As a creative professional, you’re always on the lookout for ways to elevate your project and take it to the next level. After all, with all the media out there today, it’s imperative you have a plan to stand out from the rest. Audio branding is one important tool you can leverage to meet that goal.
CSM’s very own Jodi Krangle hosts a podcast dedicated to exploring the many pieces of a brand’s sonic identity, called “Audio Branding: The Hidden Gem of Marketing.” In the podcast, Jodi does solo research as well as interview-style episodes with special guests. One of the topics she hones in on most is voiceover’s contribution to an audio brand.
That’s right – voiceover is crucial to successful audio branding. But don’t just take our word for it. With over 170 episodes of the “Audio Branding” podcast out there for you to check out, we’ve singled out five key insights, with links to the corresponding episode, on how voiceover contributes to a successful audio brand to get you started:
1. The right voice actor can give you the consistent and professional sound you need.
Consistency and professionalism are two of the most important factors to a strong audio brand. In the episode titled “Is It Too Late?”, Jodi reminds companies and creative professionals that even if they don’t have millions to spend on their sound, they can still achieve these two principles with a little effort and strategy.
Jodi also emphasizes that finding the right person to voice your brand is a key component of being consistent and professional. Even if she’s not the right voice for a particular project, there are many artists for you to choose from.
2. Regardless of industry, voiceover is a vital piece of the audio brand puzzle.
It doesn’t matter what realm your company operates in; all brands can benefit from including voiceover in their audio branding. In her interview with Jim Kennelly and Sam Ufret of Lotas Productions, Jodi picks their brains about the evolution of voiceover. Jim and Sam both acknowledge how many emerging fields there are in the VO world: e-Learning, virtual reality, among many others.
With so many different types of projects, as well as different creative ways to approach the use of voice, any company (including yours) can benefit from voiceover as part of their audio brand.
3. Voiceover talent continues to become more diverse, giving you more options for your audio brand.
Representation matters in all forms of media, including voiceover. Fortunately, the voiceover industry features a diverse array of talent. In Episodes 38 and 39 of the podcast, Jodi speaks with experienced casting director, producer and voice coach Jeff Howell. Jeff recognizes the increasing amount of diversity in the voiceover industry and how it’s so promising for the future of VO.
Your audio brand is one of many avenues you can use to prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion; and by working with diverse voice talent who can strengthen your sound with their unique perspective, you’ll be well on your way to a powerhouse sonic brand identity.
4. You should always have a strategy for your audio brand, and voiceover talent can be a huge contributor to that strategy.
Back in December, Jodi spoke with Gabriel Agüero, Dalmiro Lacaze and Mauro Gonzalez, three audio brand strategists from Argentina. The trio gave a lot of valuable insights to listeners, but one takeaway stands out from the rest: every company creates a sonic impression, whether it’s carefully planned or left to chance.
Don’t let something as important as your audio brand take shape on its own; be intentional with the impression you create. The best way to be intentional? Call on experts, like voiceover talent, to help bring your vision to life.
5. A unique voice allows you to create a custom and dynamic sound that will better connect with audiences.
For our final point on how voiceover contributes to strong audio branding, we’ll leave you with this – a voice that’s unique to your sound, designed to fit your sonic identity, will resonate with your audience on a deeper level than any generic, computer-generated sound could.
Composers and sound designers Jon Brennan and Sean Beeson explain to Jodi in episodes 126 and 127 that while they take an extremely methodical approach to creating audio brands for clients, it’s important to always include a “human touch.” The dynamic and creative human voice of a VO professional coupled with a solid strategy and quality sound? That’s the recipe for an audio brand your audience won’t miss.
Special thanks to Jodi Krangle for sharing her voiceover expertise with all of us – we hope you feel empowered to take the world by storm with your invigorated audio brand!
Ready to get started on finding the right voiceover artist to support your audio brand? Head over to the VO Château to browse our impressive roster of award-winning voice talent. Not only is each artist incredibly talented, they’re also professionals who will meet and beat your toughest deadlines at a reasonable rate.
And if you want some help finding just the right fit, email a short description of your project to Aya, our Head of Casting at aya@celiasiegel.com. From there, she’ll curate same-day, custom auditions for you and provide a custom quote that works within your budget.
Create your stellar audio brand today with the help of the VO Château!
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