How to Build Trust as a New Entertainers Specialist Without Reviews Yet in New Zealand
Getting started as an entertainer in New Zealand is exciting but can be tricky without reviews to prove your chops. Building trust takes time, but with smart, genuine approaches, you can quickly win over clients and create lasting connections. Here are 10 practical tips for new entertainers across Aotearoa to gain trust and grow their reputations from scratch.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Show Your Passion and Personality
Kiwi audiences value authenticity and personality just as much as talent. Share your journey, what drives your craft, and what makes you unique in your profiles and communications.
Post videos or photos of recent gigs or rehearsals on Yada or your socials, giving potential clients a sense of your style and vibe.
For example, a Christchurch magician gained local gigs by sharing clips of his friendly, interactive style, helping people feel connected before booking.
2. Offer Free or Discounted Trial Performances
To overcome the no-reviews hurdle, offer to perform at local community events or parties for free or at discounted rates.
This hands-on approach builds trust and generates word-of-mouth, critical in Kiwi communities where personal recommendations rule.
One Wellington comedian started by performing for charity fundraisers, which helped him build a solid local following.
3. Create Clear, Professional Profiles
On platforms like Yada, have a professional, clear profile outlining your services, experience, and pricing.
Include high-quality photos, descriptions of your act or service, and any credentials or special skills you have.
Being upfront about what clients can expect helps manage expectations and build confidence.
4. Leverage Yada’s Specialist Features
Yada lets you connect privately with clients via internal chat-use it to communicate professionally and responsively.
Since Yada has no lead or success fees, you can offer honest, competitive pricing that appeals to clients hesitant about hidden costs.
The platform’s rating system rewards consistent quality, helping you establish trust over time.
5. Gather Early Testimonials and References
Ask friends, family, or early clients for short testimonials or character references.
Display these on your Yada profile or social media to build credibility.
Even positive comments from local community members can help new entertainers build trust.
6. Network with Local Event Organisers and Venues
Connect with community groups, event centres, and local venues to become a recommended entertainer.
Drop business cards or flyers at places community members frequent, like libraries, cafes, and community halls.
In smaller Kiwi towns, local endorsements can make a huge difference in trust and bookings.
7. Be Transparent and Professional in Communication
Clear, prompt communication about your availability, pricing, and performance details is essential.
Use Yada’s private messaging to keep clients well informed and answer any questions openly.
Regular updates before events build confidence that you’re reliable and organised.
8. Showcase Your Work with Videos and Photos
Visuals are your best friends. Share videos and photos from performances to demonstrate your skills.
Short clips work well on social media and your Yada profile to show potential clients what to expect.
Sophie, a Wellington singer, found video snippets from a local café gig helped land bookings.
9. Offer Flexible and Tailored Performances
Discuss client needs upfront and tailor your act to suit the event, whether it’s a kids’ party or a corporate function.
Understanding and meeting client expectations builds trust and encourages referrals.
A magician in Auckland customises shows for different age groups, making clients feel heard and valued.
10. Use Old-School Flyers and Community Boards
Physical flyers and posters on community noticeboards still attract attention in many NZ neighbourhoods.
Keep your flyers simple, clear, and visually appealing with contact info and a brief service description.
Entertainers in towns like Taupo and Whangarei often find this low-tech method highly effective for local gigs.