Mistake #1: Lackluster introduction<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe first step to hooking in a client is making an awesome first impression. If your introduction is lacking, you can lose them before you’ve even had a chance to sell to them. This is something you aren’t likely to get right on the first try, so keep making adjustments and trying new approaches until you learn what works best. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nDO THIS: <\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Send a shorter intro message with a follow-up question \u2013 long messages packed full of information can be overwhelming.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Only include one or two links to your profile, website, or promo videos – any more may distract the client.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Keep your message warm and friendly from start to finish.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Never assume the client knows you already and has already decided to book you \u2013 sell yourself!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udc49 Read this:<\/strong> How to Write a Great Sales Pitch to Get More Gigs<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nMistake #2: Badly constructed quotes\/booking agreements<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nEven if things are going great with a client and they’ve said they want to book you, a poorly written contract could be a costly mistake that loses you the gig. Not only do you need to get the price right, but you also want to avoid long messages in place of service descriptions and overwhelming or complicated terms of service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nDO THIS: <\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Be accurate but fair with your price, but try to be open to negotiation, too.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Keep your service description detailed but brief \u2013 simply outline what you’ll be providing for the price quoted.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Make sure you’re protected from cancellations, but not so much that it turns off the client \u2013 we recommend non-refundable deposits, but always-refundable balances.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Go through your additional terms and trim the fat \u2013 only keep what’s absolutely necessary.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"Contract](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Services-to-Be-Provided-Comparison-2-4-e1600366813282.png?resize=940%2C707&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\ud83d\udcdd Read this: <\/strong>6 Things Your Booking Agreement Must Have<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nMistake #3: Poor communication skills<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe key to building and keeping long-lasting client relationships is excellent communication. Being slow to respond, sending messages with lots of errors, or failing to answer or even anticipate your client’s questions are all seemingly small mistakes that can cost you a booking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nDO THIS: <\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Sign up for text alerts or create saved templates<\/a> so you can reply to new leads and messages instantly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Always read through your messages\/quotes before sending them to catch mistakes and check for clarity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Take the time to read your client’s messages carefully to address any questions or concerns they have, both said and implied.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udde3\ufe0f R<\/strong>ead this:<\/strong> 4 Tips for Improving Your Communication<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nMistake #4: No human connection<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nCreating a personal connection with your client is important, especially if most of your communication is happening over the internet. Avoid impersonal greetings, canned responses, and short or blunt replies. You want your client to feel like they’re talking to a friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nDO THIS: <\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Address your client by name and use a conversational tone \u2013 type messages just as you’d say them out loud.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Saved messages are helpful in saving time, but make sure to add some personalization with shortcodes<\/a> or a few quick edits before sending.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- No one likes getting an “Okay” or “Yeah” reply. Even if there’s not much to say, use your response to express thanks or show your excitement about their event and new working relationship.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Show compassion and understanding if your client gets flustered or doesn’t know how online booking works.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"Example](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/PK-Messages.png?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\ud83d\udca1 R<\/strong><\/strong>ead this: <\/strong>4 Keys to Effective Communication<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nMistake #5<\/strong>: A bad profile\/website<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nA solid media kit<\/a> is one of the most valuable tools in hooking new clients and proving your value. Low-quality photos, no videos, or obvious errors in your writing are easily avoidable mistakes that could mean the difference between gaining a new client or losing one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nDO THIS: <\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Your profile photo<\/a> should be high-resolution, cropped correctly, and accurately represent your service.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Having at least 2 or 3 promo videos and an assortment of photos that show your business in action will help clients know what you can offer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Collect lots of genuine feedback and try to get verified reviews<\/a> to make clients feel more confident about hiring you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Just like your messages, the text within your profile should be well-written and free of errors \u2013 proofread it several times and then have a friend do it as well.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udc4d Read this: <\/strong>6 Ways to Optimize Your Profile and Get More Leads<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nMistake #6: No follow-through<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nDo you know what’s even better than simply closing a gig? Ensuring that client is so satisfied that they leave a stellar review, tell all their friends about you, and hire you again. Failing to stay in communication after you get booked and then properly following up after the gig can cost you future bookings and lasting client relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nDO THIS: <\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Stay in touch with your client from when you close all the way leading up to the event so they feel confident and worry-free.