Most of the DJ's out there are like me, many have day jobs, extremely busy lives, but want to get themselves out there in the night scene and show our stuff to the crowds, right?
So here is my dilemma , I researched and reached out to allot of clubs/bars/lounges and to be honest, its really not for me... why? Well...
Yes, its great for street exposure, but for me, its something different, beyond the money or certain exposure/crowds.
So how do I get Gig's? I don't have a promoter that does all the leg work to build my reputation. I hear way too many horror stories when using promoters... eek!
Self promotion is a ton of work, but this is the path I chose and I would like to share it with you.
Social Media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram..more) ITS FREE advertising!! I love using these means of networking, building relationships, interaction with your friends, and more.
Reverbnation Music Website for Artists. This is, in my opinion the all round site for anything music related! Have a look at mine.
www.reverbnation.com/djdavelive
I actually use this as my official website, it gives the client/fans the ability to read my blogs, listen/download/purchase/share my music/mixes, view photos/video, events calendar, create a fan base and a ton more. It even has a GIG finder! based on your postal code, any venue that registers with Reverbnation site will display the events that require a DJ. So cool!
Linkedin. Create a DJ profile, with all your current experience, past events, connect with other DJ's. What I do differently, is I will connect with event planners, whether its wedding, corporate or personal. They are are always looking for DJ's or to connect with, for references.
Join other DJ groups, preferably the ones that require permission to join. Those groups seem to be more mature when posting content.
Reach out, and post updates about yourself, upcoming events you may have, even new music you created. Send them links to your website, soundcloud, where ever.
Link your updates to Twitter, over communicate but not overwhelm your followers.
Throw A Party! Sure!!! find your favorite bar, and ask the bar owner/manager if you can DJ a Saturday night or whatever night you choose. Preferably a bar that never had live entertainment. It peaks their interest.
Keep it small, you don't want the manager to think your going to make a night club out of his bar.
Trust me, if the guests find out there is a DJ that night.. It will increase the capacity pretty quick.
In my case, the crowd that follows me and who enjoys my style of spinning/mixing music are the mature 30+ yrs old. Now, I am not saying if your in the 20's you are not mature... hehehe I will stop there. :)
How to charge the bar your fee to throw a party in their establishment. Here are a couple of ideas:
- Set a price for your services that you normally charge for small gigs. See what they say. Worse case, if you are renting a sound system, ask them to cover the costs of the rental. If the party is a hit, then you can re-negotiate...
- Make a certain percentage off the alcohol sold. Trust me, if you bring in the people they will drink... you can make this work. The bar can create this type commission from their computer system.
This type aggressive planning can work for getting NEW potential gigs from your guests/other patrons in the bar. You really need to work it.. Walk around the bar, meet and greet your friends, and introduce yourself as the DJ and "thanking them for coming, and hope you will have a great time!"
If this type of "gig gettin" at the bar works for you, then you should really consider throwing more but... not every weekend, not every month, try every 3 months... This gets the crowd wanting more... hungry for a good party. It works for me....
What happens if its every weekend? It will fizzle away really quick and the bar owner/manager will end your fun.
Business Cards. It is super crucial to have. If you're asked for a card and you're forced to admit you haven't got one on you, it looks kinda lame! I know everyone just uses their phones these days, but nothing beats physically putting a card in someones hand, particularly if it stands out, creates and sparks a conversation. It also makes you look professional and organized.
Emails. Keep a clean emailer list of contacts. Create a monthly emailer to send to your fans. Upload great photos of events, calendar, social media links, basically nothing too big, just quick and easy. Ask them if you are looking for a DJ for their next party, corporate Christmas party, whatever it may be. Most people love hearing what's going on in a DJ life.
You can use
mailchimp for mass emailers, its a free web based program. I use it for my mailers.
OK, i'm sure there are allot of other ways, but these simple means are pretty effective and has helped me gain new business, but most of all, client retention. When they call you back, you must be doing something right!
..:: DJDave ::..
