The middle of the year is the perfect moment to pause, reflect, and reset. A quick mid-year check-in can help you fine-tune your GigSalad profile, sharpen your strategy, and set yourself up for even more success in the months ahead. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of it and end the year on a high note.
Refresh your GigSalad profile
Your profile is your first impression, your pitch, and your portfolio all in one, so it’s worth keeping it sharp. Focus on your media, gathering positive feedback, and freshening up any outdated information.
📸 Media
Your photos and videos often do the talking before you ever send a quote. If you’ve performed at recent events, added new services, or upgraded your setup, now’s the time to show it off. Fresh, high-quality media signals professionalism and keeps your profile looking active and in demand. Ensure you have a great profile photo, as this is generally the first impression to potential clients searching for talent on GigSalad.
Pro tip: Always use a recent photo so event planners have an accurate representation of who you are. You don’t want to show up at their event looking completely different or years older than your profile suggests.
⭐ Reviews
Great media gets attention, but positive reviews build trust. If you haven’t heard from recent clients, a short, friendly follow-up message is completely appropriate. We send multiple reminder emails after a booking, but you can also reach out directly using the request reviews section in your control panel.
✏️ Profile text
Take a moment to read your overview and bio with fresh eyes. Do they still reflect who you are and what you offer today? Update any new accomplishments, notable gigs, or specialties you’ve added. And if your business name has changed, make sure your GigSalad profile reflects the change by submitting a request to update your act name.
Reflect on your bookings
With your profile polished, it’s time to look at the bigger picture. Data doesn’t lie, and your booking history is full of insights just waiting to be uncovered.
📍 Event locations
Review your leads and booked gigs to identify the primary event locations. If you’re noticing that most of your leads are coming from a nearby city, you might consider adjusting your location to that city in order to increase your chances of getting leads. You may also find it beneficial to experiment with purchasing an additional location, which will allow your profile to appear in multiple cities at once.
💰 Quotes and bookings
Take a closer look at your pricing patterns for booked gigs and leads that didn’t convert. Compare your quotes, duration, and event locations. This can help you determine whether pricing adjustments or packaging tweaks could improve your booking rate.
🎯 Lead preferences
Your lead preferences help shape the opportunities you receive. After reviewing your data, consider whether you need to make any changes. Adjust your location radius, refine your categories, or narrow in on the event types you enjoy most. A few small tweaks can lead to more appropriate leads landing in your inbox.
Review your finances
Running your own business means keeping a close eye on the numbers, even when things are going well. A mid-year check-in is the perfect time to make adjustments and track any necessary information.
🧾 Taxes
If you haven’t already, set aside time to review your tax information and necessary documentation. Staying organized now can save you a major headache later. Check out our guide on taxes for freelancers to make sure you’re on the right track and taking advantage of any deductions and tools available to you.
💵 Pricing
As your experience grows, your pricing should grow with you. Reevaluate your rates to ensure they reflect your current skill level, demand, and the value you bring to events. If you’re struggling to handle a packed gig calendar, it might be a sign you’re ready for a rate increase. Experiment with pricing adjustments in the second half of the year and take note of your new closing rates.
🛒 Business purchases
Take the time to make necessary purchases and stock up on needed materials all at once. Whether you’re a musician restocking strings or reeds, a magician refreshing your card supply, or a photo booth operator replacing props and backdrops, a little bulk buying goes a long way. Make sure that you document your purchases and keep receipts for tax deductions.
Refine your goals
The year isn’t over yet, and neither is your chance to finish it strong. A little planning now can turn the final stretch into the best part of your year.
🏆 Top performer
Top Performers on GigSalad see a number of benefits, including more leads and higher search-result placement. If you’re not already a Top Performer, make it your goal by ensuring you have 4.8 star rating or higher, respond to at least 80% of your gig leads within 24 hours, and book at least 1 gig through GigSalad every 3 months. Already earned the badge? Keep that momentum going! New assessments happen at the beginning of every month.
📅 Booking goals
Setting a clear target gives you something to work toward and helps guide your pricing, availability, and outreach. Perhaps you would like to book a certain number of gigs per month, or land a corporate event with a higher payout. Write down your goal and the steps you need to turn it into a reality.
🌟 Self-improvement
The best performers never stop improving. Whether it’s a workshop, online course, or industry conference, investing in your craft can open doors to new opportunities. Sharpen your skills, expand your offerings, and keep evolving.
A mid-year reset doesn’t have to be complicated, but it can be incredibly powerful. With a refreshed profile, clearer insights, and defined goals, you’ll be ready to take on the rest of the year with confidence. Let’s make the second half your best yet! 💜🙌
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Matt Holland is a Customer Happiness Agent at GigSalad. With 10+ years of experience performing as a jazz drummer, he has gained insights into the life of a gigging musician as well as what makes an event go off without a hitch. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, cooking, and watching the newest TV shows with his wife.