Summer is here, and things are slowly starting to get back to some sort of normal. We’ll be returning to our offices this month, and we can’t wait to start collaborating in person again. But even while being remote, our work never slowed down. Read on for a peek at what we’ve been working on over the last month.
In this update:
- Improved shortcodes
- Reviews have moved
- Virtual settings for event planners
- Messaging tests
- A letter from the CEO
See your shortcodes in action
When creating saved messages or quotes, you have the option to use shortcodes. These allow you to auto-populate your messages with lead-specific details, like the client’s name and event info.
Previously, the shortcodes would remain in the message until after it was sent. Now, as soon as you select a saved message or quote when responding to a lead, the shortcodes will be replaced with the proper information.
Your reviews have a new home
Reviews are one of the most important aspects of your profile. To provide better access and tracking we’ve moved reviews to their very own section of the control panel. We’ve also made the Request a Review feature more prominent, rather than lumping it in with other tools.
Just as they did in the inbox, new reviews will be highlighted with a notification bubble in your control panel. You’ll access them by clicking Reviews and then View Reviews. From there, it all looks the same as before.
Easily identify virtual events
Virtual events are taking off as in-person gatherings continue to be limited. In order to make virtual gig requests more apparent, we’ve added a couple of options for planners to select in their request form.
- Event type. Event planners can choose virtual as the type of event they are planning. It will then display as a Virtual Event at the top of the gig info.
- (NEW!) Venue. In lieu of identifying a venue, planners can now select “This is a virtual event.” When chosen, the location details in the gig lead will display Virtual Event along with the city.
If you want to get more virtual gig requests, make sure you opt into virtual services on your profile.
Tests to increase engagement
As we’ve mentioned in updates past, we’re constantly running tests in various places on the site to gather data on how certain changes or new features perform. Here are a couple of tests we’re running right now that we hope increase engagement:
Message statuses. In the inbox, when a message has been sent to a client, you only know by the reply arrow that appears to the left of the client’s name. Until a quote is sent, the actual status of the lead remains “Waiting on quote.” We’re currently testing more specific statuses of “Message sent” and “Message seen.” Some of you may have already noticed this change if you’ve been opted into that variant. We feel this is a better user experience, and we’re testing it in hopes to prove it also increases engagement and response numbers. We should have results soon!
Message email notifications. When you send a client a message, we notify them by email and your message is included in that notification. We are currently testing a version of that email that does not include the actual message. This requires the client to click through to the message thread to read it. We believe this may increase the frequency that event planners respond because they will be on a page where they can reply after reading a message. We don’t have any data to share yet, but we’ll only move forward if it results in positive things.
A few words from the CEO
We’re very fortunate at GigSalad to have a leader who’s relentlessly optimistic. It spread through our team and has helped us all adopt a more positive outlook during these tough months. We wanted to share that feeling with our members, so we asked Mark to write a letter to close out this month’s update.
Hello GigSalad Community,
There are two things that I know to be true.
One, this country has moxie. We are resilient, steadfast, determined, and tenacious. We don’t give up without a fight and we support each other when the going gets tough. Two, all people, Canadians, Americans, Brazilians, Spaniards, Chinese, Russians… everybody loves to party. It’s universal and it’s been that way since the beginning of time.
By that, I mean that people like to celebrate. We like to entertain and be entertained. It started with storytelling around fires in caves and today we’re holed up in our abodes with Netflix. Unfortunately, that’s about all that’s been available to us over the past few months. (Let’s be honest, I’m not sure how I would’ve spent 8 of those 1,460 hours if not watching Tiger King.) But the good news is that’s already begun to change.
People have been chomping at the bit to get together again to have some fun, so they’ve gotten creative with online events and socially-distant gatherings. We’re seeing even more of those and as limitations are slowly lifted, people are planning for the future. That’s good news for us at GigSalad. And it’s good news for our beloved members and event planners. Leads are going up. The parties are coming back.
While it might take time before things are back in full swing, our team is here to help you navigate the new normal and offer all the support you need to keep moving forward. To use a cliché, we’re in this together and our community will recover. The show will go on.
Peace, love and gigs,
Heather is the Content Manager and a GigSalad veteran of 15+ years. She loves helping event planners create unforgettable celebrations and talent make a living doing what they love. When not at work, she enjoys reading romance and fantasy books, bingeing TV shows, playing board games, and spending time with friends.
As a Psychic/Fortuneteller, I am struggling financially. I have some trouble with Zoom although I can get it on my phone, and anyway so far I have not had any takers. I believe events will start soon, so I am advertising that I will wear a face shield. Do you think I should tell them that initially, or would it be a turn-off? So many unexpected things to deal with!!♡♤◇♧
Hi Paula, it’s definitely tricky learning new software like Zoom. I think it would be okay to let people know that you’ll be wearing a face shield – in fact, I’m guessing most people will expect that or may appreciate it! Just reassure them it’s for your safety and theirs and that it won’t affect the amazing experience you’ll provide for their event. It’s always better to be upfront than to spring something unexpected on your clients. :)
I had a pleasure of securing waitstaff service through Gigisalad a week
Prior to my event by the name of Pia and I was more than satisfied by Pia’s professionalism and knowledge of the service hired for. A+ service
We’re so glad to hear things went well! Thank you for sharing, Renée!