{"id":37728,"date":"2025-01-15T09:09:57","date_gmt":"2025-01-15T15:09:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/?p=37728"},"modified":"2025-08-05T10:43:28","modified_gmt":"2025-08-05T15:43:28","slug":"expert-advice-from-successful-gigsalad-members","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/expert-advice-from-successful-gigsalad-members\/","title":{"rendered":"Expert Advice for the New Year from Successful GigSalad Members"},"content":{"rendered":"

Last updated on August 5, 2025<\/p>
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Last year, we featured 12 successful GigSalad members on our talent spotlight blog series. We enjoyed hearing from musicians, DJs, artists, aerialists, magicians, and children’s performers. Through sharing their success stories with us, each member also provided insight into succeeding in their field and getting the most out of their online profile. From communicating with clients to marketing tips to using GigSalad tools, read on for expert advice from talented performers and event service providers to boost your success this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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Recurring wisdom<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Regardless of the type of talent or services they offer, many of the most successful GigSalad professionals have similar approaches to communication, media, and business practices. Here are some recurring expert advice from various members throughout the year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Choose your words wisely \ud83d\udde3\ufe0f<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The first words you write or say to a potential client can make or break a first impression. Singing guitarist Austin Ellis<\/a> said, “People underestimate the power of the words you choose. The way you communicate your message should be engaging, and you should take the time to figure out the things that work.” Explaining his techniques, he advises, “Keep it short and sweet and tune up your language. When it comes to a phone call, don\u2019t wing it. Create a script with a structure or a foundation, and be genuine, but be prepared.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balloon twister Irina Patterson<\/a> ensures her communication fits her style, adding, “I keep my messages short and sprinkled with humor. After all, if they\u2019re looking for a clown, they probably want someone who can make them laugh, right? A little wit goes a long way in making a memorable first impression!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Respond to clients quickly and personally \ud83d\udca8<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Our data shows that members who respond to their leads first are often the most successful. DJ Queendoq<\/a> finds this to be true, adding, “Whether it\u2019s a text message, phone call, or email, you must be the first. Once somebody gets two or three messages, they get annoyed because they\u2019re just like, ‘Oh, all these people keep contacting me.’ So, trying to be the first responder, the first phone call, is important.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Caricaturist Victoria Bayagich<\/a> loves using the saved quotes<\/a> and saved messages<\/a> features to respond quickly<\/span>. She says, “They streamline communication and ensure I can respond quickly and effectively to inquiries, even from my phone. Having templates for common questions allows me to maintain a professional and organized approach.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83e\udd33 Pro Tip<\/strong>: Sign up for text alerts<\/a> to ensure you can quickly respond to every new lead!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Select impressive media that reflects your skills \ud83d\udcf8 <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Great media can help set you stand out from the competition<\/a>, but it can be hard to decide on the right media to share. Reflecting on the media he uses, saxophonist Alex LiveSaX<\/a> says, “Photo and video materials are crucial for landing gigs as they showcase my performances and engage potential clients. I choose media that highlights my versatility, energy, and unique stage presence, ensuring it resonates with the audience and reflects the quality of my shows.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gio Bard Zero<\/a>, a multi-instrumentalist, explained how he handles selecting media while advertising in various categories, “I\u2019ve put in the time to make a highlight reel for each specific category, featuring me doing only that thing. I think I have close to 10 reels in total. I send different ones to different clients to assure them that I\u2019m not just a hobbyist playing different instruments just for kicks.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"GigSalad<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Unique insights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When we chat with the many talented GigSalad members, we discover a new way of approaching a situation or handling challenges. From business advice to marketing tips, we’ve gathered a few of the unique insights we received throughout our spotlights over the last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Guarantee client happiness \ud83d\ude01<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Making sure a gig goes well involves knowing what you do best and asking the right questions. Children’s musician Andrew Karnavas<\/a> ensures he can make a client happy before responding, explaining, “I only send quotes to clients I know I can help. Sometimes, they want someone who will sing Cocomelon or Disney songs. I don\u2019t do that, so I turn those performances down.