1. Understanding Your Market
Before you start booking gigs, it’s crucial to understand your target market. Different types of entertainers appeal to different audiences. For example, a comedy hypnotist might find more opportunities at corporate events, while a ska band could thrive in local music festivals.
Start by asking yourself: Who is your ideal audience? Are you looking to entertain children at parties, perform at weddings, or energise a crowd at festivals? Knowing your market will help you target the right venues and clients.
2. Build a Strong Portfolio
Your portfolio is your calling card. Whether you’re a clown, a saxophonist, or a ventriloquist, you need to showcase your talent in a professional and engaging way. This could be through videos, recordings, or photos from past performances. In today’s digital age, having a well-designed website is essential, so make sure it features high-quality content, testimonials, and a clear call-to-action for booking inquiries.
3. Create a Demo Video
In entertainment, a demo video is often your ticket to securing gigs. Event organisers, talent scouts, and potential clients want to see you in action. Your demo should be short, punchy, and showcase your best moments. Whether you're a drag DJ or part of a jive band, ensure the video is professionally shot and edited to leave a lasting impression.
4. Networking with Event Organisers
The entertainment industry thrives on connections. Networking with event organisers, venue managers, and fellow performers can open doors to new gigs. Attend industry events, open mic nights, and local festivals where event organisers are present. For duos, vocal instrumentalists, or medieval performers, this face-to-face interaction can make all the difference in securing future opportunities.
5. Utilise Entertainment Agencies
Signing up with an entertainment agency is an excellent way to land more gigs. Agencies act as a bridge between performers and event organisers. Whether you’re a harpist, magician, or part of a string quartet, many agencies specialise in specific types of acts, so research to find the right one for you. Agencies take a commission from your earnings but handle much of the booking and negotiation processes.
6. Leverage Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool for entertainers. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube allow you to showcase your talent to a wider audience. Whether you’re a comedian, ventriloquist, or steel band, posting regular content helps build your brand. Use relevant hashtags, interact with your followers, and collaborate with other entertainers to increase your visibility.
7. Develop a Professional Brand
Your brand is how potential clients and audiences perceive you. As a bagpiper, you might lean into traditional Scottish themes, while a rock band may go for a grittier, rebellious image. Every aspect of your public persona, from your website to your costumes, should align with your brand. This consistency helps build trust and makes it easier for clients to remember you.
8. Register on Entertainment Directories
Entertainment directories are a great way to get your name in front of event planners. Websites like Boogieland allow you to list your profile for potential gigs. Whether you’re a jester, mind reader, or folk rock band, these directories provide an easy way for clients to discover you based on location, performance type, and availability.
9. Master the Art of Cold Outreach
While networking and agencies are great, sometimes a more proactive approach is needed. Cold emailing or messaging potential clients, venues, or event planners can help you land gigs. Make sure your outreach is professional, personalised, and includes links to your portfolio or demo video. If you’re a mobile disco DJ, for instance, reach out to wedding planners or corporate event organisers.
10. Perform at Free or Low-Paid Events
Especially when you’re starting out, performing at free or low-paid events can help build your reputation and give you valuable experience. For face painters or children’s entertainers, offering discounted rates for community events can introduce you to potential clients. The more performances you have under your belt, the more you’ll improve your craft and build your portfolio.
11. Word of Mouth – The Best Marketing Tool
Word of mouth is one of the most powerful ways to get gigs. If you’ve impressed a client or audience, chances are they’ll recommend you to others. Whether you’re a ceilidh band or a drag wedding crasher, make sure your performances are memorable, and ask clients for testimonials or reviews. Positive feedback on social media or entertainment directories can boost your reputation and lead to more bookings.
12. Focus on Niche Markets
If you specialise in a niche, such as Klezmer bands or medieval performers, focus on marketing directly to people looking for those specific services. Attend themed festivals, fairs, or cultural events that align with your niche. For instance, if you're a Caribbean band, look into festivals, tropical-themed weddings, or corporate summer parties where your sound will fit perfectly.
