Mobile DJ Associations Trade shows for DJs Website advertising for DJs are they worth it?

                                               There are many forms of marketing and advertising but you have to decide what kinds work and what kinds waste your money. Are you into internet marketing, word of mouth, trade shows for entertainers, associations that cater to entertainers mailing advertisements. You may want to stick with 2-3 forms of advertising as it could burn you out trying to market every way in existence. Find out from your customers how they found out about you. It's good to add this onto your contract or inquiry form on your website.

                                               Bridal shows and trade shows for mobile DJs have become increasingly competitive over the years. Bridal shows have several mobile DJs, photographers and vendors competing for that customer. If you're really good at sales, speaking with people in person and know how to close deals than bridal & trade shows might be for you. If you get 60-100 brides in the door and are able to close about 5-10 weddings either during or after the show than you've managed to make a profit and get your money recouped. The bridal shows normally give you a list of the brides contact info after the show that way you can follow up with them. After 2 shows you'll know whether it's worth it or not. If you spend $900 on a booth at a bridal or trade show and only book 2-3 events out of it then it may not be worth it to you. Especially if you have several other DJs competing as well. Many top DJs have told me that getting into the much larger bridal shows have made them a profit. I beg to differ in some instances. Some of the smaller shows at local country clubs or smaller hotel chains have actually proven to be more successful. I will tell you why......

                                                 The best idea you can do to get your foot in the door is find a bridal show that's fairly new. Find out about performing the music for their fashion show. Don't charge for the time you do it but possibly ask for a discounted price in exchange for providing the entertainment throughout the show. It doesn't matter whether it's a show for weddings, sweet 16s or Mitzvahs. Being able to show off your talent at the actual show will generate double the bookings as with having just a booth. Another amazing idea is have a spinning wheel or way to win a prize at your booth. Potential customers LOVE ways to win free stuff. Raffle off a half price wedding even a free one if you get their information. You can do other prizes such as free bubble machine, fog machine, uplighting, etc. Offering some freebies is always an attention getter! If you try a trade show you'll know soon after if it was worth your time. 

                                                 What about those association and large event advertising companies such as; weddingwire, perfect wedding guide, party pop, wedding entertainer associations, mba or mobile dj assocations. Are those really worth it? On boards all over the place you'll read YES, NO, Sometimes, blah blah blah. You can disagree or agree with the opinions of these different services. About 2 out of 10 associations actually matter to a customer. You can have 50 badges on your website that say best DJ of 2013, top wedding vendor 2 years in a row, etc. Customers are looking for a benefit of actually hiring you. Registering with a School board in your area is a major plus, a Chamber of Commerce is another great place (it shows you care about your community), and amazing reviews that your customers give you can do wonders. Have your customers write a review about you. List them all on your website along with showing that you're licensed, liability insured and school board approved. This will generate a lot of extra work for you. Maybe listing top wedding dj of the year on your website actually works. The only way you know is by asking. Some of these event website like weddingwire.com are outrageous and spending that $500 or $1000 a year to get 5-10 excellent leads may or may not be worth it to you.
 
                                                 So look back on the different areas that provided you with leads to customers. Do you get business from party planners? Do you get business from bridal magazines or associations? Maybe all you need is a great business card and a website. Whatever 2 or 3 advertising incentives that generate the most leads are worth it to you. Associations & vendor websites are like car dealers. They are going to guarantee an amazing product but are you getting the results that pay the cost and give you a profit?

- Billman

DJ Stuart FL 

Xfinite Radio Streaming

A Short Post on DJ Equipment for weddings parties school dances and more

                                         Hello all you web surfers and mobile disc jockeys! Deciding on what kind of a DJ you want to be is a key factor in what kinds of equipment you want to invest your money in. After all, there is a major difference between buying cheap radio shack equipment and dj gear that will keep the party going all night long without interuption. Having the right gear for the right event is essential to accommodating the size of the crowd, size of the venue and how technical your agenda is. 

