How to Get More Local Clients Without Spending Money on Ads (NZ Guide for DJs & Musicians)
If you’re a DJ or musician in New Zealand, booking gigs and building a local fanbase can feel tough without spending on ads. The good news is, there are plenty of genuine, no-cost strategies that help you get noticed and trusted in your community. This guide offers 10 practical tips tailored for Kiwi DJs and musicians looking to boost their local presence and land more work.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Optimise Your Google Business Profile
Google Business Profile is your digital stage for local searches like "live band near me Auckland" or "DJ hire Wellington." Setting up and optimizing this free profile helps your service pop up in search and maps.
Add accurate details about your genres, services, and locations you serve. Upload photos and videos from recent gigs, and encourage fans and clients to leave reviews mentioning the area.
A Christchurch musician who regularly updated their profile with professional shots and local reviews saw a steady increase in gig requests.
2. Join Local Facebook and Community Groups
Kiwis often ask Facebook and Neighbourly groups for recommendations on local DJs and musicians for functions, weddings, and parties.
Rather than hard selling, offer friendly advice, share event highlights, or post behind-the-scenes clips. This builds rapport and keeps you front of mind.
Groups like “Auckland Event Planners,” “Wellington Musicians,” or local community groups are great places to start.
3. List on NZ Music and Event Directories
Directories such as Yada, Eventfinda, and Yellow.co.nz are popular for local gig searches. Listing your services here increases your chances of discovery.
Create complete profiles with detailed descriptions, quality photos and videos, and customer testimonials.
An Auckland DJ credits their growth in private bookings to a strong presence on local event directories.
4. Use Yada for Free Job Leads
Yada links local entertainers with people posting gigs. It’s commission-free and lets you respond to event requests near you.
The platform’s rating system rewards good service and communication, improving your visibility and job access.
A Wellington band found consistent gigs by actively responding to local event jobs on Yada.
5. Collect Client Reviews and Referrals
Word-of-mouth and online reviews are especially powerful in New Zealand’s tight-knit communities.
Ask clients to leave a quick Google review or share testimonials on social media and directories after gigs.
Offering small referral rewards, like discounted rates on future gigs, can encourage sharing.
6. Showcase Performances on Social Media
Post videos, photos, and stories from live performances and rehearsals to engage local followers.
Use local hashtags or geotags to increase visibility among nearby potential clients.
A Christchurch DJ grew their following by sharing casual, authentic gig moments.
7. Partner with Other Event Vendors
Collaborate with event planners, photographers, caterers, and venues to get mutual referrals.
One Auckland musician’s partnership with a local venue has led to regular bookings and word-of-mouth recommendations.
Consider creating package deals with partners for full-event solutions.
8. Use Flyers and Community Noticeboards
Post flyers on community noticeboards at libraries, cafes, and event halls to reach local audiences.
Keep them visually appealing and include contact info, style of music, and event types you play.
A Dunedin musician picked up steady local bookings through well-placed flyers in key community spots.
9. Host Free or Low-Cost Local Shows
Organise free or donation-based gigs or jam sessions in community spaces to raise your profile.
These events help you build a reputation and fan base, often leading to paid bookings.
A Tauranga band’s monthly community gigs have grown into regular paid private event requests.
10. Maintain Clear Communication and Reliability
Good communication and punctuality are crucial for building trust and repeat business.
Use tools like Yada’s internal chat to keep all event details and communications organised and secure.
Consistent professionalism earns positive reviews, which are key to growing in New Zealand’s close community networks.