Tariffs are here. Will they impact the voice over industry? I didn't bring J. Michael Collins on the podcast to talk tariffs and trade wars, but it just so happened that the day we recorded, that was the story of the day. So we tackled it.

We didn't stop there. We also talked trends voice actors need to watch in 2025 including shifts in commercial and political, the new "it read" that seems to be booking at the moment. How shifting demographics are opening up more opportunities for certain voice actors who may have felt a little left behind in recent years.

A lot of ground is covered in this chat. We even had time to get to VO Atlanta and some insights into this years conference.

If you're a voice actor looking to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry, you're going to want to dig into this one with a notebook!

* Voice Over Marketing Playbook Visit https://voiceovermarketingplaybook.com

* The VOpreneur Guide to Testimonials Visit https://vopreneur.com/testimonials

* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott

* For voice over services: Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com

* Want VOpreneur Swag? Visit https://teespring.com/stores/vopreneur

* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur

* Thanks to "Uncle Roy" for production assistance! Visit https://antlandproductions.com

* Thanks to Christy Harst for VO contributions! Visit https://christyharst.com

* Thanks to Krysta Wallrauch for VO contributions! Visit https://krystawallrauch.com

If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. Book Your Consult

• The voice over market is experiencing a glut in the middle tier.
• Short-term impacts of tariffs on voice over are uncertain.
• Assertiveness is becoming a key trait in voice over reads.
• Demographics in voice over are shifting towards older voices.
• The average consumer's perception of advertising is changing.
• Buyers are adapting to demographic shifts in their marketing strategies.
• The future of conversational voice over is being redefined.
• Voice over trends are evolving, especially in humor and delivery.
• AI's impact on voice over is minimal at the high end.
• Marketing is crucial for voice actors to succeed today.
• Demos need to reflect versatility and current trends.
• Political voice over requires frequent updates due to shifting issues.
• Online casting companies are facing challenges in the current market.
• The VO Atlanta conference aims to bring fresh insights and speakers.
• Voice actors should focus on building relationships with agents.
• Staying informed about industry changes is key to success.

Every so often I have a conversation with a voice actor who introduces me to genre of voice over I had never really considered before. That happened with Rafael Neve when he reached out with an idea for the podcast.

Rafael has built a thriving, full-time income to support himself and his family from YouTube Dubbing. He even hired his mother to work with him he's so busy!

In this in-depth conversation, Rafael pulls back the curtain on all the potential Youtube Dubbing offers. He holds nothing back with advice for differentiating yourself from other talent in the space, how to find the work, who to collaborate with and so much more.

This episode is particularly impactful if you're a bilingual talent, but as Rafael points out, there are opportunities for anyone who is willing to go look for them.

* Voice Over Marketing Playbook Visit https://voiceovermarketingplaybook.com

* The VOpreneur Guide to Testimonials Visit https://vopreneur.com/testimonials

* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott

* For voice over services: Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com

* Want VOpreneur Swag? Visit https://teespring.com/stores/vopreneur

* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur

* Thanks to "Uncle Roy" for production assistance! Visit https://antlandproductions.com

* Thanks to Christy Harst for VO contributions! Visit https://christyharst.com

* Thanks to Krysta Wallrauch for VO contributions! Visit https://krystawallrauch.com

If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. Book Your Consult

• Voice over encompasses a wide range of genres beyond the mainstream.
• Being bilingual adds significant value in localization and voice over work.
• Combining skills like audio engineering enhances the service offered to clients.
• Customer service and building relationships are crucial in the voice over industry.
• Networking through platforms like Discord can lead to unexpected opportunities.
• Preparation is key to recognizing and seizing opportunities when they arise.
• Dubbing requires creativity to match mouth movements and translations.
• Being a one-stop solution can streamline the dubbing process.
• Many content creators are unaware of the potential for dubbing their work.
• The demand for localized content is increasing across platforms.
• AI may assist in dubbing but cannot replicate human emotion and cultural nuances.
• Networking in the right communities can lead to more dubbing opportunities.
• Voice actors must continuously adapt to remain relevant.
• Protecting creative work is essential in the age of AI.
• Collaboration can lead to innovative profit-sharing models.

One great way to build a portfolio in gaming is to work with Indie Game Developers. You get access to opportunities. Build your credits and hone your craft.

Michael Everhard recognizes this, and has taken an interesting approach to his latest collaboration. He's teamed up with a studio for a game he's passionate about and taken on a role beyond simply voice actor. Rather than regular payment, he's entered into a profit sharing arrangement.

For gaming studios in tight budgets, this could be a new way to approach them with your marketing. Michael shares plenty of tips on doing just that.

Michael is also a Nimble Jedi, and we get into that too.

