice actors and audiobook narrators who want to take their careers to the next level.  Paul has been a voice actor for over 25 years and full-time for the last several. He lives in beautiful Richmond, VA. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

    Positioning Problems in Voice Over Marketing
  8. Aug 13

    The Most Ignored Skill in VO Marketing

    Are invisible skills holding back your VO career? Discover what really lands voice actors consistent gigs! Unlock the true secrets to steady bookings, not just better vocal technique. In this video, we reveal the off-mic skills that transform part-timers into full-time voice over professionals: communication, consistency, professionalism, relationships, organization, resilience, and systems. Packed with real stories, quick wins, and proven strategies you can start using today. Get The 7-Day VO Outreach Roadmap FREE: https://welcome.vopro.pro/7-day-outreach-challenge-roadmap Start your full VO journey: https://vopro.pro/vopro Links: (When possible, I use affiliate links and may earn a commission. See disclosure below.) ▶️ Subscribe: https://vopro.pro/youtube 🎗️ Support: https://vopro.pro/support 🆓 Free Voice Actor Resources: https://vopro.pro/freesources 📈 Work with Me: https://vopro.pro/workwithme 🎧 The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 🪜 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://vopro.pro/7steps 📭 Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors and Creative Pros: https://vopro.pro/mti 🖥️ Facebook: https://vopro.pro/facebook 🛒 The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop 🎙️ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com Tools and Tech: 💲 Solopreneur and small business accounting: https://vopro.pro/quickbooks (Get 50% off) 📑  Create beautiful resources, e-books, and presentations like mine in minutes: https://vopro.pro/typeset 📘 Recommended Book List with Links: https://vopro.pro/booklist ⚙️ Tools I Use with Links: https://vopro.pro/gearlist 🎯 Lead generation and targeting: Apollo.io: https://vopro.pro/apollo 🛒 The world's best checkout cart: SamCart: https://vopro.pro/samcart 🌳 Way Better than Linktree: https://vopro.pro/pillar 🖊️ The best social media publisher I've found: https://vopro.pro/publer Disclosure: Affiliate marketing is an great way to generate revenue as a content creator. Some links in my video descriptions are affiliate links and I may earn a commission should you make a purchase after clicking them. I only link to items I recommend. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. About (Paul) Schmidt: Paul Schmidt is a successful voice actor, community builder, and voiceover business coach.  He's also the creator of the VO Freedom Master Plan, a voiceover marketing program designed to generate consistent opportunities for voice actors to book work, and the VO Pro Community, a private, professional, global community created to meet the needs of voice actors and audiobook narrators who want to take their careers to the next level.  Paul has been a voice actor for over 25 years and full-time for the last several. He lives in beautiful Richmond, VA. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

    The Most Ignored Skill in VO Marketing
4.8
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Voiceover Business Strategies That WorkThe VO Pro Podcast is the go-to show for voice actors who want to grow their voiceover business without relying on casting sites or waiting for agents to hand them work. Hosted by voice actor and business coach Paul Schmidt, this podcast delivers no-fluff, tactical advice on how to market your voiceover services, attract high-quality clients, and build a profitable VO business in a world of AI-generated voices and shifting industry standards.You’ll learn practical voiceover marketing tips, how to master direct marketing for voice actors, build a solid client base, and use tools like email outreach, SEO, and strategic positioning to stand out. We cover how to price your work, optimize your VO website, and navigate topics like AI and voiceover with clarity and confidence.Each week, we bring you insights and strategies from Paul, and interviews with working voice actors, coaches, casting directors, and experts who understand the business of voiceover from the inside out.If you're a freelance voice actor looking to take control of your career and actually get booked, this is the podcast for you. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Audible, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, SoundCloud, Deezer, Podcast Addict, Castbox, and RSS, and wherever you get your podcasts. You’ll also find helpful information including my free Move Touch Inspire newsletter for voice actors at https://VOPro.pro/mti SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/vopro-pro?sub_confirmation=1 The Pro Blog: https://vopro.pro/blog The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vofreedommasterplan.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom

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