VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Goldmoon · Guest

Hello everyone,

I have been doing voiceovers sporadically for about 10 years or so, and finally decided to start my own business and really pursue it more aggressively. I have a website, and am registered on a few VO sites. It would really be helpful if I could get some feedback on my website and demos. I really want to make this work, and believe that I have the talent to do so, but I could use some feedback from the more experienced out there so I can make sure I'm doing all I need to do.

www.3dcomonline.net

Thanks in advance,

Karon

mcm · Posted: Tue May 19, 2009 9:07 am Post subject:

Hello Karon - welcome to the vo-bb!

You have a great start on that website - it has nice clean lines. A few suggestions:

A lot of people object to audio that loads with the site (myself included). People should be able to have a little more control over their experience at a site. Your auto-load audio isn't too objectionable but it doesn't really add anything and - it's muddy. Since you don't have an actual demo on your site that shows the quality of the audio that you're capable of producing, there is nothing to show that you can produce recordings that are not muddy.

Two of the "rules" of voice-over websites is that you don't have pictures of microphones and you don't have pictures of yourself. Microphones are overdone and pictures of the artist may lead to typecasting. Better to leave the visuals to the imagination, no matter what you look like.

Try to design your site so that no scrolling is required.

Moving font is distracting.

You do need demos. Spots you've done are nice to have, but unless the visitor has time on their hands they're unlikely to stay to look at or listen to the spots. They need a quick way to determine if you've got what they want, and a demo of about 6 seconds' worth of about 10 spots, or fewer, is the best way. With a demo, the thought that you are new or sub-professional doesn't have to enter their minds.

Also - just my opinion (as is all of the above) - your domain name is not memorable which might make it hard for people to find you, and the company name is uninformative. Did you consider Karon Johnson Voiceovers?

I listened to your song a couple of times - very nice indeed!

Hope this helps.

Mary

Bruce · Posted: Tue May 19, 2009 9:12 am Post subject:

Well here we go....

First, you have a very nice voice and with good marketing you should do well. That said, do you really want to be known as 3D Communications? It appears all 3D offers is you as a voice artist and singer, no other communication services. Why not make the site all about you, Karon Johnson? That's who you want them to call and remember, not some shell company, yes?

You also never mention your name on your front page. There's a total disconnect from your talents and that can't be helpful. Also you state you're bilingual but don't state what the second language is on the front page, which I think would be very important. The overall design is OK, but it doesn't do you, the artist, justice.

Reverb is almost never used anymore on straight voice work, even in Spanish language productions. I suggest dropping it totally from all clips that have it. Also, your opening audio that plays when the site comes up is either very muddy or the two tracks of the stereo are out of phase making it hard to listen to. No opening audio seems to be the majority preference these days and if you do have it make sure an "audio off" button is visible for those who find it distracting.

While your work is nice, you'll help yourself dramatically by having traditional one minute audio demos in English and Spanish with several clips of different sounding work in each, as opposed to offering only full length commercials. It takes time and money to create those, especially if you don't have a lot of material already recorded, but it will be worth it.

The best news is you're on the Internet and you have a place for people to go and hear and see you. Any changes are up to you.

All the best,

Bruce
_________________
VO-BB Member #31 Enlisted June, 2005

I'm not a Zoo, but over the years I've played one on radio/TV. .

Philip Banks · Posted: Wed May 20, 2009 8:57 am Post subject:

DougVox · Posted: Wed May 20, 2009 6:58 pm Post subject:

Goldmoon · Guest

Thanks so much!

Goldmoon · Guest

Everyone,

Thank you very much for the input thus far; it is definitely helpful.

Philip - thank you for your directness. I hope that my site doesn't come off as me trying to hide, misrepresent or waste anyone's time because that DEFINITELY is not my goal. I did have concern about the size of the site, but wanted to make sure I had on it what was needed. And yes, I think I deserve the best chance I can get; that's why I am looking to those who have already done this successfully for input. It has been very heartening to me to see how helpful people have been during this experience.

From what I am reading, it sounds like the common thread is:

1. More personalization of my site, and promotion of myself as an individual, not a voice or company.

2. Less extras, less full-length content and more focused, short demos that can be quickly and easily accessed and listened to.

3. I need better quality, shorter demos.

4. Oh, and a few demos would be good. Laugh

Thank you to each of you. It doesn't sound like I have to start from scratch, but it does look like I have some work to do, so I am encouraged.

Looking forward to more feedback,

Karon