* Voice Over Marketing Playbook Visit https://voiceovermarketingplaybook.com

* The VOpreneur Guide to Testimonials Visit https://vopreneur.com/testimonials

* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott

* For voice over services: Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com

* Want VOpreneur Swag? Visit https://teespring.com/stores/vopreneur

* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur

* Thanks to "Uncle Roy" for production assistance! Visit https://antlandproductions.com

* Thanks to Christy Harst for VO contributions! Visit https://christyharst.com

* Thanks to Krysta Wallrauch for VO contributions! Visit https://krystawallrauch.com

If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. Book Your Consult

• There's more than one way to play the voice over game.
• Voice acting can be a collaborative process in indie games.
• Profit-sharing models can be beneficial for voice actors.
• Building relationships in the industry can lead to future projects.
• Collaborative approaches can open new opportunities in game development.
• LinkedIn groups can be valuable for networking in the industry.
• You can find Indie Game gigs on Facebook, Twitter and others.
• Automation tools like Nimble can significantly enhance workflow efficiency.

Discover how Bobbi Maxwell became one of the top voices in automotive voice over, working with brands like Maserati, GMC, and Honda. In this episode of the Everyday VOpreneur Podcast, Bobbi shares her journey from radio to full-time voice actor, building a career that boasts over 300 automotive spots annually.

You’ll learn the keys to booking and maintaining long-term automotive clients, the importance of working with automotive agencies, and how to strategically manage your availability to keep clients happy. Bobbi also offers insider advice on demo versatility, staying consistent, and why being reliable and fast is crucial in this competitive niche.

For voice actors looking to break into automotive or expand their client base, Bobbi's insights on navigating conflicts, understanding regional markets, and managing rates for TV, radio, and digital automotive spots are invaluable. She even touches on how AI might impact automotive voice over in the future and how to stay prepared.

This episode is packed with practical tips and real-world examples to help voice actors build a sustainable career in automotive. Whether you’re new to the genre or a seasoned talent, you’ll find plenty of actionable advice.

* Voice Over Marketing Playbook Visit https://voiceovermarketingplaybook.com

* The VOpreneur Guide to Testimonials Visit https://vopreneur.com/testimonials

* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott

* For voice over services: Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com

* Want VOpreneur Swag? Visit https://teespring.com/stores/vopreneur

* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur

* Thanks to "Uncle Roy" for production assistance! Visit https://antlandproductions.com

* Thanks to Christy Harst for VO contributions! Visit https://christyharst.com

* Thanks to Krysta Wallrauch for VO contributions! Visit https://krystawallrauch.com

If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. Book Your Consult

• Automotive voice over work can be steady and lucrative.
• Agency connections are crucial for securing automotive voice over work.
• The automotive industry offers opportunities for both local and national work.
• Automotive voice over rates differ from standard commercial rates.
• Styles in automotive voiceover are evolving towards more relatable voices.
• Versatility in voice demos is crucial for success in the industry.
• Voice actors need to understand brand identities to succeed in automotive.
• Quick turnaround times are often expected in automotive voice over.

We all wish we could book more with our agents, right? I know I do!

They signed us in the first place, so we must bring something to the table. But how can we convert that into more bookings and more earnings?

Emma O'Neill is a non-union voice actor earning over 50% of her income through agents and managers. So if there's a secret to this, she's figured it out; and now she's sharing!

In this episode Emma offers plenty of tips for building better relationships with agents, giving them what they're looking for so they'll want to work with you, and continually improving your own craft so you're always curren with what they need.

We talk landing agents, working with agents, the difference between agents and managers, how to increase your book rate and so much more.

* Voice Over Marketing Playbook Visit https://voiceovermarketingplaybook.com

* The VOpreneur Guide to Testimonials Visit https://vopreneur.com/testimonials

* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott

* For voice over services: Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com

* Want VOpreneur Swag? Visit https://teespring.com/stores/vopreneur

* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur

* Thanks to "Uncle Roy" for production assistance! Visit https://antlandproductions.com

* Thanks to Christy Harst for VO contributions! Visit https://christyharst.com

* Thanks to Krysta Wallrauch for VO contributions! Visit https://krystawallrauch.com

If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. Book Your Consult

• Most voice actors earn less than 10% from agents.
• Building relationships with agents is crucial for voice actors.
• Networking at conferences can lead to valuable connections.
• Managers focus on personal branding while agents handle business aspects.
• Be easy to work with.
• Casting directors are often supportive and want actors to succeed.
• Taking risks in auditions can lead to better opportunities.
• Current trends in voice acting are shifting towards more authentic reads.
• Improving relationships with agents can enhance booking opportunities.

With AI results now appearing at the top of many Google searches, the voice actor who is using SEO as part of their marketing strategy is going to have to understand how the rules of the SEO game are changing.

From zero-click content to the implications of AI-generated search results, choosing the right short and long tail keywords to building your trust and authority, Gina Scarpa dishes all the tips, tricks and strategies in this wide-ranging SEO-based conversation.