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be flexible and accommodating when you can \u2013 timeliness is important, but events can be unpredictable so go with the flow as much as possible.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- There’s no such thing as too much gratitude \u2013 thank your client at the event, send a follow-up message after, and maybe even send a card a few days later.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"Thank](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/A-Note-of-Thanks.png?resize=1170%2C1639&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\u23ed\ufe0f Read this: <\/strong>Why the Work Doesn’t Stop When the Gig is Done<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nMistake #7: Not learning from your mistakes<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nMaking mistakes is part of life, and you’ve probably been guilty of several we’ve mentioned. But the worst mistake you could make is never learning from them. Stop repeating what isn’t working, don’t dismiss bad reviews or feedback, and be open to opportunities for growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nDO THIS: <\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- If what you’re doing isn’t working 100% of the time, then there’s always room for improvement \u2013 evaluate your processes constantly to see what you can do better.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Honest feedback is incredibly valuable, even if it strings \u2013 take the time to reflect on the less-than-stellar reviews so you don’t make those mistakes again.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Take the time to identify your competition and try to figure out what they might be doing to get the clients that you’re losing out on.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\ud83e\udd1d Read this:<\/strong> 10 Helpful Things Your Competitors Can Teach You<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
DO THIS: <\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Send a shorter intro message with a follow-up question \u2013 long messages packed full of information can be overwhelming.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Only include one or two links to your profile, website, or promo videos – any more may distract the client.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Keep your message warm and friendly from start to finish.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Never assume the client knows you already and has already decided to book you \u2013 sell yourself!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udc49 Read this:<\/strong> How to Write a Great Sales Pitch to Get More Gigs<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nMistake #2: Badly constructed quotes\/booking agreements<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nEven if things are going great with a client and they’ve said they want to book you, a poorly written contract could be a costly mistake that loses you the gig. Not only do you need to get the price right, but you also want to avoid long messages in place of service descriptions and overwhelming or complicated terms of service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nDO THIS: <\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Be accurate but fair with your price, but try to be open to negotiation, too.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Keep your service description detailed but brief \u2013 simply outline what you’ll be providing for the price quoted.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Make sure you’re protected from cancellations, but not so much that it turns off the client \u2013 we recommend non-refundable deposits, but always-refundable balances.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Go through your additional terms and trim the fat \u2013 only keep what’s absolutely necessary.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\ud83d\udcdd Read this: <\/strong>6 Things Your Booking Agreement Must Have<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nMistake #3: Poor communication skills<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe key to building and keeping long-lasting client relationships is excellent communication. Being slow to respond, sending messages with lots of errors, or failing to answer or even anticipate your client’s questions are all seemingly small mistakes that can cost you a booking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nDO THIS: <\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Sign up for text alerts or create saved templates<\/a> so you can reply to new leads and messages instantly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Always read through your messages\/quotes before sending them to catch mistakes and check for clarity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Take the time to read your client’s messages carefully to address any questions or concerns they have, both said and implied.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udde3\ufe0f R<\/strong>ead this:<\/strong> 4 Tips for Improving Your Communication<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nMistake #4: No human connection<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nCreating a personal connection with your client is important, especially if most of your communication is happening over the internet. Avoid impersonal greetings, canned responses, and short or blunt replies. You want your client to feel like they’re talking to a friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nDO THIS: <\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Address your client by name and use a conversational tone \u2013 type messages just as you’d say them out loud.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Saved messages are helpful in saving time, but make sure to add some personalization with shortcodes<\/a> or a few quick edits before sending.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- No one likes getting an “Okay” or “Yeah” reply. Even if there’s not much to say, use your response to express thanks or show your excitement about their event and new working relationship.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Show compassion and understanding if your client gets flustered or doesn’t know how online booking works.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\ud83d\udca1 R<\/strong><\/strong>ead this: <\/strong>4 Keys to Effective Communication<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nMistake #5<\/strong>: A bad profile\/website<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nA solid media kit<\/a> is one of the most valuable tools in hooking new clients and proving your value. Low-quality photos, no videos, or obvious errors in your writing are easily avoidable mistakes that could mean the difference between gaining a new client or losing one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nDO THIS: <\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Your profile photo<\/a> should be high-resolution, cropped correctly, and accurately represent your service.