                                         Everyone's opinion of the best equipment is different, but until you've tried just about everything than you may not have as much expertise on equipment. I have tried just about every brand and model on the market. From microphones to amplifiers and speakers to CD decks. There are numerous factors to consider when buying equipment. What kinds of events are you going to specialize in? What size events are you going to specialize in? Are you an extremely interactive DJ or are you more behind the scenes? Are you going to be performing at school dances or small to medium sweet 16s?

                                         The top DJ equipment brands in the industry are Crown, QSC, JBL, Peavey, Pioneer, Nady, Shure, Chauvet, Gemini, Numark, American DJ, and several others I haven't mentioned. But in sales and popularity these brands have been the most used in the industry. If you're going for the club style, prom dj setup than a popular system is 2 pioneer CD decks (most models do the job) or a numark ns6 or ns7, Crown XLS 602 and above or a QSC RMX amp capable of running at least 400 watts per side. A Vocopro wireless microphone or Shure wireless. LED lights from Chauvet or 2 vertigo led lights are very popular to start. Your speakers can be Mackie or Behringer but take a listen to how they sound. Some are powered speakers and some are not. I personally prefer un-powered speakers and I will tell you why. If you have an issue with a powered speaker you also have an issue with an amplifier built into the speaker. So you will be losing your amp and speaker. But if a speaker goes down than all you have to do is change out the speaker and not risk losing both. Others may disagree and powered speakers are great as well. 

                                           If you're the type of DJ who does mostly small to medium size weddings and parties than a more simple setup will do just fine. A rack case with a dual CD player combo and some standard 15 inch powered speakers would do the trick. Many people have told me that the types of speakers and equipment we buy for our company are junk. But then when they hear us in action ask how we got the equipment to sound so great. Having an equalizer such as a sonic maximizer or behringer eq system can make or break your sound. Just remember the right combination of equipment can really help your performance. Vocopro wireless microphones are great for everyday events and Shure microphones are expensive but have a great rich sound for those doing large performances. Same with a laptop for DJing. You don't need the best Mac Book Pro in existence to sound like a pro. We have Acer laptops and compaq laptops that have 2-3 gigs of ram and a 500 gig hard drive that are amazing in running programs and sound. 

                                          There is so much more to expand on and numerous combinations of equipment available. To save money go to the store whether its Guitar Center, George's Music, Sam Ash and look at the equipment you want. Then go home and order online to save a load of money. You can order the things you "KNOW" will work on ebay and the rest from the store. Save yourself a few hundred maybe even a thousand dollars. Leave your questions and comments here and I can elaborate!  

- Billman

DJ Port St Lucie

Your favorite ways to market and advertise your mobile DJ and Disc Jockey services

                                      So what do you feel is your most valuable way to advertise your DJ services? As a mobile disc jockey there are numerous ways to spread the word about your services. What are some of the top ways you bring in the business and what ways do you feel are not cutting? As a disc jockey we face lots of competition and ever changing technology. From new songs to new methods and new devices to new media outlets. But getting your niche and using that to your advantage can be the way to go!

                                     Our company has taken hold of the internet marketing revolution. We book 80% of all our events from the internet. The other small 20% are just return customers and word of mouth. We have numerous websites that showcase our DJ services and we try to link to as many vendors we've worked with and find lead websites that generate traffic. Some of these websites can be wedj.com, gigmasters, thumbtack.com, message boards in numerous bridal websites and party companies and so much more. A genuine link back to your website from another vendor is an amazing point for your company. Make sure when building or having a website built you corner the keywords in your area. For example; if your company is in the Miami area and you cater to weddings, than many of your homepage and other page keywords should focus around that area and the events that you do. Wedding DJ Miami, Mobile DJs for wedding receptions, Miami Disc Jockeys Wedding Events, etc. Your keywords and titles should focus on almost the exact types of events and service areas you concentrate. 

