Breaking into the gig business isn’t as easy as it might seem. There are a lot of high and unrealistic expectations that make the process seem frustrating and discouraging. But with a small dose of reality and some helpful tips, you can start booking gigs full-time!
Expectation:
Just join a gig site and wait for leads
Reality:
You have to put in some work
The return you see is often directly related to the work you put into your online profiles. If you only fill out the bare minimum, not only will you find yourself getting fewer leads, but you’ll have trouble turning those leads into bookings.
Profile must-haves:
- Client reviews
- High-quality media
- Regular updates
👉 Read this: 6 Ways to Optimize Your Profile and Get More Leads
Expectation:
Every client specifically chose me
Reality:
You have competition for every lead
On GigSalad and many other lead-generating services, clients most often submit general requests which are then distributed to performers and service providers that match their needs. There’s actually a good chance the client hasn’t even seen your profile before you first respond to their request.
Even in cases where clients find your profile and contact you directly, it’s safe to assume they’re still reaching out to other options as well. Every lead is an opportunity to sell yourself.
👉 Read this: How Gig Leads Work on GigSalad
Expectation:
Clients are intentionally vague about their budget
Reality:
Most clients don’t know what services cost
Online marketplaces have put all types of goods and services right at the fingertips of consumers. It’s great to have those resources, but it also means a majority of the clients using services like GigSalad are novices just Googling around.
That doesn’t mean they necessarily have a low budget (although some obviously do), you just need to stretch those sales muscles. Give them multiple price points. Explain in detail what they get for the price and why it’s worth it. This is your chance to manage expectation vs. reality for them!
👉 Read this: 4 Steps to Getting the Pricing Right for Your Business
Expectation:
You need to speak on the phone to close the gig
Reality:
There are multiple ways to communicate with clients
While phone calls are quick and direct, they are quickly becoming outdated in terms of preferred communication methods. People are now more accustomed to texting and using online messaging for all back-and-forth discussions both personally and professionally.
The key is figuring out your client’s preference and adopting it for that lead. If you “require” a phone conversation, and the client prefers texting, they will likely overlook your service and go with someone willing to communicate how they want.
👉 Read this: 4 Keys to Effective Communication
Expectation:
Once the gig is booked, your work is done
Reality:
Follow-up is the key to a successful gig
From the moment the gig is booked all the way through to the days after the event, you should be in contact with your client. You want them to feel reassured and confident about their decision to book you.
Key points of follow-up:
- Right after booking. Thank them for choosing you and see if they have any requests or special needs that you need to prepare for in advance of the event.
- Weeks/days before gig. Make sure they know you remember their event and you’re ready. This is your chance to go over any last-minute details.
- Right after the gig. Compliment their event and thank them for getting to be a part of it. Let them know a review would be much-appreciated.
👉 Read this: Why the Work Doesn’t Stop When the Gig is Done
When you dig into the process of booking gigs with open eyes and know the work required to be successful, you will be better prepared and get more work because of it.
Wanna get paid to do what you love? Create a profile for free on GigSalad and start getting gigs!
Heather is the Content Manager and a GigSalad veteran of 15+ years. She loves helping event planners create unforgettable celebrations and talent make a living doing what they love. When not at work, she enjoys reading romance and fantasy books, bingeing TV shows, playing board games, and spending time with friends.