Getting into any industry can be daunting when you’re a beginner. You’ll really have to dig deep.
The entertainment industry is one of those places with plenty of demand but supply as well. It will take hard work, creativity, and even luck to stand out from the crowd.
As a newbie DJ, you may have to knock on plenty of doors until one opens for you.
If you’re here, you’re probably looking for tips to get your DJing business off and running.
Don’t sweat it. These tips are perfect for beginners:
Be Professional
DJing isn’t some formal job that calls for a suit, but it definitely demands professionalism.
You may be a no-name straight off the street, but how you carry yourself before potential clients can go a long way.
Try being as professional as possible. Create business cards and leave them after every conversation. The last thing a client will do is wrack their brain trying to remember your Facebook or Twitter handle.
Build a website and make it the center of your online presence. It doesn’t have to be a complicated site. A simple one-pager website to hold important info is enough.
You don’t need money or experience either. A website builder like Wix makes it easy to create a simple site for free.
Use Your Social Media
While a website acts as a reservoir for online opportunities, your social media allows you to reach a wider audience. You’ll need to use both of these in sync for effective marketing.
Before that happens, work on making some noise on social media.
These days it’s super hard to go viral. All it takes is having great content posted in the right place before the right eyes.
Create unique demos, record yourself and post them. Make friends and engage with fans. You also want to join groups and forums for music enthusiasts and share your skills.
Don’t Turn Down a Gig
As a beginner, you can’t afford to be choosy because you never know which opportunity will make a difference.
Try taking every gig that comes your way so long as it’s going to put you in front of an audience. All it takes is impressing one person who can influence your career.
Taking gigs is not the same as not knowing your value. It’s about increasing your chances of being in the right place at the right time.
When you’re starting, don’t ignore the low-paying gigs. If you can, accept charity engagements as well. You may work for free, but what you get in return is far greater.
The more you work, the more you gain experience, expose yourself to recognition, and improve your chances of more work.
Network with Other DJs
Interacting with people sharing similar interests is always beneficial. There’s that exchange of knowledge and industry tips you were probably unaware of.
Try making the acquaintance of fellow DJs in your area. If some of them are more established in the industry, it could open up opportunities for you.
You may often get a “Hey, I got this gig, but I’m booked solid. Are you up for it?”
You could also network with fellow DJs on social media. Follow and support their efforts. DJ forums like Hercules DJ Mix Room can be an excellent resource for an up-and-coming DJ.
Get Yourself Out There
Established DJs could sit and wait for opportunities to come looking for them. You’ll have to do the exact opposite. If possible, make the time to scout entertainment venues and clubs in your city and leave contact info.
You never know who’s looking, and promoters are always looking for fresh talent. It’s up to you to find these people who can actually give you a shot and pitch to them.
It’s crucial to show the right people that you exist and are willing to prove yourself even if you don’t have the experience they may be looking for.
How many people get their big break because the person supposed to come in canceled last minute?
Conclusion
You may struggle to land DJ gigs as a beginner. It doesn’t mean you’re not skilled enough. It means that nobody knows who you are, and that’s something you can change.
Keep opening doors, even when they are shut in your face. Eventually, you’ll open the right one.