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DJ Queendoq shared insights into how she works with clients after they book. She says, “I actually do Zoom meetings. I definitely have a list of questions that I ask, but I like the face-to-face interaction. We\u2019re on a Zoom, I\u2019m getting to know them, and they\u2019re getting to know me. I ask all my questions and transcribe everything from there.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Maximize your categories \ud83d\udcaf<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Categories are essential as they control which leads you receive from potential clients. Austin Ellis shared, “One thing I think is overlooked is maximizing categories<\/a>. I focus a lot on my categories. It\u2019s important to spread as wide a net as you can. Even if the last few categories are a stretch, you want to get the most leads possible.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deciding on a primary category can be difficult if you offer many services like multi-talented performer Irina Patterson. She shares, “Deciding on a focus is a challenge, but I ultimately chose balloon art and face painting because those are the gigs that keep me the busiest. You have to be pragmatic and offer what clients want the most as your primary category. Then, you can add all your other talents to 19 additional categories.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83e\uddd1\u200d\ud83d\udcbb Get the most out of your GigSalad profile!<\/strong> 6 Tips for Optimizing Your Profile to Get More Leads<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Research pricing and value your work \ud83e\uddd1\u200d\ud83d\udcbb<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Adjusting your pricing for an online marketplace requires a little examination. Aerialist Malin Bergman<\/a> suggests, “Research and understand the rates for your art form in your area. Utilize GigSalad\u2019s average booking costs as a helpful guideline, especially for newcomers to performing. It\u2019s essential to value your work appropriately to maintain fairness and support the industry as a whole.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Victoria Bayagich encourages fellow artists to value their services, saying, “Don\u2019t underquote your work \u2014 know your worth and what you bring to the table. Remember, you might face a lot of rejections before you find your yeses, so stay persistent and never settle for less than you deserve!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"GigSalad<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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What people love about GigSalad<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Through the talent spotlights, we’ve had the pleasure of hearing what GigSalad tools are most helpful. Here are the features that members love the most!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\ud83d\udcb8 The ease of collecting payments.<\/strong> “I love the fact that GigSalad takes payment in full but holds it until after the event. This way, I don\u2019t have to chase anyone down after the event in order to get paid, and I also haven\u2019t already spent the money because they paid a month ago.” – Chris Anthony<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udce4 Messaging with clients.<\/strong> “It\u2019s so easy to respond to clients. We especially like the feature where you can save responses and easily select one for every client inquiry.” – The Lola Bard Holiday Carolers<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udcf1 Receiving text notifications for leads.<\/strong> “The text message notification feature is invaluable. It allows me to be one of the first to respond to inquiries, showing potential clients that I\u2019m attentive and eager to work with them.” – Victoria Bayagich<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udc8e Unique gigs and building an online presence.<\/strong> “…joining GigSalad is a game-changer for landing diverse gigs and building a strong client base.” – Alex LiveSax<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udf1f Displaying and receiving reviews<\/strong>. “Having all of my reviews in one place is helpful for potential clients who might be booking children\u2019s music for the first time. GigSalad makes it easy for a potential client to browse my PromoKit quickly and decide whether I am the right fit.” – Andrew Karnavas<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Get<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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\ud83c\udf1f Looking for more inspiration and tips? <\/strong>Check out our member spotlight stories<\/a> from last year and more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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With a new year ahead of you, the next 12 months are full of possibilities. We hope this expert advice inspires you with creative ideas or clarifies that you’re already on the right path. Here’s to a wildly successful year of doing even more of what you love! \ud83e\udd42\ud83e\udd18<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Already a GigSalad member? Get more from your membership with a paid profile. Upgrade today to increase your exposure with more categories and better search result placement.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Upgrade my membership<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Last updated on August 5, 2025 Last year, we featured 12 successful GigSalad members on our talent spotlight blog series. We enjoyed hearing from musicians, DJs, artists, aerialists, magicians, and children’s performers. 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