Free Advice Friday with Marc Scott of VOpreneur
Welcome to a behind-the-scenes look at my conversation with Marc Scott on Free Advice Friday! In this interview, I dive into the essentials of building a strong online presence as a voice actor.
We talk about common web design mistakes, how to nail the first impression with custom branding elements, and why having demos front-and-center is a game-changer.
Plus, I share practical tips on branding colors, contact forms, and creating a streamlined user experience for your clients. Tune in to hear how small tweaks can make a big difference in your online presence!
More of a reader?
Read the transcript!
Marc: Hey, what's up, everyone! Welcome to another exciting edition of Free Advice Friday! Quick apology for last week — we were supposed to have a live Q&A with Cliff Salman to talk all things automotive, but he had to reschedule for a medical reason. Don’t worry, he’s okay, and we’ll get that rescheduled soon. But today, we’re diving into websites with none other than Nadine Charleston from Center Stage Design. Nadine, I think we first connected around the 12 Voice Over Gifts of Christmas event. I saw your site and thought, “Wow, this is someone who knows her stuff!” So, I knew I had to have you on Free Advice Friday. Welcome!
Nadine: Thanks, Marc! Super happy to be here. Honestly, a year ago, I wouldn’t have believed I’d be chatting with you about web design. Last year, I was just starting to dabble in voiceover after years as an actor and tinkering with websites on the side. I noticed how many VO artists had websites that could use a bit of help, so I thought, “Why not me?” And now, here I am!
Marc: Love it! So today, we’re talking all things web design, especially for voice actors. And folks, if you have questions on websites, content, design — anything! — feel free to drop them in the comments. Nadine, let’s start with the most common mistakes you see voice actors making on their sites.
Common Website Mistakes for Voice Actors
Nadine: Oh, I could go on! But let’s start with two big ones: the favicon and social sharing images.
1. Favicons: It might seem small, but not updating the default favicon on a site is a red flag that screams DIY. The favicon is the little icon next to your site name in the browser tab. It’s simple to update, and most platforms like Squarespace or Wix make it easy. Even creating a simple, branded image in Canva can make a big difference.
2. Social Sharing Images: When someone shares your website on social media, you want a clean, clear image to appear. This immediately makes your site look more polished and professional. Just upload a properly sized social sharing image, and you’re good to go.
Marc: Absolutely. Social sharing images can make or break a link when shared on Facebook or Instagram. I see a lot of voice actors with broken or incorrect links on their social icons, too. Seven out of ten times, those links don’t actually go anywhere!
Top Tips for Voice Actor Websites
Marc: I’m curious, what other website essentials do you think every voice actor needs?
Nadine: Great question! One of the biggest rules for voice actors: **place your demos above the fold**. So many sites bury demos, but that’s what clients are there for! Make it easy for them. And yes, a dedicated demo page is fine, but have those demos front and center on the homepage too.
Marc: So true. Clients aren’t browsing for fun; they’re here to hear you! Here’s a question from Christopher: What colors help a website stand out? Should colors be about branding or emotion?
Nadine: Both! Colors create an emotional response. Red, for instance, is powerful and passionate, while blue can feel trustworthy and professional. But remember, your website is a marketing tool. Choose colors that resonate with your **ideal client**, not necessarily with you. If you love purple but your client demographic expects green, go with green.
Contact Forms vs. Email Links
Marc: Here’s a great question from Tom: Which is better to encourage contact — a contact form or an easy-to-find email?
Nadine: Both are good to have, but contact forms can feel impersonal. Many people prefer to copy an email address and reach out directly. For mobile users, make sure any contact info is clickable so they can open it in their email app. And pro tip: turn your contact form into something more engaging like “Request a Quote” or “Tell Me About Your Project.” This makes it more interactive and focused.
Tips for Choosing Branding Colors and Creating a Consistent Look
Marc: I love that. So let’s talk a bit about branding colors. How should voice actors approach picking colors for their website?
Nadine: My advice? Keep it simple. Stick to three colors: black, white, and an accent color. If you want more variety, create lighter and darker shades of your accent color. This way, you don’t have to worry about overwhelming visitors, and it’s easy to stay consistent across your site and social media.
Marc: That makes so much sense. Consistency across all platforms is key. I’ve got a signature orange that I use everywhere, and it becomes part of your brand identity.
One-Page Websites vs. Multi-Page Sites
Marc: All right, here’s a hot topic: one-page websites versus multi-page sites. Is the endless scroll trend still in, or is it better to have separate pages for each section?
Nadine: Good question! Right now, one-page sites are trending, especially if you’re just starting out and only need the essentials. A well-organized one-page site with six to eight sections can showcase demos, testimonials, your about section, and contact info in a clean, scrollable format. But if you have more content, go for a multi-page site.
Mobile-Friendly Design and Final Web Advice
Marc: Great point! And with so many people browsing on mobile, do you design with mobile in mind first?
Nadine: I actually design desktop-first, then adapt to mobile. Many builders, like Squarespace and Wix, make mobile optimization easy, but I recommend a deep dive. Check fonts, alignment, and make sure the site looks good on smaller screens. It’s a few extra minutes but so worth it.
Marc: Fantastic! Last question: a lot of people assume they can’t afford professional web design. Could you share a ballpark of what a custom website might cost?
Nadine: Sure! For a simple carrd.co site, you’re looking at about $600. A full Squarespace VIP design day with custom branding and everything is $1,200. Multi-page sites start at $2,900. And I’m totally transparent — all my pricing is right on my website, so no surprises.
Marc: Nadine, thank you so much! This was beyond helpful. And for everyone watching, if you’re looking to up your website game, head to centerstage.design for more info. Nadine’s work is stellar, and as we’ve heard today, she knows her stuff! Thanks again, Nadine!
Nadine: Thanks so much, Marc! This was a blast.
