The Easiest Ways to Start a Side Hustle in NZ (Even If You Have a Full-Time Job) - Entertainers
Whether you’re a musician, magician, comedian, or all-round party starter, launching a side hustle in entertainment can be both fun and lucrative. This guide offers practical, Kiwi-flavoured tips tailored for entertainers balancing gigs with a full-time job, helping you attract more local clients across New Zealand.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Know Your Local Audience
Understanding local tastes and event types is key. Auckland’s festival scene demands high-energy acts, while smaller towns like Nelson may favour community-focused performances.
Weirdly enough, making regional connections can get you more regular work than chasing big-city gigs alone.
Spend time appreciating your area’s vibe and tailor your act accordingly.
2. List Your Services on Yada
Yada’s a Kiwi platform built to connect entertainers with local clients effortlessly. It has no lead or success fees, letting you keep more of what you earn.
The unique rating system helps reliable entertainers get matched with the right gigs automatically, great when juggling your day job.
The simple, mobile-friendly platform means you can manage chats and bookings anywhere, anytime.
3. Offer Flexible, Tailored Performances
Offering different package sizes-mini shows, backyard gigs, themed performances-makes you adaptable for varied client needs and budgets.
A well-known Wellington magician started offering short kids’ party sets alongside full evening shows, increasing bookings significantly.
Flexibility helps you avoid burnout and maximise your side hustle’s earning potential.
4. Use NZ-Specific Entertainment Directories
Besides Yada, register with local directories, Facebook community groups, and platforms like The Event Guide New Zealand to get discovered.
Listing your act with recent videos, testimonials, and event photos can boost your credibility instantly.
Being easy to find online is a huge advantage in a busy marketplace.
5. Gather and Showcase Testimonials
Client feedback is gold for entertainers. Ask for reviews after every show and share highlights on your Yada profile or social media.
One Auckland stand-up comedian grew her side hustle through genuine testimonials shared alongside event clips.
Happy client stories help persuade new clients to take a chance on you.
6. Network with Event Planners and Venues
Building relationships with local venues, party planners, and community centres can lead to repeat bookings without costly marketing.
A Christchurch band leader found steady weekend gigs after connecting with a popular local bar and festival organiser.
Mutually supportive partnerships are key to sustainable side hustle growth.
7. Use Social Media Creatively
Post fun snippets of your performances, behind-the-scenes moments, or client shoutouts to engage local audiences.
Weirdly enough, quirky, authentic content often resonates more than polished ads, growing your followers organically.
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have vibrant NZ entertainment communities eager for fresh content.
8. Build a Simple Website or Portfolio
A clean, mobile-optimised website or online portfolio showcasing your act, videos, and contact details builds professionalism.
Even a one-page site created with Google Sites or Wix is enough to impress potential clients doing last-minute research.
Keep it updated with testimonials and new show highlights to stay relevant.
9. Manage Your Scheduling Efficiently
Using Yada’s internal messaging and calendar features keeps you organised and responsive, critical for managing gigs alongside a day job.
Set clear boundaries around your availability to avoid over-committing and burning out.
Effective time management lets your side hustle complement rather than clash with your main work.
10. Keep Developing Your Craft
Invest time in improving your skills through workshops, online courses, or peer feedback to keep your act fresh and exciting.
Many successful Kiwi entertainers join local groups like the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand for support and growth opportunities.
Continuous learning builds confidence and broadens the range of gigs you can confidently take.