                                    What if I have my own work but just can't seem to get enough work for my DJs or sell them over the phone. Another great way to market your company and your staff of DJs or even 1 or 2 DJs on board is take them with you. Look for local bridal shows where you can have them interacting with brides who walk by or even getting on the mic during a part of their show for fashion shows or music entertainment. Being on the mic and showing your potential customers you can create a great atmosphere with music and announcements will help sell your DJs. Allow them to get on the mic or get on the decks (whichever their best point is) and show off what their good at. People know when they hear a great mix of music and not a bad set of songs. 

                                  Another great way to sell your company and anyone working for you is a professionally shot promo video. Having a video on your website or one you can send out with footage of your DJs in action, MCs in action or yourself is always a plus. Having ways that people can watch you without actually showing up at an event that is private is always helpful. You can even do one or two charity type events each year and invite your prospect customers to come out and see your company in action. Once those potential customers show up to see you and your guys in action they will be much more sold on using your services. 

                                 Different areas of the country use different methods to bring in leads and potential customers. Some companies use mailing services to send out flyers, some send out brochures or put them at hotels, country clubs, etc, and some develop a mailing list and use a referral system. Find out what your competition is doing whether they're on the internet, have a mailing list or at bridal shows. 

What's your preferred advertising method for your DJ service?

- Billman

DJ Miami

The Musts and Necessaries of a Professional Mobile DJ

                                       As a professional mobile DJ there are several important things that set us apart from those who may not take their services seriously. Now if you're a DJ who's just starting out and are looking to better themselves in the DJ industry this can help you go farther. Having the right tools to confirm with your new and current customers shows that you are creating a professional persona. Being able to work at any venue or facility is a necessary step to performing at more places. 

                                      If you look on craigslist or any classified ads website, there are numerous mobile DJs who advertise the lowest price and best deal with the most amazing packages. What many don't offer is peace of mind service. You'll very rarely see DJ Scratch'em Up at the Marriott Hotel or Ritz Carlton. Why is this? Most hotels build relationships with their vendors and require liability insurance, business license, references, etc. Some may require none, some may require only liability insurance. But having the important pieces to perform at a wedding or corporate affair will get you in the door. Having liability insurance is an absolute plus for vendors to work at many facilities. The standard is $1,000,000 to $2,000,000. You can obtain insurance from several places for as little as $350. Two places that have specific mobile DJ insurance are WEDJ.com and RV Nuccio insurance. It's easy to sign up and print your forms. Some facilities will ask for you to be additionally insured which is basically the same as sending over your liability insured form. The only extra thing you need on the form is in a small box at the bottom where the specific title of the venue and address are required. Your insurance company can fill this in for you. I guarantee having liability insurance will show your true professionalism and allow you to perform just about anywhere.

                                    A professional website and planning tools is another great feature you can offer your customers. Having party or wedding planning forms and timelines will give your customer an added option to telling you exactly what they want. Custom music lists and announcement forms will give you exactly what you need to look and sound like a professional while mixing music and coordinating the announcements and activities. A couple of companies online that offer integrated planning tools are wedj.com (Gigbuilder DJ) and DJ Intelligence. Both have different features but have similar qualities. 

                                   Another tip for performing as a professional is attire. I have seen a lot of DJs who show up to wedding receptions wearing a polo shirt and pants or a plain white T-shirt and pants. If the affair requires formal attire make sure you at least have some very nice presentable dress shirts and pants with a coat and tie. You can even buy a couple pairs of black pants and vest. Something simple but stylish will help guests remember you as the (DEEJAY) not the guy who was playing music. 

                                The last tip that is a must to being a professional is PREPARATION! Too many DJs show up and slap the show together. Having all the music checked off the list, the songs in a folder for the reception or party and the sheets with everyone's names being introduces is soooooooo important. Practice the names being introduced or even some of your announcements on the mic. Go over at least once or twice with your customer the outline and information so you know what you're doing. So many DJs show up and hope that they have what is needed. This is a key piece in being the best! Being prepared will show your true professionalism. 