Heck, we cover so much ground in this chat we ever got to talk about Robert Irvine and the amazing Restaurant Impossible TV show!

Want actionable, practical strategies for improving your websites SEO without having to be a programming genius or SEO Jedi? Gina delivers the goods!

* Voice Over Marketing Playbook Visit https://voiceovermarketingplaybook.com

* The VOpreneur Guide to Testimonials Visit https://vopreneur.com/testimonials

* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott

* For voice over services: Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com

* Want VOpreneur Swag? Visit https://teespring.com/stores/vopreneur

* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur

* Thanks to "Uncle Roy" for production assistance! Visit https://antlandproductions.com

* Thanks to Christy Harst for VO contributions! Visit https://christyharst.com

* Thanks to Krysta Wallrauch for VO contributions! Visit https://krystawallrauch.com

If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. Book Your Consult

• AI will impact voiceover and SEO significantly.
• Zero click content is changing how we search online.
• Google's AI, Gemini, is prioritizing direct answers.
• Human-generated content is still crucial for SEO.
• Building authority and trustworthiness is essential.
• Keyword strategies must evolve with AI advancements.
• Competitor research can inform effective SEO practices.
• Voice Actors should create niche or genre specific pages.
• AI tools can assist but cannot replace human creativity.
• AI tools can help identify keyword gaps and improve content.
• Regularly updating website content is crucial for maintaining rankings.
• Google prioritizes content that answers user questions quickly.

A voice over demo is one of the biggest investments you'll make in your career. The right demos will get you access to incredible opportunities. The wrong demos will hold you back and prevent you from achieving your full potential as a voice actor.

In this episode, I speak with the Demo Dream Team, Michelle and Steve Sundholm, Ryan Paul James and Melissa Disney and draw from their unique skill sets and collective experience to uncover what it takes to make a stand out voice over demo.

We talk about choosing the right producer, understanding what's trending, when it's time for a refresh, showcasing your talents effectively and why you might want to reconsider self-producing your demo. All this and more!

* Voice Over Marketing Playbook Visit https://voiceovermarketingplaybook.com

* The VOpreneur Guide to Testimonials Visit https://vopreneur.com/testimonials

* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott

* For voice over services: Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com

* Want VOpreneur Swag? Visit https://teespring.com/stores/vopreneur

* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur

* Thanks to "Uncle Roy" for production assistance! Visit https://antlandproductions.com

* Thanks to Christy Harst for VO contributions! Visit https://christyharst.com

* Thanks to Krysta Wallrauch for VO contributions! Visit https://krystawallrauch.com

If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. Book Your Consult

• Vetting voice actors is crucial to ensure they are ready for a demo.
• Demos should be aspirational, showcasing what the actor wants to do.
• It's important to refresh demos when skills or industry trends change.
• Personalized scripts help actors connect with their demos authentically.
• The process of creating a demo should be fun and engaging for the actor.
• A demo is a snapshot of an artist's progress and should reflect their current abilities.
• Feedback and collaboration are key to producing a successful demo.
• Investing in coaching and training is essential before creating a demo.
• The demo should take listeners on a journey through different emotions and styles.
• Professional production is crucial for creating a competitive demo.
• Demos should sound like advertisements, not just voice over samples.
• Authenticity and personality are becoming more important in voiceover work.
• The trend is moving away from the disinterested, flat delivery style.
• The importance of sound quality cannot be overstated in voice over production.

Are hashtags becoming obsolete?

In this episode, I dive into the shifting role of hashtags on platforms like LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.

You're going to learn how to adapt your social media strategy as platforms focus more on SEO, AI, and content quality.

Whether you’re a voice actor or any other creative professional, this episode is packed with actionable advice to keep your posts relevant and effective in 2025.

* Voice Over Marketing Playbook Visit https://voiceovermarketingplaybook.com

* The VOpreneur Guide to Testimonials Visit https://vopreneur.com/testimonials

* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott

* For voice over services: Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com

* Want VOpreneur Swag? Visit https://teespring.com/stores/vopreneur

* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur

* Thanks to "Uncle Roy" for production assistance! Visit https://antlandproductions.com

* Thanks to Christy Harst for VO contributions! Visit https://christyharst.com

* Thanks to Krysta Wallrauch for VO contributions! Visit https://krystawallrauch.com

If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. Book Your Consult

• Hashtag strategy is evolving across social media platforms.
• LinkedIn is shifting focus from hashtags to AI and SEO.
• Using too many hashtags can reduce post visibility.
• X is moving away from hashtags, prioritizing content quality and engagement.
• Instagram has banned many hashtags due to spam and abuse.
• Only highly relevant hashtags should be used, ideally one to three.
• Content should include relevant keywords to reach the target audience.
• Adjusting strategies is necessary to maintain visibility and engagement.