How to Guide for Creating Packages

Why Create a Package

*We are rebranding projects to packages in late May. How you create them will not change.

Creating a Package gives clients the opportunity to browse and buy directly from you. For clients, this will eliminate uncertainty, give them the option to hire instantly, and give them pricing transparency. Buying a package also eliminates the back and forth process involved in fielding responses.

For you as a talent, creating packages gives you another great way of earning money on Voices. 

When you create a package you:

• • Control the scope of work
  • Get hired without the back and forth of auditions and responding to jobs
  • Create the package once and have clients come to you
  • Create packages for the things you love to do and sell what you do best
  • Customize tiers within your packages to allow for pricing flexibility

Getting Started

You can post an unlimited number of unique, feature-rich package listings at any one time.

For a demo walkthrough of how to create a package on Voices, check out this video.

Overview

1. Under the Me dropdown, go to Manage Packages.
2. Click on the Create Package button at the top-right of the page.
3. Start with the Packages Overview by choosing your Category.
4. Fill in a strong Title that clearly describes what the client will get from your package. We’ve provided some examples of strong titles right in the platform to help guide you. Keep in mind the maximum character count of 75 characters.
5. Fill in any other relevant details like Language, Accent, etc.Quick Tip: Keep in mind that whatever your original package’s title is, once approved and live on the site, the URL created from that title will be fixed and unchangeable. You can always update your package’s title for that project, but the original URL will stay the same. Create a new package, and you can enter a new title that will create a new URL.
   

Pricing – Creating Your Tiers

Non-Broadcast Voice Over

1. Scope of Work: You’ll have the option of creating 1 or 3 tiers within each project. The default is set to 3, with the exception of Broadcast Voice Over, which we’ll cover shortly. Each tier will have included attributes and optional add-ons.
   
   We recommend building 3 tiers within each project (non-broadcast only) to give yourself and the client maximum flexibility and to attract clients who have different budgeting needs. The 3 tiers are: Essential, Enhanced, and Elite.
   
   Look at how your tiers compare with one another. We’ve built some logic into the platform to help with this, but keep it in mind as you build.
   
   Your Essential Tier should be your most affordable and entry-level tier, and you should build up from there.
   
   Your Enhanced Tier will include a few more extras, for a medium price point.
   
   Your Elite Tier should be the most detailed, with the most included, and with the highest price tag attached.

2. Define the Number of Words, Delivery Days, and number of Revisions included in each of your tiers. If you need more information on what each of these entails, hover over the i icon for a tooltip.
   
   Delivery Days: Set a custom delivery time with Delivery Days for each tier. The delivery time is a huge determining factor for clients when they’re deciding on the purchase. Make sure you set a delivery date that is manageable for you, but enticing to potential clients.
   
   Remember that the Delivery Days for each tier include the amount of time it will take you to deliver a completed package, including revisions, starting after a client submits their requirements to you.
   
   Revisions: Choose how many reviews and revisions a client will receive, from 0 to unlimited, for each tier that you create. These revisions are changes that you will be making during the specified Delivery Days, so be sure to choose a number that matches what you can provide during that time period.3. Included Tier Options: All Broadcast Voice Over projects will include a Broadcast License, a Non-Broadcast License, and a High-Quality Audio File, so you’ll see these automatically checked off as a default. Non-Broadcast Voice Over will not include the Broadcast License.

We’ve provided tooltip definitions right in the platform so that both you and the client have a clear understanding of what these terms reference.

A Broadcast License: grants a person or company paid media rights to use the voice over in broadcasting channels like radio, television, or online ads in a particular market for a defined time period.

A Non-Broadcast License: grants a person or company unpaid media rights to use the voice over in-perpetuity. Examples include organic social media, websites, events, PR campaigns, etc.

High-Quality Audio File: An audio file that is 16-bit, 44.1 kHz stereo .wav file or higher resolution.

Other options you might wish to include are things like Script Proofreading, Live Directed Sessions, and Background Music. We’ve listed the options you can choose from and you simply need to check off which of these you’d like to include in each tier within your package.

4. Package Price: Once you’ve built out each of your tiers, you can set your Package Price at the bottom of each tier’s column. This will be the base price that the client will pay. Below that we’ve listed what you’ll earn after the platform fee so that you can adjust your pricing accordingly.
   
   Package prices can range from as little as $100 to as much as $10,000.
   
