How to Get More Speaking Gigs Without a Big Following

Identifying and focusing on a specific niche allows you to become relevant and sought after in that area. When you target a particular audience, you streamline your messaging and establish yourself as an expert.

• Research your audience: Understand their needs, interests, and pain points.
• Tailor your content: Create speeches that speak directly to your niche audience.

By concentrating your efforts, you can position yourself as a go-to speaker in your chosen field, even if you are not well-known.

Content is king, and this holds true for speakers as well. Develop high-quality content that showcases your expertise and provides value to your target audience. This can be in the form of blogs, videos, podcasts, or webinars.

• Start a blog: Share insights, tips, and experiences related to your niche.
• Host webinars: Offer free or low-cost webinars to demonstrate your speaking style and expertise. This not only helps build your audience but also serves as a portfolio of your speaking capabilities.

Publishing engaging content positions you as a thought leader in your industry, helping you gain visibility and attract speaking opportunities.

Networking is crucial for professional speakers, and it doesn’t require a large following. Connect with industry professionals, event organizers, and peers through various online platforms as well as live events.

• Attend conferences: Participate in industry-related events and engage with other speakers, organizers, and attendees.
• Join online communities: Become an active member of platforms like LinkedIn groups, Facebook groups, or even Reddit threads focused on your niche.
• Volunteer to speak: Offer to speak at local meetups or community events. This gives you exposure and experience.

Networking helps you build relationships that can lead to referrals and recommendations for speaking gigs.

There are numerous online platforms dedicated to connecting speakers with event organizers. Use these platforms to showcase your profile and pitch for various speaking opportunities.

• SpeakerHub: A platform that helps speakers connect with event organizers across various industries.
• GigSalad: A marketplace for various types of performers, including speakers.
• The Speaker Exchange: A platform aimed at connecting speakers with opportunities that suit their topics.

Create a captivating profile highlighting your strengths, topics, and expertise. This way, event organizers can easily find and book you.

A great way to start planting seeds for future opportunities is to offer free or low-cost services. While this may seem counterintuitive, it can lead to more gigs as you build your portfolio and reputation.

• Gain experience: You will become more comfortable on stage and refine your speaking skills.
• Testimonials and Referrals: Utilize feedback from these engagements to improve your offerings and gather testimonials that will enhance your credibility.

Your online presence, including your website and social media profiles, should reflect your professionalism and expertise. Ensure that your branding is consistent across all platforms.

• Professional Website: Build a website that offers information about your talks, testimonials, and a blog that highlights your knowledge.
• Social Media Profiles: Use your social media to share valuable content, engage with your audience, and promote your speaking services.

These steps enhance your visibility, making it easier for advocates to find you and to recommend you for gigs.

After every speaking engagement or networking opportunity, make sure to follow up with the people you've connected with. Building and maintaining relationships can lead to recommendations and consistent opportunities.

• Send a thank-you email after events you’ve spoken at, expressing gratitude and inviting future collaborations.
• Connect on LinkedIn: This ensures you remain on their radar for upcoming events.

Gaining more speaking gigs as a professional speaker without a big following is entirely possible. By focusing on your niche, creating quality content, networking strategically, leveraging speaking platforms, offering free engagements, optimizing your online presence, and nurturing relationships, you can successfully increase your opportunities in the speaking industry. Remember, your journey doesn’t define your value—a focused effort paired with these strategies can lead to speaking success.