How to reveal client phone numbers

When a client chooses to share a phone number with their request, it will be revealed once you've responded to the lead through GigSalad. You'll know there is a phone number available when you see a prompt below the client's name in the Event Info, as shown below.

We require a response to unlock the phone number for several reasons. Our main goal is to track activity and response rates for our members. Response rate is one of the key factors used to determine who will receive a prospective gig lead. Essentially, those with a better response rate get more leads. A high response rate will also increase your chances of earning Top Performer status, which will result in more leads as well!

Responding first with a message or quote also helps us ensure clients' needs are being met. We can't confirm phone calls, so we wouldn't know if clients are receiving adequate responses to their requests if we provided phone numbers immediately. The more insight we have, the better we can help guide clients toward successful bookings.

If you wish to speak to a client on the phone, first send them a quote or a message on the platform. If they provided a phone number, it will then be revealed.

Send a quote

If the client provides enough detail with their request for you to quote an accurate price to perform the gig, then this is your best option for responding. They'll be able to book you immediately at the price you quote, so this speeds up the process. You can follow up on your quote with a phone call and discuss the details and hopefully guide them to book you right away.

Pro tip: You can save multiple quote templates in advance! Rather than starting from scratch each time, choose from your list of saved quotes and then make necessary edits before sending. Manage your saved quotes.

Send a message

If you're not ready to send a quote, start with a message instead. This can be a short introduction or more details about your service. Some examples are provided below. When you send a message, the client will be notified by email (and text if they opted in), and they'll be able to message you back through the platform.

Pro tip: Even when you speak on the phone, we recommend following up after the call with a quick message recapping important details or decisions that were made. This way a record of your communication will be saved with your future booking. It'll also help you and the client catch any miscommunications that might have occurred over the phone and avoid potential problems closer to the gig.

Message suggestions and examples:

We understand the preference to discuss event details over the phone, but you can still make the most out of sending that initial message. Here are a few tips and example messages to get you started!

• Introduce yourself! This is the perfect opportunity to give a little more information about your services. A large number of leads are sent to you from GigSalad, rather than being sent directly from the client, so they may not know much about you. Give a brief introduction that describes what you do and why you would be the right fit for their event.

  
  

  Example:

  Hi there! I'm available and very interested in your event. I'm a singing guitarist with a repertoire of over 100 cover songs, so wedding ceremonies are a specialty of mine. If the songs you need for your big day aren't already on my song list, learning them should be no problem. I look forward to hearing from you!

• What do you offer? If you offer a variety of services or different setups for your gigs, we recommend listing them in your first message. If you can, provide pricing estimates for each possibility. This gives clients a chance to see all of their options right away, which speeds up the booking process for you both.

  
  

  Example:

  Hi there! We have several options that would be great for your event. Please take a look and let me know what would work best, and then I'll send you a customized quote.

  - Face painting for 2 hours: $200

  - Face painting and balloon twisting for 2 hours: $300

  - Face painting, balloon twisting, and a costumed character: $400

  I hope you'll consider me for your festival. It sounds like a lot of fun!

• Give them a time frame. If you plan to follow up on your message with a phone call, let them know when they can expect to hear from you. Giving the client a time frame is courteous and may help you secure the gig. If you're one of their top options, they may wait to hear from you before proceeding with another provider. Just make sure it's a reasonable time frame, and you honor it!

  
  

  Example:

  Hey there! I'd love to be a part of your upcoming event. I'll give you a call between 5:00 and 7:00 tonight to discuss the details. Until then, check out our GigSalad profile to see photos, videos, reviews, and more!

• Make it personal. Much of the information you would give to one client might be the same as you'd give to every other one, so it can be tempting to send a generic response. However, your client may recognize the lack of attention, so we recommend adding some personalization to each message. Use their name and mention their specific event or some unique piece of information they included in their details. This will show you've read their request and took the time to craft a response just for them (even if the majority of it is a saved template).

  
  

  Example:

  Hi Nancy! Your event sounds like it's going to be unforgettable. What employee doesn't secretly wish they could drop their boss in a dunk tank? Our company would love to be a part of it. We have everything you need, and we're available on December 16th. I'll send a quote within the next couple of hours, and if it looks good to you, you can make a secure payment to book us for that date.

Pro tip: Save your messages in advance to make it faster and easier to reply to leads. We recommend creating a few templates using the suggestions above. When you write your next message, you can then choose one of your saved replies, make edits or further customization, and send it with only a little time and effort spent. Manage your saved messages.