You’ve mastered the art of DJing. You may even have a few gigs under your belt, too, like that time you DJed at your friend’s house party, or at your cousin’s wedding.
Now, how do you get people who aren’t your friends and family to hire you to DJ their next event? One word: promotion.
You’ve got to have a rock-solid marketing plan. Below, we walk you through how to build yours, from branding ideas to networking and social media.
Follow these ten DJ marketing tips, and you’ll be turning tables at the gigs of your dreams in no time.
1. Define your DJ brand.
Your DJ brand is what sets you apart from all the other average Joes and Janes out there. In other words, what makes you, you? Answer these questions to hone in on your DJ brand:
- What’s your niche? Will you be serving up today’s top 40 hits, or are you more into promoting underground artists?
- What’s your market? Are you hoping to become the premier wedding DJ in your town, or would you rather have a standing night at a club? People hire DJs for all sorts of events, including charity galas, weddings, parties, athletic events, church gatherings, and more.
- Who are your ideal clients? Will they be families, club promoters, couples, or festival organizers? Study the key characteristics that tie them together, such as their age, gender, or musical taste. Then, you can reflect those interests in your branding.
- What’s your overall vibe? If people were to describe your DJ style in one word, what would it be? Underground, rave, clean, groovy, family-friendly?
For more DJ branding ideas, do a deep dive on the DJs you most admire. What type of events do they DJ at? What makes them stand out to you? Then, think about how you can put your own twist on it.
2. Dream up your DJ name.
Now that you’ve narrowed in on your DJ brand, it’s time to name yourself.
Most DJ names fall into one of three categories:
- Your own name, like David Guetta or Calvin Harris
- A nickname or stage name, like Kygo or Diplo
- A completely made up word, like Marshmello or Deadmau5
Before you make your final decision, confirm that your DJ name isn’t used by another artist, and that the social media handles you want are available.
3. Design your DJ logo.
Next, you should create your DJ logo. Remember, your logo will show up on everything related to your DJ brand, from your website to your promo posters. It’s worth putting some thought into it and working with a professional, whether you hire a local graphic designer or use a website like Fiverr or 99designs.
4. Put together your press kit.
Get ready to say cheese. To be seen as a professional, you need to look like one. Schedule a shoot with a photographer to take professional headshots. Get some candid shots of you at your turntables, too.
You’ll include these photos in your press kit to share with promoters and event organizers, along with your logo. You’ll also want to include a quick DJ bio, which can share details about:
- How you got started
- Who your influences are
- Your music genre and DJ style
- The types of gigs you work
- How to book you for an event
- Where people can find you on social media and your website
5. Build your DJ website.
Need an easy place to send people for more information about your DJ business? How about a place where they can contact you to book you for a gig?
That’s exactly what a DJ website is for. Your DJ website can include:
- Upcoming gigs
- Your bio
- A place to download your press kit
- Embedded playlists of your music on YouTube and Soundcloud
- A photo gallery
- Online store, if you choose to sell merch
- Your contact information
Pro Tip: Build an email marketing list so you can email your fans and former clients whenever you have a new event or merch.
6. Order some business cards.
When you’re spinning at a gig, people will come to chat you up at the DJ booth. Turn every conversation into a marketing opportunity by handing them your business card. These can include your DJ name, logo, contact details, website, and social media. Always carry some in your wallet, and bring extras to all your gigs.
7. Get social.
Social media is one of the best ways to market your DJ business. You can communicate with fans, network with promoters and clients, and promote your upcoming gigs. Establish a presence on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Not sure what to post? Try these ideas:
- Share photos of your DJ setup
- Share GIFs of you mixing and spinning
- Take POV photos and videos of the crowd from your DJ booth
- Upload tutorial-style videos and walk fans through your mixing process
- Go live (if your client’s cool with it)
- Promote upcoming gigs by reposting a graphic of the event flyer or poster
- Tag notable DJs, clients, and people you meet
8. Share your music.
Social media can help people get an idea of what you bring to a party as a DJ. So can your mixes. Upload your original mixes to YouTube and Soundcloud, embed them on your website, and share clips to your social media. You can also curate Spotify playlists and share those on social media.
9. Network, network, network.
Successful DJs know how to rub elbows with the best of them. Market your DJ business by introducing yourself to industry elite, networking at events, and being easy to work with. Positive word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool.
Entrench yourself in your local music scene. Go live from local festivals and events and share your experience on social media. Attend conferences your target audience goes to, as well, such as a wedding expo or farmers’ market (don’t forget your business cards).
You can also build goodwill in your community — and show off your DJ skills to a ton of potential clients — by volunteering to DJ at events.
10. Sell merchandise.
Sell merch, and you suddenly have another revenue stream for your DJ business — as well as free marketing. Sell (or give away) logo stickers at your gigs. When people see them on laptops and thermoses around town, it’ll drive interest and awareness. Common DJ merchandising options include t-shirts, baseball caps, posters, and CDs.
Spin your way to success with a DJ marketing plan
Once you’ve nailed down your DJ brand, turn your plan into action. Build a website, assemble your press kit, and order business cards. Build additional awareness through social media, Spotify playlists, and merch sales. Finally, network and make yourself known in your local scene.
There’s one more thing DJs need to succeed: business insurance coverage. Any event organizer, club promoter, or wedding planner who hires you will expect you to carry business insurance. Protect your DJ business with Thimble’s affordable DJ insurance. It only takes 60 seconds to get your free quote.
