GigSalad is the online marketplace for booking entertainers and vendors for events. It’s ideal for finding everything from musicians and clowns to live animals and magicians.
If you’re an artist seeking gigs at private venues, creating a free profile on GigSalad could be your next best move.
But what sets this website apart from other platforms? Let’s explore in this comprehensive GigSalad review.
What is GigSalad?
GigSalad is an innovative platform connecting event planners with a diverse roster of experienced performers.
Whether you’re hosting a corporate event, wedding celebration, or birthday party, GigSalad lets users browse and hire local artists in their area with ease.
The platform features countless talented performers, from musicians to dancers. Each artist maintains a profile showcasing their credentials, quotes, and reviews from past gigs—serving as an invaluable resource for customers making booking decisions.
Operating throughout the USA and Canada, GigSalad has made booking exceptional entertainment more accessible than ever.
Founded in 2007 by two entrepreneurs, GigSalad began as an online search directory.
Since then, it has evolved into a comprehensive platform enabling artists to market themselves through reviews, profiles, and showreels while providing access to dedicated customer support.
The platform makes event entertainers visible to organizers, allowing them to compare quotes, book talent, confirm dates, and process payments all within the marketplace.
GigSalad even features top performers prominently on their website. With its convenience and extensive database, the platform has quickly become a leading destination for event entertainment needs.
How Does GigSalad Work?
If you’re an artist considering GigSalad membership, you’re likely wondering how this platform operates.
GigSalad functions as a comprehensive booking platform serving both performers and event organizers.
The platform prioritizes creating secure transactions between customers and entertainers.
Additionally, it serves as an all-in-one marketplace where event organizers find entertainers and vice versa. This approach grants performers significantly wider visibility while eliminating the need to search multiple platforms and agencies.
Accessing GigSalad is remarkably straightforward. You’ll find the free mobile app in your app store and the website at Gigsalad.com.
Anyone seeking performers can browse local talent and receive fast, free quotes without creating multiple profiles—the same convenience applies to performers seeking jobs.
However, the mobile version currently only supports quote requests; performers cannot access leads or update profiles through the app. Hopefully, these features will arrive soon, providing performers greater flexibility in managing potential gigs.
GigSalad Requirements
Working on GigSalad as a performer offers an exciting opportunity to connect with potential clients and develop your skills. To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old and offer a professional service through the platform.
Once accepted, GigSalad manages bookings and payments for your services. You’ll also access marketing tools that attract more customers, providing greater exposure for your work. It’s an excellent way to earn extra income doing what you love.
As you work various events—from corporate functions to private parties—you can request reviews from past clients.
Detailed reviews can transform your profile, elevating you from someone who books occasional gigs to a performer with steady work.
How Much Can You Make With GigSalad?
GigSalad offers digital entrepreneurs an excellent opportunity to elevate their business. Members typically earn an annual income between $359 and $479, plus a 2.5-8% commission on each booking.
Paid members receive an average of 19-27 monthly leads, which they can convert into paying customers. Success requires quick, professional follow-up and creating an outstanding PromoKit that helps you stand out from the competition.
With consistent effort and creative marketing, GigSalad can work effectively for you at a relatively modest cost.
GigSalad Costs
GigSalad provides convenient payment processing and profiles to maximize artists’ visibility to potential customers, though these features come with associated costs.
The platform charges a 2.5% service fee for payment processing, and paid membership is required for higher search rankings and increased bookings.
GigSalad offers two main options: a subscription model with an upfront fee or free memberships where artists pay per gig booked. Even with free membership, active participation requires membership fees based on jobs secured.
For optimal opportunities, GigSalad’s Pro Profile costs $115 per three months, offering reduced booking fees and enhanced visibility through verified reviews and bookings.
The Pro Profile includes additional features: up to fifteen categories, deposits up to $1000, video and audio samples, plus up to 50 work photos.
For maximum visibility, the Featured Profile costs $132 per three months—providing higher priority in search results and a five-star guarantee badge.
Whether you’re new to GigSalad or a longtime user, these options help your profile attract potential clients effectively.
How Does GigSalad Compare to Alternatives?
With numerous online platforms for booking performance gigs, choosing the right one can be challenging. Should you go with GigSalad, Gigmasters (aka The Bash), Backstage, or Starnow?
Your choice depends on the types of jobs you seek and your comfort level with competition. Let’s examine each platform and compare them side-by-side.
Gigmasters (aka The Bash)
Gigmasters (formerly ‘The Bash’) has operated for years and excels for experienced performers seeking higher-paying gigs.
Companies frequently hire through this platform since they typically require more professional acts than those found on GigSalad.
However, competition is fiercer, with 5-10 performers typically bidding on each job anonymously. For increased visibility, you can pay extra for a “featured” profile, driving more traffic to your page during peak hiring seasons.