13. Adapt to Different Audiences
Being flexible in your performances allows you to secure a wide range of gigs. A magician, for instance, can tailor their act for both children's birthday parties and sophisticated corporate events. Similarly, a tribute act can perform at small pubs one weekend and large festivals the next. Understanding your audience and adapting your performance style accordingly will open more doors.
14. Collaborate with Other Performers
Collaborating with other entertainers is a great way to expand your network and find gigs. If you’re a guitarist or vocalist, you might team up with a saxophonist or keyboard player to form a duo. Similarly, if you’re a mind reader or magician, you could work alongside comedians or circus performers for variety shows. Collaborative performances can introduce you to new audiences and potential clients.
15. Promote Yourself Through Local Media
Getting featured in local media, such as newspapers, radio, or TV stations, is an excellent way to promote yourself. Whether you’re part of a 60s band or a mind reader, pitch your story to local outlets, focusing on any unique aspects of your act. Media exposure can not only bring attention but also lend credibility to your entertainment brand.
16. Plan Seasonal Gigs
Seasonal gigs are a reliable source of income for entertainers. As a children’s entertainer or clown, Christmas, Halloween, and Easter can be your busiest times of the year. Similarly, musicians like 70s bands, brass bands, and bagpipers can find opportunities at New Year’s Eve parties or holiday festivals. Plan ahead and market yourself for these seasonal events well in advance.
17. Invest in Quality Equipment
Whether you’re a mobile disco DJ or part of a rock band, having reliable, high-quality equipment is crucial. Invest in sound systems, lighting, or musical instruments that enhance your performances and set you apart from others. Event organisers are more likely to hire acts with professional gear that guarantees a high-quality experience for guests.
18. Diversify Your Skills
The more skills you have, the more marketable you become. If you’re a comedian, consider learning some magic tricks to expand your repertoire. Similarly, if you’re a musician in a folk band, learning different instruments or singing harmonies can open up new performance opportunities. Diversifying your act increases your chances of getting booked for various types of events.
19. Reach Out to Wedding and Event Planners
For entertainers like harpists, toastmasters, or drag wedding crashers, wedding and event planners are essential contacts. These professionals book entertainment on behalf of their clients, so building strong relationships with them can lead to regular gigs. Attend wedding fairs, offer to perform at their events, and provide planners with your portfolio.
20. Take Advantage of Corporate Gigs
Corporate events are lucrative opportunities for entertainers. If you’re a comedy hypnotist, compere, or even part of a jazz band, corporate functions, product launches, and office parties can provide well-paid work. Tailor your act to suit the corporate audience, focusing on professionalism and flexibility to meet the client’s needs.
21. Keep Up With Industry Trends
The entertainment industry is always evolving, with new trends and technologies emerging. Whether you're part of an 80s band or a speciality act, staying on top of trends can help you stay relevant and in demand. Pay attention to popular performance styles, audience preferences, and technological advancements in sound and lighting.
22. Seek Out International Opportunities
Don’t limit yourself to local gigs. Many entertainers find success by performing internationally. For tribute acts, folk bands, or circus performers, overseas festivals, resorts, or cruise ships are great opportunities to perform for new audiences. Work with international booking agencies or explore online platforms that connect entertainers with global gigs.
23. Maintain a Professional Attitude
No matter how talented you are, maintaining a professional attitude is key to securing gigs. Show up on time, communicate clearly with clients, and be respectful to everyone involved in organising the event. Whether you're a ventriloquist or a soul band, leaving a positive impression will increase the likelihood of repeat bookings and recommendations.
24. Use Online Platforms to Find Gigs
Several online platforms help entertainers find gigs by connecting them directly with event organisers. Websites like Boogieland are great tools for performers across all categories, from magicians to big bands. Create a detailed profile