How To Become A Wedding DJ

Jul 7, 2013 by

Written for How Can I Be A DJ Dot Com…..

In this bog, I’ll focus on just a few topics.  The first being  1) How to break into the business of weddings, and 2) How to build your network of professional wedding vendors.

Let’s assume that you already have equipment and music.  This blog will simply cover the basic.

The first thing that you’ll need is experience.  The planning of a wedding ceremony and reception is a very stressful time.  People plan their event for several months and expect perfection from you and the other event specialists.

Wedding clients spend thousands of dollars on their wedding …………… As a matter of fact, according to Cost Of A Wedding Dot Com, On average, US couples spend over $25,000 for their wedding. However, the majority of couples spend between $19,000 and $32,000 on their special day.   So, you can imagine why it’s important to pay your dues and gain valuable experience.  In order to be a respected wedding DJ, you need to be on top of your game.  I waited a whole year before I thought I was ready to DJ a wedding.

You’ll need to know how to program the right music for each of your wedding clients.  Your music library has to contain selections to satisfy ages ranging from 20 to 70.  With experience, you’ll know how to motivate audiences of all sizes and how to perfect either the art of beat mixing or “radio style” fades and blends.

Personally, I started my DJ career in local pubs.  That’s where I first learned from my mistakes.  And believe me there were plenty.  I had to work on my timing, talking over the intro. and I learned how to create a party atmosphere.  I then worked as an on-air afternoon drive time radio DJ and broke into the larger nightclubs.  During this time, I also performed at low-key functions such as birthday and graduation parties, community events and other private parties.  My business cards were being passed out and my reputation was being established.  Plus, I gained a lot of confidence.  Now, I was ready to make the move into the wedding DJ market.

I suggest that one of the first thing you do is prepare some simple marketing material.  Make sure that your business card contains your phone number, email address and web site if you have one.

Perform an internet search for the local DJ companies in your area.  Working for a DJ company has many benefits, especially when you’re just breaking into the wedding market.  They’ll assume all costs of doing business such as office space, advertising, contract negotiation and collect the list of music needed for the event.  You simply show up and do what you do best.

The DJ company offers you either an price per event, or adds you as an employee and pays you a salary.  Another benefit is that in most cases, the company has other DJ’s that can offer advice and help you grow as an entertainer.  You’ll have little administrative responsibilities.  It’s basically > introduce yourself to the couple before their event > show up and perform at your best > then pack up and go home.

If working for someone else is not what you have intended, then here are the basics that will get you started.  First, Consult an attorney.  Almost all the work I do, I do with a contract. Communicate with  your local attorney and get a contract drawn up making sure it covers clauses for setup requirements, damages, theft and terms for payment.  Keep it legal and safeguard yourself against adverse situations.

NOW, when it comes to finding work….. NETWORK – NETWORK AND MORE NETWORK.

I contacted every caterer, photographer, videographer, limousine company and florists in my area.  I worked very hard on building a sold relationship with each one of those services so that we could mutually and confidently share leads.  Wedding clients will view your services a little differently when referred from someone that they trust.  In sales, that’s called a warm lead.  Keep in mind that most of the wedding vendors that you contact will already have a list of services that they recommend.  Don’t be discouraged.  There is always room for other quality entertainers.  When you meet with them, bring with you any positive emails, note cards or messages that you have received from your past clients.  There is no time like the presence to build integrity.

Other than returning the favor in referring their business, what else can you offer then for referring your service?  Personally, I’ve offered free voiceover services for their voicemail, YouTube video’s and  web site.  I’ll think of unique ways to stand out from the rest of the services they refer and keep “Top of Mind”.

Another thing I did to build my wedding business was I joined a local chapter of a DJ association.  This was just another form of networking, plus established credibility.  I could now add their logo to my marketing material and communicate with my customers that I was a member of a group that holds high standards for their members.  On a national level, I suggest the American DJ Association.  You can learn more about them by visiting their website www.ADJA DOT Org.

A great way to reach people who are planning a wedding is through a Bridal Show.  Organizations and Associations will rent a hall, rent YOU booth space and advertise in Bridal publications, on radio and TV in the hopes of generating a large amount of attendees to the show.  You’ll have a great opportunity to meet future bridal clients and briefly discuss why they should choose you as their event entertainment.  Give your marketing material to every person who walks by your booth.  Each one of them could be your future client.  While you’re at the show, walk around and introduce yourself to the other vendors.  I always introduce myself and ask if I can call them in the near future to discuss networking opportunities.

To me – Networking is like a chain link fence.  The more links you have, the stronger your fence.  Never stop networking.  It may be the lifeline of your wedding business.

Methods of advertising is an entire series of blogs all by itself, however I strongly urge you to create a Facebook page.  Invite all your friends and family members to “like” your page so that you can keep them informed and remind them that you are looking for clients.  I would post comments like “There are still a few slots open in my Fall DJ schedule.  Do you know of anyone who is planning a wedding?  I would appreciate the referral.  Short – Sweet and right to the point.  Never stop reminding people that you perform at weddings.  It will definitely pay off in bookings.

Now if you plan on paid advertising, the number one thing that you have to consider is R-O-I, which stands for Return On Investment.  If you spend $1000 for a display ad in a glossy wedding industry publication and only receive one booking at $800, then you had a negative ROI.  However, book three events at the same $800, and now you have a positive R.O.I. of $1,400.

One of the most beneficial forms of promoting your services is through Google Pay Per Click advertising.  A complete podcast on internet advertising will be featured in another one of our podcasts.  Since most savvy brides search for their vendors online, it would be wise for you to build a strong internet presence.  You don’t have to spend a fortune to get noticed.  Just always consider the R.O.I. over a 6 to 12 month period.

Building a strong networking group of wedding professionals along with a positive internet presence will definitely help you not only start, but grow your wedding business.

For a more in-depth analysis on how you can expand your services into the wedding market, contact me through How To Be A DJ by emailing  info@DJLouOnline.com.  I’ll be glad to answer your questions.

 

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