The problem
Couples choose DJs partly on reviews, and the best time to ask is the week after, while the dancefloor videos are still on their phones. A DJ playing 8 gigs a month who remembers to ask only 3 hosts misses 5 a month, 60 a year. If a steadier flow of fresh reviews wins 1 extra $1,131£850€1,012A$1,632C$1,598 wedding a year, that's worth a few minutes' setup.
What the AI does
For each gig, add an event to Google Calendar 3 days after the date, titled 'Review request', with only the host's email address in the location field. A two-step Zapier automation starts when that event begins and sends the host a short thank-you through Gmail, with your Google Business Profile review link and any wedding directory you're listed on. Every host is asked, whatever the night was like, and you read and reply to what comes back.
A worked example
A mobile DJ in Lancashire plays about 8 weddings, birthdays and works parties a month. When a booking is confirmed, they add a 'Review request' event 3 days after the gig, and Zapier sends the email.
Before
8 gigs a month, with about 3 hosts asked for a review
After
All 8 hosts asked 3 days after their event, at about 2 minutes per gig to add the calendar event
What it's worth
About $47£35€42A$67C$66 a month in profit if more reviews help win 1 extra $1,131£850€1,012A$1,632C$1,598 wedding a year, at an assumed 50% margin: $565£425€506A$816C$799 a year, about $47£35€42A$67C$66 a month. That extra wedding is an assumption, not a promise. Zapier's Free plan allows two-step Zaps and 100 tasks a month, so 8 emails a month fits, and the time saved isn't counted.
How to set it up
- Get your Google Business Profile review link, and the link for any wedding directory you're listed on.
- Write one short thank-you email in your own words with those links, and read it as a host would.
- For each confirmed gig, add a 'Review request' event to Google Calendar 3 days after the date, with only the host's email in the location field.
- In Zapier, start a Zap when that event starts and send a Gmail email to the address in the location field.
- Test it on your own address, then once a month check every gig had a request sent.
What goes wrong
- Ask everyone, not just the happy hosts. Google's policies don't allow asking only for positive reviews, and UK consumer law treats fake or hidden reviews seriously.
- Zapier can fail silently if the Google connection expires; the monthly check catches it.
- Don't offer a discount for a review; Google and directories have rules against incentives.
- Works parties are often booked by an office manager. Ask whoever booked, not the staff who attended.