{"id":37588,"date":"2025-01-02T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-01-02T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/?p=37588"},"modified":"2026-01-07T13:54:58","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T19:54:58","slug":"2024-product-updates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/2024-product-updates\/","title":{"rendered":"Reflecting on 2024 and Setting the Stage for a Big 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

Last updated on January 7, 2026<\/p>
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While we don\u2019t have a long list of flashy features to recap this year, there\u2019s a good reason for that. In 2024, we focused on critical back-end work and laid the foundation for something truly transformative: a massive redesign of GigSalad launching in 2025. We\u2019ll share more on that toward the end of this post, but first, let\u2019s look back at some of the work we\u2019ve done this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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Elevating Lead Quality<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We know the quality of leads you receive is essential to your success. That\u2019s why we\u2019ve continued to refine how leads are delivered to ensure they\u2019re more relevant, actionable, and secure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\ud83d\ude97 Smarter Travel Preferences<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In early 2024, we enhanced the way you customize travel preferences<\/a>. You can now set your coverage area based on actual driving routes rather than the straight-line \u201cas the crow flies\u201d distance. For added flexibility, you can also apply different travel preferences by category. For instance, if you\u2019re willing to travel farther for weddings but prefer to stay closer for birthday parties, we\u2019ve got you covered.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\ud83d\udeab Automated Protection with Auto-banning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We implemented an auto-banning process to keep your leads secure and your inbox free of questionable requests. This feature scans messages for flagged emails, phone numbers, and suspicious key phrases, automatically removing questionable event planners before they can cause issues. It\u2019s one more way we provide reliability and build trust on GigSalad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\ud83d\udcc4 Lead Details That Matter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re always looking for ways to ensure the leads you receive through GigSalad have all the essential details and helpful information you need to turn them into successful bookings. We concluded two A\/B tests in 2024 that showed better booking metrics for our members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Direct lead indicator<\/strong> \u2013 We added a helpful new feature to your inbox that shows when a lead came directly from a planner who viewed your profile and reached out to you specifically. These leads should be your top priority since they indicate a planner\u2019s genuine interest in your services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Quote request form questions<\/strong> \u2013 We adjusted the placement of service-specific questions when planners request quotes, moving them earlier in the process. By prompting planners to provide pertinent details up front we\u2019ve seen better booking rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Amplifying Marketing and SEO<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We put more focus on our marketing efforts in 2024 and SEO always remains a priority for us. A primary goal is to ensure GigSalad always stays at the top of mind (and at the top of search results) when planners and talent need us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\ud83d\udcf1 Social Media Fun<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve upped our social media game with fresh, unique content on Facebook<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>. From behind-the-scenes looks at our team to the \u201cMark Learns How\u201d series featuring our CEO, Mark Steiner, trying out popular GigSalad services, we\u2019ve been finding creative ways to connect with our audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\ud83d\udd17 Link up with us! <\/strong>Make sure you\u2019re following GigSalad so you don’t miss any of the action! We\u2019d also love to interact with you, so please like, comment, and tag us in your GigSalad-related posts so we can share your successes!<\/p>\n\n\n\n