What is something you do before heading to a gig?

- Billman

DJ Miami

More Mobile DJ Wedding Reception Planning Tips

                                              In this day and age a disc jockey is no longer a "Disc Jockey." It's absolutely true! When a customer calls or inquires to book an event with your service, they are (in addition to finding someone that can spin their wedding tunes) looking for an "Entertainer." The DJ concept has incorporated a master of ceremonies, crowd motivator and even games master. To top it all off their also looking for a side line party coordinator. All of these things to a beginner may sound like an insane process. And for those of you who are professionals may think, brides and grooms don't pay us enough to do what we do best. I have some solutions and tips to help you look and be amazing without actually having to kill yourself out there during the event. 

                                              Having a music list from the customer is definitely a plus. Now many DJs out there get really annoyed when a bride emails a list of 100 songs to play. But why would the bride take her time out to send this ridiculous list of songs? She obviously wants to hear a good portion of her playlist. Unlike many of the DJs who are 20 year veterans and crank up a storm.......you can use this to your advantage. Once you receive the brides music list back start putting it together right away. Whether you use a laptop or computer for DJing or CDs, you can compile the songs that are slower for the cocktail hour and dinner and use the rest of the more danceable songs for later on. The strategy I've come up with is have your music pre-set on your software (Virtual DJ, Serato, PCDJ) or create a CD or CDs with the tracks for each part of the night. You can even use a program like Nero to add a crossfade to the CD so you don't have to do it. Your CD decks may even have a auto crossfade feature on them. Now a lot of DJs may think that this seems like tedious work putting together all the music mixes. Well let me tell you what I do. I have several pre-made dinner mix CDs or mixes on the laptop. I put one of those on and walk away. I don't have to sit there and mix track to track. If the bride gives me a dinner I put the music on auto-pilot and come back 30-45 minutes later about the time to dance and didn't have to do a thing. You can also do this with your ceremony music and have all the songs lined up in order. I'm telling you, having everything pre-made a week or 2 before the event or however long it takes to get the music back from your brides and grooms gives you a stress free reception. 

                                             This is another must for any wedding reception. Send the bride a wedding timeline with fill in the blank areas for all of her songs and announcements. Take that wedding sheet and put all the songs in order track by track on a CD or on your computer and its totally hassle free. You just can't go wrong with organization, it makes the day so much easier. Plus sometimes I give the wedding CD to my brides and grooms with a business card and they actually refer more work to me. They always tell me that they loved the wedding CD I gave them and recommended me to another couple getting married. 

                                            One more good tip for you mobile DJs out there. This is self explanatory but it's also an extremely important detail. Call the bride (or groom) the week of the wedding even 3-4 days prior to the day. Ask for about 10 minutes of their time to go over the details one last time. Go through the timeline from beginning to end and double check all details. Make sure to check that everything you have is all the information the couple sent you. Once you have went over the names of the bridal party, announcements, activities, songs and music you're good to go. You absolutely cannot go wrong once you've taken these steps. All the preparation prior to the wedding can be a lot of work. You will be so happy that everything is practically on autopilot the day of the reception. 

What do you do as a mobile DJ to prepare for a wedding? Do you have any tips to getting the details together?

- Billman

 DJ Port St Lucie

Coordinating Wedding Receptions as a mobile disc jockey

                                                     As a mobile DJ for weddings your job is not just playing music and making announcements. A Disc Jockeys job is to also help coordinate the main activities and timeline with the other vendors. Wedding DJs have gotten much more technical over time helping the wedding planners, photographers, videographers and facilities to create the most amazing events. But to create the ultimate atmosphere for your bride, groom and guests you have to be aware of all the things that will take place. 

                                                  Having awedding timeline preparation sheet / form make all the difference in planning the event. We send the brides and grooms this wedding form to give them the option of telling us what types if things they want to have. For example, the bride and groom may want to pick their ceremony songs, first dance, father daughter, mother son, cake cutting, songs. Some brides are extremely particular in what time they would like to have certain activities and others don't need specific times and are more general about what they want. Taking the information you know and discussing this with the facility and other vendors will make a flawless reception. You can also get the emails of the vendors you're working with and send them a copy of your timeline or request there's as well. The other vendors will be impressed with how organized you are. 