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Having at least 2 or 3 promo videos and an assortment of photos that show your business in action will help clients know what you can offer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Collect lots of genuine feedback and try to get verified reviews<\/a> to make clients feel more confident about hiring you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Just like your messages, the text within your profile should be well-written and free of errors \u2013 proofread it several times and then have a friend do it as well.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udc4d Read this: <\/strong>6 Ways to Optimize Your Profile and Get More Leads<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nMistake #6: No follow-through<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nDo you know what’s even better than simply closing a gig? Ensuring that client is so satisfied that they leave a stellar review, tell all their friends about you, and hire you again. Failing to stay in communication after you get booked and then properly following up after the gig can cost you future bookings and lasting client relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nDO THIS: <\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- Stay in touch with your client from when you close all the way leading up to the event so they feel confident and worry-free.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be flexible and accommodating when you can \u2013 timeliness is important, but events can be unpredictable so go with the flow as much as possible.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- There’s no such thing as too much gratitude \u2013 thank your client at the event, send a follow-up message after, and maybe even send a card a few days later.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\u23ed\ufe0f Read this: <\/strong>Why the Work Doesn’t Stop When the Gig is Done<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nMistake #7: Not learning from your mistakes<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nMaking mistakes is part of life, and you’ve probably been guilty of several we’ve mentioned. But the worst mistake you could make is never learning from them. Stop repeating what isn’t working, don’t dismiss bad reviews or feedback, and be open to opportunities for growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nDO THIS: <\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- If what you’re doing isn’t working 100% of the time, then there’s always room for improvement \u2013 evaluate your processes constantly to see what you can do better.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Honest feedback is incredibly valuable, even if it strings \u2013 take the time to reflect on the less-than-stellar reviews so you don’t make those mistakes again.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Take the time to identify your competition and try to figure out what they might be doing to get the clients that you’re losing out on.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\ud83e\udd1d Read this:<\/strong> 10 Helpful Things Your Competitors Can Teach You<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udc49 Read this:<\/strong> How to Write a Great Sales Pitch to Get More Gigs<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if things are going great with a client and they’ve said they want to book you, a poorly written contract could be a costly mistake that loses you the gig. Not only do you need to get the price right, but you also want to avoid long messages in place of service descriptions and overwhelming or complicated terms of service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udcdd Read this: <\/strong>6 Things Your Booking Agreement Must Have<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The key to building and keeping long-lasting client relationships is excellent communication. Being slow to respond, sending messages with lots of errors, or failing to answer or even anticipate your client’s questions are all seemingly small mistakes that can cost you a booking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udde3\ufe0f R<\/strong>ead this:<\/strong> 4 Tips for Improving Your Communication<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Creating a personal connection with your client is important, especially if most of your communication is happening over the internet. Avoid impersonal greetings, canned responses, and short or blunt replies. You want your client to feel like they’re talking to a friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1 R<\/strong><\/strong>ead this: <\/strong>4 Keys to Effective Communication<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n A solid media kit<\/a> is one of the most valuable tools in hooking new clients and proving your value. Low-quality photos, no videos, or obvious errors in your writing are easily avoidable mistakes that could mean the difference between gaining a new client or losing one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udc4d Read this: <\/strong>6 Ways to Optimize Your Profile and Get More Leads<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you know what’s even better than simply closing a gig? Ensuring that client is so satisfied that they leave a stellar review, tell all their friends about you, and hire you again. Failing to stay in communication after you get booked and then properly following up after the gig can cost you future bookings and lasting client relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u23ed\ufe0f Read this: <\/strong>Why the Work Doesn’t Stop When the Gig is Done<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Making mistakes is part of life, and you’ve probably been guilty of several we’ve mentioned. But the worst mistake you could make is never learning from them. Stop repeating what isn’t working, don’t dismiss bad reviews or feedback, and be open to opportunities for growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83e\udd1d Read this:<\/strong> 10 Helpful Things Your Competitors Can Teach You<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nMistake #2: Badly constructed quotes\/booking agreements<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
DO THIS: <\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMistake #3: Poor communication skills<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
DO THIS: <\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
Mistake #4: No human connection<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
DO THIS: <\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMistake #5<\/strong>: A bad profile\/website<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
DO THIS: <\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
Mistake #6: No follow-through<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
DO THIS: <\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMistake #7: Not learning from your mistakes<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
DO THIS: <\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"Join](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/More-Leads-JOIN-CTA-1.png?resize=1170%2C585&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"