Audio production: a guide for pros

What customers ask, how to win the job, and what to put on your profile.

Offering audio production

Audio production clients need clear, balanced sound that meets their platform's requirements. Show that you listen critically, explain each step of the clean-up and mix, and agree the final formats before the work begins.

What customers ask

  • Can you make my recordings sound better?
  • Will my voice still sound natural?
  • Do you mix in music and effects?
  • What final format do you deliver?
  • How many review rounds are included?
  • Will you keep the project file?

How to win the job

  • On the first call, ask for the project type, the platform, the final format and the deadline, then say which problem you expect to fix first.
  • Ask for a short sample of the raw recording, and send back a before and after of one minute, so the client hears what you can do.
  • Show a sample project with the clean-up and mix steps described, so the client sees your method.
  • Put the length, the clean-up, the music and effects, the review rounds and the final formats into the quote, so the client knows what is included.
  • Confirm the platform's loudness and format requirements in writing before the final mix, so the file is correct the first time.
  • Agree in writing who arranges music and effect rights, and keep the project file safe for future changes.

What to put on your profile

  • Before and after samples, with the project type noted, shared with permission.
  • Types of audio you produce, such as podcasts, ads, audiobooks or video soundtracks.
  • Your process: review, clean-up, balance, mix, master and delivery.
  • The equipment and software you use, listed accurately.

Follow-up that helps the customer

  • Offer a shorter version of the audio for a second platform, such as a clip for social media.
  • Suggest a template for the client's future audio, so the levels and intros stay consistent.
  • Offer to produce the next episode or track in the same style.

Licenses and permits

Audio production is not commonly licensed, so you usually do not need a license to offer it. Check with your state or local licensing agency for business registration, and keep a written agreement that names the clean-up, the music rights, the final formats and the ownership of the files.

Questions

How do I show I can clean up poor audio?

Share a before and after of the same recording, with the clean-up steps noted. The difference is the clearest proof.

Should I remove everything from a voice recording?

No. Keep the natural breaths and small room sounds that make the voice sound human, and remove only what distracts. Explain this to the client before you start.

How do I handle a client who wants a louder track?

Explain the platform's loudness requirement, and set the level to meet it. A track made louder than the requirement can sound distorted and may be rejected or changed by the platform.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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