   When deciding on your pricing, think about previous work you’ve done and what you earned. When did you feel like you were adequately paid for what your effort was worth? Alternatively, when did you feel like you quoted less than what the work actually ended up requiring? All of this should factor into your pricing.
   
   Consider the amount of time you will spend completing a package and the amount of skill you need to complete it. The more skilled you are, and the more in demand that skill is, the more you may be able to charge for your services.
   
   If you are unsure what to charge, check out our rate guide, do a bit of online research. Take a closer look at those who have about the same amount of experience as you do and what they are charging for similar work.
5. Add-Ons: Once you’ve created your package tiers, take a look at the optional add-ons and think through what a client might want to add to that tier if they want something specific but don’t wish to go up a full tier.
   
   You can include these here and add in your prices. Again, you’ll see what you earn underneath the pricing field, so that you can adjust your pricing as needed. Keep in mind that if you’ve already checked something off as part of your Included Tier Options, it won’t be available for you to also include it as an Add-On.

Broadcast Voice Over – Pricing by Market and Time Period

Voice Over Broadcast packages will function similarly to Broadcast in the way you set them up with delivery days, revisions, and attributes, but there will just be one tier to fill out, and the main pricing differentiator will lie in the Market section instead of Essential, Enhanced, and Elite tiers. You won’t see a Package Price section, like you do for Non-Broadcast Voice Over; instead, you’ll see Market/Time Period Combinations.

For a Broadcast package with Television Ad or Radio Ad as the category: you’ll set your prices for Local, Regional, and National (Market) combined with 13 Weeks or 1 Year (Time Period).

For a Broadcast package with Online Ad as the skill: you’ll see Worldwide (Market) coupled with 13 Weeks or 1 Year (Time Period) and a pricing combination for each.

Keep in mind that your prices for broadcast voice over must meet the minimums found in our rate guide.

This gives clients the option to purchase what they need and to make sure you’re paid appropriately. You’ll still control your included tier options and add-ons, but your main pricing levels are based on licensing.

If you’re unsure of how to price, check out our rate guide.

Preview Order Summary

As you’re building all of the tiers in your package, you can reference the Preview Order Summary to the right of the page to preview the pricing as the Client will see it. You’ll be able to click across the top of the Preview Order Summary to see how your Essential, Enhanced, and Elite tiers will look and what they will include. If anything doesn’t look quite right in this preview, simply go back to your tiers and adjust as needed.

Adding a Package Summary

The Package Description is made up of your Package Summary and your Frequently Asked Questions.

Your Package Summary provides clients with more detail on what they’ll receive and what type of prior experience you’ll bring—what sets you apart? This helps clients to fully understand what to expect and why to purchase your package.

Adding Frequently Asked Questions

Setting up FAQs in your package listing will help clients better understand what you’re offering. Think of these as anticipating questions the client might have to help them move forward with their purchase. You can also add custom FAQs if you wish.

Uploading a Package Image

Your Package Image is an incredibly important part of your listing as it’s what will show up visually to represent your project when clients are searching the Voices website.

You’ll see the option to choose a default image; however, we highly recommend adding a custom image to really make your package stand out on the site and catch the eye of the client. Once you’ve found the image you want, save it to your desktop, and you can drag and drop the image from your desktop or browse your computer for the file.

We know it can be challenging to select the right image, so here’s some guidelines to follow:

Recommended image size: Please follow the size guidelines we’ve provided on the platform: .JPG or .PNG, 4:3 aspect ratio, ideally 1200×900 pixels, file size no larger than 5MB. To check what size your image is:

Mac Users – Find the image file in your Finder, right-click the image and select Get Info. A pop-up window will open with the dimensions of your image displayed in the More Info section. The dimensions show the pixel height and width of your photo.

PC Users: On a PC, right-click on the image file, look at Properties, and then view the Summary or Details tab.

Resizing images
There are many free online tools to help you resize your image to specific dimensions. Canva is one great tool and RedKetchup Image Resizer is very straightforward and walks you through step by step. There is a section to adjust your Aspect Ratio to our recommended dimensions, a section for adjusting pixels, and a section for cropping if necessary.

Image quality
Use sharp, crisp, clear images. Avoid low-quality images (poorly cropped, pixelated, blurry, stretched, or squashed images.) Using high-resolution, eye-catching images will help your package stand out to potential clients.

