DJ Zibs
Hey so I have speakers, equipment, music, everything I need. But how do you get a job somewhere as a DJ? I'd rather not use an ad on Craigslist but if my back was against the wall I guess it would be an option. Anyways, what did you guys do to get more public? Thanks!
Posté Tue 23 Jul 13 @ 2:38 pm
yk23
Setup a website, then throw some money at google Adwords. I've had no luck posting DJ gigs on craigslist, but have been making money with my IT business on CL just fine.
Thanks,
David
Thanks,
David
Posté Tue 23 Jul 13 @ 7:15 pm
DJECoast
Craigslist is ok for finding gigs, but I wouldn't advertise on it. A web site would present a much better image of what you have to offer.
Are you shooting for anything specific or do you just want to get into a bar and do mobile work? Have you been to all the local bars in your area that have DJ's?
Are you shooting for anything specific or do you just want to get into a bar and do mobile work? Have you been to all the local bars in your area that have DJ's?
Posté Tue 23 Jul 13 @ 7:59 pm
DJ Zibs
Well I'm not old enough to go into a bar. However, I haven't heard of one DJ in my area, which makes my span of potential clients a lot bigger.
Posté Tue 23 Jul 13 @ 11:50 pm
danielsr2006
I did get a good kickstart doing fundraising events for a church. They always have some sort of event including dances. You might not make much from them but potential clients will take notice of you if they like you.
Good luck
Good luck
Posté Wed 24 Jul 13 @ 12:20 am
DJ Zibs
DJECoast wrote :
Craigslist is ok for finding gigs, but I wouldn't advertise on it. A web site would present a much better image of what you have to offer.
Are you shooting for anything specific or do you just want to get into a bar and do mobile work? Have you been to all the local bars in your area that have DJ's?
Are you shooting for anything specific or do you just want to get into a bar and do mobile work? Have you been to all the local bars in your area that have DJ's?
Yeah I agree I'm not going to do Craigslist now that I think about it. No offense if you guys use Craigslist for advertising (because you guys are awesome anyways) but Craigslist DJs have a REALLY bad reputation. There's memes all about "Craigslist DJs". Craigslist is out for me.
Posté Wed 24 Jul 13 @ 12:32 am
DJECoast
Exactly how old are you? You can go to your states Alcohol Beverage Control site and see what the law is for under 21 performers in bars.
Doing gigs for free is one way to gain exposure and get some experience but don't make a habit out of it. You need to find and befriend another DJ in your area. Networking will get you more gigs than a web site but you need to be plugged in.
Doing gigs for free is one way to gain exposure and get some experience but don't make a habit out of it. You need to find and befriend another DJ in your area. Networking will get you more gigs than a web site but you need to be plugged in.
Posté Wed 24 Jul 13 @ 3:23 am
klausmogensen
I agree with the "for free" part above
My rules are like this:
1. Bars gets the first night for free, and then if they want you back they pay by the hour (unless it's non-profit charity bars, which are actually a joy to play, since noone gets payed, and everybody's there to make a difference and have fun at the same time)
2. If it's corporate parties, they pay a fixed price
3. If it's a wedding, the pay a fixed price. Even though weddings usually start out as normal bookings, there is always extra work/planing when it comes to weddings. Besides, they already have the budget for it
4. If it's private parties with people I know, we can negotiate
A lot of normal bars don't have DJ's every weekend, so a way in can be to suggest that you come in and play for free, whenever they have a special event. Staff parties are especially fun. That often leads to them calling you the next time they have a special event. And of course, next time they pay for it
Best regards
Klaus Mogensen
My rules are like this:
1. Bars gets the first night for free, and then if they want you back they pay by the hour (unless it's non-profit charity bars, which are actually a joy to play, since noone gets payed, and everybody's there to make a difference and have fun at the same time)
2. If it's corporate parties, they pay a fixed price
3. If it's a wedding, the pay a fixed price. Even though weddings usually start out as normal bookings, there is always extra work/planing when it comes to weddings. Besides, they already have the budget for it
4. If it's private parties with people I know, we can negotiate
A lot of normal bars don't have DJ's every weekend, so a way in can be to suggest that you come in and play for free, whenever they have a special event. Staff parties are especially fun. That often leads to them calling you the next time they have a special event. And of course, next time they pay for it
Best regards
Klaus Mogensen
Posté Wed 24 Jul 13 @ 4:14 am
rickslickchi
I'm a beginner, and what I'm doing is keeping it to the people I know. I have a big network from church,school, work, people I know, so I know tons of people, and on top of that they know alot of people. And the more I present myself as being reliable, professional, and having good quality. The gigs will come . Also I have to keep in mind whose my supporters of my business. Alot of people will try to get over because they know me, but I have to keep it very professional and make sure business doesn't get mixed up with relationships. This can hurt your business. I have my first gig by myself coming up, and its one a friend got me, also there will be others friends there (potiential customers) I just have to focus on being professional and having great quality also market myself.
Posté Wed 24 Jul 13 @ 6:00 am
rickslickchi
Also you can make mixes, and give them out, also a youtube djing show. I will be doing several mixes to showcase my talent, and on the mixes will have my booking info. that can travel far.
Posté Wed 24 Jul 13 @ 6:04 am