                                                 Now if you don't have a chance to communicate with the other vendors prior to the wedding then you can always arrive extra early to go over the itinerary. The wedding planner, catering director or whomever will be happy that you have taken the time to discuss your plan of action and relay that to the photographer. The reason why all the vendors need to know what you are planning to do is you (The DJ) is in charge of the announcements and will be telling everyone what's happening. Always make sure that everyone who is in charge of their area of the event is ready. Anything you do check with your photographer so they don't miss important shots, check to make sure champagne is poured before the toast, the cake is ready to be cut and the bridal party is lined up and ready to go for introductions. Introduce yourself to the vendors so they are aware of your duties and can check with you on what is happening moment by moment. Make sure you always check with any of the vendors and facility on any input they may have. Be open minded and flexible as things can always change. Your attitude and willingness to work with the professionals and guests are what makes or breaks the flow of the party!

What is the one thing you make a point of doing to ensure that your party or reception goes just right?

- Billman

DJ Port St Lucie 

Tips to Get Noticed as a Mobile DJ

                                         In the industry of mobile disc jockeys and music entertainment, it can sometimes, well....... a lot of times be difficult to get noticed. You're trying to figure out what you can do for places and people to remember you. You want facilities and potential customers not to forget who you are. There are thousands of independent DJs in the nation and to be quite honest, many DJs who think their Gods gift to the DJ industry. Well, I'm here to tell you that these amazing DJs who say that their top of the list," A+ mixologists" are not as stunning as they may lead you to believe. Half of the battle is creating a persona for yourself. 

                                       Great tools to get noticed and remembered in the DJ industry at any place you go to and perform at is your personality. It's true! Courtesy, professionalism and great personality goes so far these days. Having a smile and amazing attitude will always get you recognized. Whenever I work at a facility or party venue I always maintain a happy persona, smile and say hello to the staff and create a fun atmosphere. 

                                       Now I'm not going to knock other DJs in the south Florida area, but if you do some research just about all the amazing DJs who perform at weddings and parties you will find a negative review of some kind. The one thing that is in common with many of the high end DJ companies is the fact that they have the need to control the show. You alwaysH have to keep in mind that DJs can help coordinate an event. They are NOT the main event coordinator. Having some input in the plan of action and allowing the caterers and facility to also control some of the activities helps to create a 50/50 atmosphere. Event facilities love this! They will remember you for working with them to make it flow perfectly. If you're a seasoned veteran Disc Jockey or just starting out my tip to you is talk with the main event coordinator and tell them about what details you have and find out what they have. Be personable and never argue over a time frame. While you're on the clock keep in mind that it's about the guest and guest of honor so making the party as easy as possible will earn you brownie points with the place you're performing at and the customer. 

                                      Another valid tip is play the best mix of music for your audience. Your audience is not just your guests but your facility as well. I've had numerous staff members at these events tell me, "Great music! Good mix of songs DJ!" Do your best to keep that dance floor packed, this will show to your facility and of course the customer you care about the party. Have fun with your event! Whether it's going out to the floor to teach some dance moves, Emceeing the event, having participants on the floor put their hands up and wave them around or just your overall excitement level. When a guest asks for a request that is either totally off or works great, do your best to accommodate. It can always work if you say something to the effect of, "Let me see what I can do." Or, "I will try to fit it into my mix but it might be a little while." Shutting a guest down creates negative feelings and showing that you care with a smile helps you stay remembered by your audience. 

Overall, amazing personality, a great smile, willingness to work with your catering manager or coordinator and be flexible. If the photographer is late taking group photos, don't be mad because plans changed, keep the music flowing and accommodate as best as possible.

- Billman

DJ Port St Lucie