Number of images per Package
Voices allows only one image per package, so choose wisely and follow the provided guidelines.

Image usage and commercial rights
Only use images that you have the permission to use for commercial purposes. (More on sourcing images below.)

Relevancy
Package images must directly relate to the service you’re providing. Random images are confusing to clients and can lower the chances of your package being purchased. More information on choosing the right image can be found below.

Never share contact information
Don’t share any contact information in your package image. This includes any website or social media details. All communication about a package must take place on Voices.

If you’re using text, use it wisely
To avoid a cluttered marketplace, we ask that if you add text to your image or create a logo, you ensure that it’s not cluttered and looks professional. As above, do not include contact information of any kind.

Make sure your individual packages stand out from one another
If you have more than one Package listing, unless you’ve gone with the default image, each Package’s image and title must be unique.

Represent Yourself Well
If you’d like to use a photo of yourself, show yourself clearly and face the front.

Standards
Package images must meet Voices’ Terms of Service and Content Guidelines. If your Package image doesn’t meet these standards, it will not be approved. Examples include adult material or any other objectionable content.

Using a Photo of Yourself

The following relates to using a headshot or photo of yourself for your Package image, not for your Voices profile.

Represent yourself well and build trust with the client

Take a photo of yourself from a front-facing angle to give the client an accurate idea of who you are. You’re selling your work and your skills, and your photo should build a sense of trust and credibility with the client. 

Take the picture so it works well as a package photo

When you take a picture of yourself, use landscape mode. If necessary, re-size the image to the correct proportions using the recommended image specifications (.JPG or .PNG, 4:3 aspect ratio, ideally 1200 x 900 pixels, file size no larger than 5MB).

You can make the necessary adjustments using one of the free tools mentioned above, like RedKetchup Image Resizer. 

Keep it visually uncluttered and focused

Make sure that you take the photo in a well-lit area with an uncluttered background, and that the final photo is not blurry or pixelated.

Choosing a Photo that Represents Your Work

If you don’t go with a photo of yourself, think about what you’re offering in this package and how best to represent it visually. 

For example, you might have a close-up of a cool microphone.

Get Creative

You’re representing your project, but you can also think outside the box a bit. For example, if you’re selling a soothing voice over for a nature video, you could choose a photo that represents the calm voice over work that you’ll do for that video.

If your project is an audiobook narration, you could choose a close-up photo of a stack of books with headphones on top. Going on to a site like Pixabay and putting in some different search criteria can give you some great ideas. (See more on stock images below.)

Use Text Wisely and No Contact Information

In order to keep packages uncluttered, we ask that if you are using text in your image, you do so wisely, make sure it’s professional, and do not include any contact information (including website or social media.) We also ask that you not include any calls to action that might encourage clients to contact you off of Voices, i.e. “visit my website.” Including logos of companies you’ve worked for is fine, provided you have the necessary permissions to do so, and that you display them well.

Using Stock Images

Stock Image Sites

There are numerous sites that provide high-quality stock images. Some examples are: Canva, Pixabay, Unsplash, and Pexels. 

Commercial Rights

Most stock image sites carry a large catalog of images that are free or very inexpensive to use and they will specify whether you can use an image for commercial purposes. Make sure you have the right permissions before proceeding.

Choose a Different Image for Each Individual Package

If you’re offering a number of different packages, make sure you seek out the best image to represent each package individually. Think not only of how each image looks on its own, but of how it would look once on a page with other package listings. Ask yourself whether the image you’ve selected truly represents your package well.

Voices Photo Checklist

1. Does my photo match the specified requirements and dimensions indicated on the platform? (.JPG or .PNG, 4:3 aspect ratio, ideally 1200×900 pixels, file size no larger than 5MB)
2. Have I included a crisp, clear image that represents the type of work I’m selling in this package?
3. If I’ve used a headshot or another photo of me, is it clear and does it show my face fully? Is the photo well-lit and is the background uncluttered?
4. If I’m using a stock photo, does it represent my package well, and do I have the proper permissions to use it for commercial purposes?
5. If I’ve used text, does it look uncluttered and professional?
6. Have I ensured there is no contact information in my images? (Including website and social media.)
7. When I preview my package does the image look clear and are its proportions correct?

