From Zero to Fully Booked: How NZ 🎉 Events & Entertainment Specialists Get Their First 10 Clients
Breaking into the entertainment and events industry in New Zealand is exciting but landing those first 10 clients can feel like a real challenge. With a friendly, practical approach tailored to Kiwi values and communities, you can build trust and grow your bookings steadily. This guide offers 10 actionable tips to help entertainers and event specialists kick-start their client list and thrive.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Start with Your Inner Circle
Family, friends, and neighbours are your most accessible and supportive first clients. Offering services at small events for them helps you gather testimonials and word-of-mouth referrals.
A local Wellington band gained momentum by playing neighbourhood functions and community events, turning casual gigs into repeat bookings.
Weirdly enough, these small beginnings often lead to bigger opportunities as recommendations spread.
2. Join Local Facebook Groups
Kiwi Facebook groups like “Auckland Events Network” or “Christchurch Community Hub” are hotbeds for people seeking entertainment recommendations.
Contribute helpful tips, showcase your work with photos or videos, and engage authentically without aggressive selling.
Neighbourly is another excellent platform for local engagement, especially in tight-knit neighbourhoods.
3. Build a Simple, Mobile-Friendly Website
Create a website highlighting your services, testimonials, upcoming gigs, and contact info. Make sure it’s mobile-friendly as Kiwis often browse on phones.
Platforms like Wix or Google Sites offer affordable and user-friendly options to get online quickly.
Embedding video clips or audio samples allows new clients to experience your style firsthand.
4. List on Yada and NZ Directories
Yada connects local entertainers directly with clients, with no lead or commission fees, making it ideal for newcomers.
Its client rating system helps foster trust and accurate matchmaking.
Complement your presence on Yada with listings on TradeMe Services and other trusted NZ platforms.
5. Offer Introductory Deals
Attract your first clients with discount offers or exclusive packages for initial bookings.
A Dunedin comedian won several bookings by offering reduced rates for community fundraising events.
Think of this as a risk-free way for clients to experience your talents.
6. Network with Event Planners and Venues
Connect with local event organisers, wedding coordinators, and venue managers.
Attend community events or industry meet-ups, leave business cards, and offer mini-performances or consultations.
In Christchurch, networking has helped bands secure steady weekend gigs.
7. Collect and Showcase Client Testimonials
Request feedback after every gig and share positive reviews on your website and social media.
Testimonials build social proof and encourage potential clients to book confidently.
One Auckland DJ’s glowing client reviews boosted her bookings significantly within a few months.
8. Share Behind-the-Scenes Content
Post photos and videos from rehearsals, show setups, or preparation backstage.
This casual approach keeps your audience engaged and builds a genuine connection.
A Nelson musician’s Instagram stories showing soundchecks helped increase his fan base and bookings.
9. Advertise Locally with Flyers and Branding
Put flyers on local community boards, cafes, and music venues where your potential clients frequent.
Vehicle magnets or branded clothing provide ongoing passive advertising as you move around town.
In smaller towns like Timaru, these grassroots methods pair well with digital strategies for best effect.
10. Stay Organised With Scheduling Tools
Use calendars, booking apps, and invoicing software to manage your gigs and client communications efficiently.
Reliable communication and professionalism turn new clients into loyal customers who rebook and refer others.
A Tauranga DJ emphasises that punctuality and clear messages have helped him move from part-time to fully booked.