From Zero to Fully Booked: How NZ DJs & Musicians Specialists Get Their First 10 Clients
Breaking into the live entertainment scene in New Zealand takes more than just talent-it requires smart strategies for connecting with clients. Landing those first 10 gigs is crucial to building your reputation and momentum. This guide offers 10 practical tips tailored to Kiwi DJs and musicians, helping you grow your bookings and create a thriving career.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Start with Your Inner Circle
Your family, friends, and local community are great places to find your first gigs. They’re usually more willing to support you and can offer valuable testimonials and referrals.
For example, a DJ in Auckland began by playing small parties for friends, which led to bookings at larger community events.
Weirdly enough, these early gigs often open doors to bigger opportunities through word-of-mouth.
2. Join Local Facebook Groups and Forums
Facebook groups like “Wellington Music Scene” or “Christchurch Event Planners” offer a direct line to local audiences seeking entertainment.
Share videos, event recaps, and advice about music and DJing to build authentic engagement without hard selling.
Neighbourly also acts as a great place to get noticed by local event organisers and community members.
3. Create an Engaging Website
A professional website showcasing your DJ or musician profile, past gigs, demo tracks, and testimonials gives clients confidence.
Platforms like Wix or Google Sites help Kiwis create fast, mobile-friendly sites that look good on any device.
Incorporate videos or live session clips to let prospects experience your style first-hand.
4. List on Yada and Trusted NZ Platforms
Yada allows DJs and musicians to access job requests and communicate with clients without paying lead or success fees.
Its rating system helps reliable performers stand out and build a professional reputation quickly.
Add listings on TradeMe Services and music-focused directories to broaden your reach across New Zealand.
5. Offer Introductory Promotions
Attract first clients by offering discounts, package deals, or free add-ons such as extra set time or free consultation.
A Christchurch musician landed multiple bookings after promoting special rates for small community gatherings.
Think of it as a low-risk way for clients to try your service.
6. Network with Event Organisers and Venues
Connect with local event planners, venue managers, and promoters to grow your live gig opportunities.
Attend networking events, provide your business cards, and offer to perform at fundraisers or small gigs.
In Dunedin, consistent networking helped a band secure monthly performances at popular local venues.
7. Gather and Display Client Testimonials
Ask clients to leave feedback on your website, social media, or Yada profile after every gig.
Positive testimonials build trust and make future clients feel more comfortable booking you.
A Wellington DJ credits customer reviews for expanding his birthday party and wedding bookings.
8. Share Behind-the-Scenes Content
Post casual videos or photos from rehearsals, gig setups, or music creation sessions.
This kind of authentic content keeps your audience engaged and interested without heavy marketing.
A Nelson musician grew his online following by sharing snippets of live show preparation.
9. Use Flyers and Vehicle Branding
Flyers placed on community noticeboards, cafes, and music shops reach audiences not always online.
Branded car magnets or stickers amplify your presence around your neighbourhood and at gigs.
Smaller towns like Timaru value these grassroots marketing tactics as part of a holistic approach.
10. Stay Organised with Scheduling Apps
Use tools like Google Calendar and invoicing software to manage bookings, payments, and client communication.
Professional organisation improves your reliability and reputation, encouraging repeat bookings.
A Tauranga DJ highlights that being punctual and clear on communications helped him go from zero to fully booked.