Adding Package Examples

You can select up to 3 samples of your work to attach to your package. You’ll see the option to either select from Demos you already have connected to your Voices profile or you can upload files of your work from your computer. Make sure whatever you choose to include here is the best example of your work and makes sense for the package you are trying to sell.

If you’ve selected more than one package example, you can re-arrange the order they appear at the bottom of the page. The first package example listed will be what appears to clients when they’re searching or browsing.

Quick Tip: If you choose the option to select your package examples from among your profile Demos, you’ll see that the relevant demos will populate below for you to choose from. The demos that populate are connected to the category you selected when you created the package. If you don’t see the demo you’re looking for, make sure you’ve tagged them correctly in your profile to match the relevant category.

Requirements for Client

This final step is for you to request anything you need from the client to get the package completed once they’ve purchased it. We’ve set up any default requirements based on the service you selected—things like the script, an NDA, or any reference files—but you can add up to three additional questions if needed. Take the time to think through what information you really need from the client to hit the ground running once the purchase has been made.

Preview Your Package

The very last step in the process before you submit your package or approval is to take a careful look over the preview. This preview is how your package will appear to the client so you want to make sure it’s appearing the way you want it to and is completely error-free.

Here’s a quick final checklist of things to confirm before you hit submit:

1. Check your photo: Does my photo look good? Is it clear and is it the right dimensions? Does it represent my package well? Does it follow all the guidelines Voices provided of what to do and what to avoid? Is it free of contact information?
2. Check your demos: Do my demos sound clear and high-quality? Did I upload the right ones? Do they accurately represent the package I’m selling?
3. Check your Package Title: Is it a strong, descriptive title? Is it error-free?
4. Review your Tiers: Does each tier build up from Essential? Do I have everything included in each tier that I want to?
5. For Broadcast Voice Over: Have I reviewed the Voices rate guide ranges and priced appropriately?
6. Review Add-Ons: Are the Add-Ons showing up the way I want them to? Are the prices correct?
7. Package Details: Is my Package Summary error-free? Do a final proofread. Any spelling and grammar errors undermine your credibility with clients.
8. FAQS: Are all the relevant FAQs listed? Am I happy with my answers? Again, make sure to proofread these one last time.
9. Review Order Summary: Is everything under my Essential, Enhanced, and Elite tiers correct? If I have a Voice Over Broadcast package, is my pricing entered correctly?

Quick Tips Summary

• DO choose professional images that speak to your work—and be sure you have the right to use them for commercial purposes.
• DO make your package easy to browse.
• DO proofread your work. Double check the title and summary. Ensure you’ve fixed any spelling or grammatical errors.
• DO NOT share your contact information or personal information in your images or anywhere else, including in your package summary.

Submitting Your Package for Approval

Once you’ve done a thorough final check of your package’s preview and gone through the checklist, you’re ready to hit submit!

As soon as you have done so, your package will move from your Draft tab to your Pending Review tab. You’ll also receive an email that lets you know your package has officially been submitted for approval.

Our Voices support team will review your package to make sure it meets all the criteria and isn’t missing any important information. They will let you know if any further information is needed to get it approved. If it’s approved, you’ll get an email letting you know and your package will move from Pending Review to the Approved tab.

As soon as your package is Approved, it will move to the Approved tab, and you’ll also be able to see it active on the Voices website. 

Why Would a Package Be Denied?

A package will be denied if it does not align with our Content Guidelines and Terms of Service. Examples would be adult content or objectionable content. 

Managing Your Packages

You can always navigate to Manage Packages from the Me dropdown menu at the top-right of your Voices account.

Under Manage Packages you’ll see Draft, Pending Review, and Approved tabs. While you’re working on or editing your projects, they’ll live in the Draft tab. Once you’ve submitted a package for review, it will move to the Pending Review tab. Once a package is approved, it will move the Approved tab. You’ll receive email communications throughout this process so you know the status of each of your projects.

Each package you have in your Approved tab will have an Active or Inactive label. Active indicates that the package is live and viewable on the site, inactive indicates that it is not published or active on the site.

You’ll also have the following options to manage each package individually:

Eye icon: Clicking on the eye icon will make your package inactive.

Crossed-out Eye icon: Indicates that this package is currently inactive on the site. Clicking on this will make your package active.

Pencil icon: Click on this to edit your package.

Double-squares icon: Click on this to duplicate your package.

Trash can icon: Click on this to delete your package.