Backstage
If film and theatrical work interests you, Backstage deserves a spot in your toolkit. This platform specializes in television, film projects, and live theater performances including musicals, plays, and improv.
With daily casting calls posted regularly, Backstage offers abundant opportunities for performers in these fields.
Starnow
Starnow focuses primarily on modeling and acting opportunities, making it ideal for performers in these fields.
The platform offers unique services like audition taping and casting opportunities, enabling performers outside major cities to apply for roles without expensive travel.
Their intuitive interface allows easy searching by geography, skill level, or budget, making it simple to find the perfect gig.
Who is GigSalad Best For?
GigSalad proves valuable regardless of your career stage.
For emerging professionals seeking paid gigs and experience, GigSalad offers substantial benefits: profile building, experience verification, and logistical clarity—all without intensive self-promotion.
However, certain professions perform better on the platform. Musicians and bartenders typically see the most success, while public speakers and professional comedians receive fewer opportunities.
One of GigSalad’s best features is its no-cost entry—users face no financial burden until securing work. Only then do costs apply, making it risk-free to explore the platform’s potential.
How Do You Get Started With GigSalad?
Promoting your services effectively is crucial for success. GigSalad offers one of the best ways to achieve this visibility, and this guide will help you maximize its potential.
Step 1: Create a PromoKit
Your first step toward GigSalad success is creating a compelling PromoKit—essentially an online portfolio allowing potential customers to learn about you and your services.
Include a concise summary of your identity and offerings, plus photos and videos from past gigs. Adding pricing information helps customers understand your service costs upfront.
Step 2: Get a Lead
With your PromoKit complete, focus on generating leads. Respond directly to customer requests on GigSalad, allowing them to learn about your services before making booking decisions.
Use relevant keywords in your profile to increase visibility when customers search for specific event types or vendors.
Step 3: Send a Quote
When customers request quotes on GigSalad, they expect prompt responses with detailed service information. Ensure your quotes are comprehensive yet concise, including any additional fees to prevent surprises later.
Step 4: Book the Gig
When customers are ready to book, ensure all paperwork is completed promptly and accurately so they understand exactly what they’re purchasing.
Double-check event dates and locations—nothing derails a successful gig faster than arriving at the wrong place or time.
Step 5: Request a Review
After a successful event, always request reviews from satisfied customers.
Reviews benefit you in two ways: they give potential clients insight into your service quality and boost your visibility on GigSalad itself. Positive past experiences make future customers more likely to hire you.
GigSalad Feedback
When evaluating whether GigSalad suits your needs, reading both positive and negative reviews provides a complete picture. Here’s the most notable feedback we encountered.
Most users find GigSalad exceptionally user-friendly and appreciate receiving direct inquiries. This reduces competition with other performers, making the booking process faster and more efficient.
Geographic targeting capabilities make GigSalad ideal for performers seeking local opportunities.
Additionally, clients who book through GigSalad tend to be welcoming and pleasant—many performers have developed lasting friendships with their clients.
The platform allows contact with inquiring parties before submitting offers, helping you understand event requirements, budgets, and audiences in advance.
These positive reviews establish GigSalad as a reliable choice for professional performance opportunities and referrals.
However, some users report poor experiences. One negative review criticized GigSalad’s lead quality, stating, “I urge you not to use this site. They are all take and no give. Awful. Just awful.”
Conversely, others report, “For me, they are the best source of income and they are worth all the money I put into the membership.”
Ultimately, carefully weigh GigSalad’s pros and cons before committing. Free members can adequately assess the platform’s functionality before considering paid subscriptions.
Final Thoughts: GigSalad Review
While GigSalad isn’t perfect from performers’ perspectives—some effort is required to secure quality gigs—it can definitely help build reputations and increase income when used effectively.
With its intuitive interface and diverse customer base, GigSalad offers performers of all types opportunities to find work quickly while gaining valuable exposure.
Give it a try—you might discover excellent new gigs waiting on your computer screen.
FAQ: GigSalad
Is GigSalad Pro worth it?
GigSalad Pro provides enhanced promotion reaching potential customers, plus improved support services and additional business resources. Beyond increased visibility, access to quality support can significantly impact gig success and customer experience delivery.
Is GigSalad real?
Absolutely. For over 10 years, GigSalad-listed performers have delivered professional entertainment services for countless special events, from weddings to birthdays.
Which is better GigSalad or Gigmasters?
Whether planning events and seeking entertainment or performing and seeking work, both GigSalad and GigMasters offer solid options for finding the right match. Your choice ultimately depends on which service best meets your specific needs.
How do you get paid on GigSalad?
After booking through GigSalad, payment is straightforward. For most gigs, customers pay GigSalad upon booking, and providers receive payment 30 days after the event via direct deposit, PayPal, or check.
