How to create a press and promo kit that gets more gigs

This complete but simple guide gives musicians a template for creating a one-stop promo kit that will impress talent buyers and promoters.

by Megan Price of Gig Salad

As a performer or service provider, promoting yourself online is nothing new. If you want to stand out in a crowded digital space, it’s vital to have a great media kit. When potential clients want to see what you can bring to their event, the first place they’ll check is the web. 

We have some tips and media kit examples to make sure yours is ready to impress! Though our advice is specific to creating a GigSalad profile, they’re applicable to any online media kit.

The write stuff

Putting together some written information about you and your performance is key to laying the groundwork for your media kit. Even if you’re not the best writer, we have some media kit templates and tips to help!

Give an overview

A little information about you as a performer is a great way to introduce potential clients to your repertoire. Hit the highlights about your expertise, influences, and what makes you different from your competitors. If you’re not a great wordsmith, try using these simple templates for a no-fail overview! 

🎸 For performers

I’m [your name], an accomplished [adjective] performer in the world of [performance art]. With [number] years spent honing my craft, I love entertaining audiences with my [highlight unique act] and [signature style]. I’d love to help with your upcoming event and give your guests an unforgettable experience!

I’m Moira Rose, an accomplished interactive performer in the world of hoop dance. With 15 years spent honing my craft, I love entertaining audiences with LED hoops and my specialty of twirling up to 10 hoops at a time. I’d love to help with your upcoming event and give your guests an unforgettable experience!

🛎️ For service providers

I’m [your name], your [adjective] [service category] expert! I’ve been perfecting my craft for [number] years, offering [service description] that will [verb] your event in extraordinary ways. From [service highlights] to [unique selling point], my mission is to make your event an [adjective] experience. Let’s team up and create something special!

I’m Oscar Martinez, your local mixology expert! I’ve been perfecting my craft for 12 years, offering bartending that will elevate your event in extraordinary ways. From impeccable customer service to signature drinks, my mission is to make your event an effortless experience. Let’s team up and create something special!

Get deeper in your bio

Some clients want to learn more, and that’s where a longer bio comes in! Here you can share additional information about your background, how you got into the business, and your passion for your skill. It’s also handy to have in case you need it for press releases or another online press kit. Using tools like ChatGPT can help you condense all your details into a well-crafted bio for potential clients. 

💻 Read more: How to Use ChatGPT to Get More Gigs

Finally, be sure to check your spelling and grammar before you publish anything written. Free tools like Grammarly can help guide you if writing isn’t your forte. At the very least, use the spell check option through Google or Word documents. 

Put your best photo forward

It’s probably not a surprise that you’ll need some great photos if you want an impressive media kit! We generally advise you to have 15-20 high-quality photos on your GigSalad profile. 

The purpose of a media kit is to be taken seriously as a professional. It’s time to lose the blurry bathroom selfies and pictures from 10 years ago! Make sure your photos are current and clearly depict what your setup looks like. No client wants to be surprised, and you can manage their expectations with accurate and appealing images. 

📷 Read more: 5 (Almost) Free Ways to Improve Your Media

Both iPhone and Samsung smartphones have some of the best cameras around so there’s no excuse for having poor photos. Have a friend come over and take a few fresh snaps for your profile. If you’re really invested, hire a local photographer or a photography student to get some nice portraits. 

Essential poses

A variety of poses is interesting to the viewer and helps give a wide look at your performance or service offering. By including these options in your gallery, potential clients can get a good idea of how you’d fit into their event. 

Think about all the uses of your photos in the future. Get shots that can fit into social media platforms, websites, and print. Everyone’s photo needs are different, but we’ve created a list that can help you cover the bases. Share this with your photographer and get their feedback on additional shots or ideas.

Portrait or headshot

A close-up headshot with a friendly smile is important so the client feels a connection to you. It also helps them really know what you look like so you’re easy to identify at their event. A good media kit should avoid filters, selfie shots, or backgrounds like cars, bedrooms, or bathrooms. 

With props

Time to highlight the tools of the trade! Whether you spin fire, pour cocktails, or sing along with a guitar, a shot with your “props” is a no-brainer. The “mood” of the photos should match the type of service you offer. 

Your aim should be to assist your target audience in picturing you as the perfect fit for their event. For example, a wedding violinist set against a park with blooming flowers can help brides imagine their perfect ceremony. A stilt walker with a quirky costume set against a vintage building conveys the perfect addition to a circus-themed party. 

In action

Here’s the place to show off! Choose some dynamic poses that demonstrate your talent. Grab your instruments or props and get set for some action shots. 

If you have a particularly energetic act, such as belly dancing or juggling, it may be difficult to get a clear photo. To capture these poses without blurs, try doing your act in slow motion. It may feel silly, but it’ll ensure that your normal movements are flawless on film!

Another great option is capturing your interactions with audiences. A magician wowing the crowd with close-up illusions or an impersonator surprising the guest of honor at a birthday can make for some priceless photos. 

Gather the group

Bands, dance troupes, or other group performers need awesome photos, too! It can be difficult to know how to pose several people at once. One rule of photography is the “rule of thirds,” which means to compose the photo with the frame split into thirds.

If you have lots of folks in the group, try layering everyone into two rows or even use chairs and stools to create height and interest. Try both full-body shots and headshots to get a nice variety.

Choose the perfect profile photo

Picking a profile photo seems easy enough, but there are a few things to consider when choosing one for your GigSalad profile. Simply putting the first picture you have isn’t good enough! More often than not, people are surfing the internet on their phones. This means the photo you choose should be mobile-friendly so it’s easy to see. 

Pay attention to things like website crops when choosing your profile photo. On GigSalad, your profile photo has both a square crop and a circle crop applied in different areas. The picture you choose should work for both. 

In general, a good profile photo is one that is full color and a bit more close-up. A headshot or portrait is usually the best option here.