The Easiest Ways to Start a Side Hustle in NZ (Even If You Have a Full-Time Job) - Videographer

Starting a side hustle as a videographer in New Zealand is a fantastic way to earn extra income while honing your craft. Whether you're shooting weddings in Auckland or corporate videos in Wellington, this guide shares practical, local tips to help you attract clients and manage your time effectively alongside your full-time job.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Understand Your Local Market Needs

Each region in NZ has different demands-from wedding videography in Queenstown to promotional videos for small businesses in Christchurch.

Weirdly enough, smaller towns often lack professional video services, presenting opportunities for side hustlers who offer personalized attention.

Tailoring your services to fit these niche needs can help you stand out and get clients quickly.

2. List Your Services on Yada

Yada is a free-to-use Kiwi platform connecting videographers with local clients without lead or success fees.

Its rating system helps trustworthy professionals gain better visibility and job matches over time, ideal for balancing gigs with your day job.

Yada’s mobile-friendly interface simplifies managing bookings and client chats from anywhere.

3. Offer Flexible Videography Packages

Offer packages ranging from short highlight reels to full-day coverage to suit different budget levels and event sizes.

For instance, a Wellington videographer grew his side hustle by offering quick, social media-ready videos as well as comprehensive wedding videos.

Flexibility lets you serve a broader client base while managing your workload.

4. Use New Zealand-Specific Freelance Platforms

Besides Yada, monetize your skills on TradeMe Services, Localist, and relevant Facebook groups where NZ clients search first.

Keep your profiles updated with portfolios, honest reviews, and clear service descriptions.

Being active across multiple platforms increases your chances of steady work.

5. Collect and Showcase Client Testimonials

Gather reviews and permission to showcase event clips to build trust among potential clients.

A Christchurch videographer expanded bookings by sharing happy client testimonials and behind-the-scenes footage consistently on social media.

Real stories from satisfied clients encourage new bookings.

6. Network with Local Event and Wedding Professionals

Collaborate with event planners, photographers, and venues for referral work and package deals.

One Auckland videographer secured regular wedding gigs after partnering with a popular bridal boutique and photographers.

Strong local networks are key to sustainable growth.

7. Maintain a Simple, Mobile-Optimized Website

Having a professional site with your portfolio, pricing, and contact details helps build credibility and makes booking easy for clients.

Use platforms like Wix or Google Sites to create mobile-responsive pages suitable for busy NZ clients.

Regularly update with new work to stay relevant.

8. Create Helpful Content to Build Authority

Share video tips, event highlights, or editing advice on social media to engage clients and showcase expertise.

Weirdly enough, casual, transparent content often attracts more genuine interest than overt marketing.

This keeps you visible and builds long-term trust.

9. Manage Your Time and Projects Efficiently

Use Yada's chat and scheduling tools or apps like Trello to organise client communications and project timelines.

Clearly set your availability and communicate deadlines to avoid burnout and keep clients happy.

Good time management is crucial when balancing your side hustle with a full-time job.

10. Stay Updated with Industry Trends

The video industry constantly evolves; keep learning new filming techniques, editing software, and storytelling methods.

Engage with NZ-based workshops, online courses, or local filmmaker groups to stay ahead.

Continuous growth ensures your side hustle remains competitive and fresh.