10 Ways to Find Clients as an Entertainer in New Zealand
Breaking into the entertainment scene in New Zealand, or growing your existing client list, can be both rewarding and challenging. From Auckland’s vibrant festivals to intimate gatherings in smaller towns, performers and entertainers need local, practical strategies to connect with the right clients. This guide offers 10 friendly, actionable tips tailored to Kiwi entertainers looking to thrive in their craft and boost their bookings.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Google Business Profile is a no-cost way to get found by local event planners and clients searching for entertainers in your area.
Include engaging photos or videos of your performances, clear service descriptions, and your contact details. Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews to boost your credibility.
Weirdly enough, this simple setup can attract steady inquiries without costing a cent.
2. Leverage Yada for Local Gigs
Yada is a New Zealand platform designed to connect entertainers with clients directly, with no lead or success fees, allowing you to keep your earnings fair and competitive.
The platform’s rating system helps you get matched with ideal bookings, while the internal chat feature keeps communication private and easy.
Yada’s mobile-friendly interface ensures you can manage your gigs on the go, whether in Wellington or Queenstown.
3. Join Local Facebook and Community Groups
Facebook groups like “Auckland Events” or “Christchurch Party Planners” are hubs where locals seek recommendations for entertainers.
Engage by sharing snippets of your performances, helpful event tips, and testimonials rather than sales pitches. Being genuine and helpful builds lasting relationships.
Several Kiwi entertainers credit Facebook groups with increasing their bookings substantially.
4. Get Listed on Event and Entertainment Directories
Local directories like NoCowboys, Trade Me Services, and event-specific platforms help clients find entertainers who are trusted and available.
Keep your listings detailed with engaging photos, videos, and reviews to attract bookings.
Entertainment professionals in Tauranga and other regions have seen a steady rise in clients through active directory listings.
5. Collect and Display Testimonials
Testimonials from past clients are invaluable trust signals. After gigs, ask clients to share feedback you can showcase online and on Yada.
Real stories, especially from well-known local events, help new clients feel confident booking you.
One Wellington magician shared that client testimonials featured on social media drove bookings for local festivals.
6. Offer Special Packages or Intro Discounts
Attract new clients by offering special discounts for first-time bookings or package deals for repeat events.
Promote these offers on your website, social media, and through platforms like Yada to encourage bookings.
These incentives are especially effective during busy seasons like Christmas and wedding months.
7. Network with Event Planners and Venues
Build relationships with local event planners, venue managers, and party organisers who regularly need entertainers.
Offer to showcase your talents with demos or participate in showcases to get noticed.
Direct connections often lead to recurring gigs and steady income.
8. Share Engaging Content Regularly
Regular social media posts showing your rehearsals, snippets of performances, or behind-the-scenes moments build rapport with potential clients.
Consistent content keeps you top-of-mind for upcoming events or referrals.
Entertainers in Auckland report that authentic content helped grow their follower base and translated into bookings.
9. Use Flyers and Posters in Community Hotspots
Distribute flyers or posters at libraries, cafes, community centres, and New World noticeboards where locals gather.
Include your contact info, type of entertainment, and bright visuals that attract attention.
This old-school tactic still reaches people who may not be active online but love supporting local talent.
10. Build a Simple Mobile-Friendly Website
A clean, easy-to-navigate website acts as your professional face online, showcasing your services, videos, reviews, and contact info.
Many Kiwis browse exclusively on mobile devices, so ensure your site is responsive and fast-loading.
This presence not only boosts your credibility but also offers a place to send referrals and inquiries.