5 Tips for Beginner DJs to Get Booked for Gigs

DJing is an art that anyone can start practicing, but becoming a professional DJ requires a lot of skills and experience. It can be tough to get your DJ career off the ground, especially if you’re just starting out.

There are a lot of things you need to do to get booked for gigs as a DJ. You need to have a great online presence and an amazing portfolio of mixes and tracks. You also need to network with other DJs and event planners.

We’ve compiled 5 tips that will help beginner DJs like you get booked for gigs. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to a successful DJ career. Let’s get started!

TIP 1 – Build an Amazing Online Presence

If you want to get booked for gigs, you need to have an amazing online presence. Your website should be professional and up-to-date, and your social media accounts should be active and engaging.

Make sure to post regularly on your social media accounts, and be sure to interact with your followers. If you can get a good following on social media, you’ll be more likely to get booked for gigs.

Build a website that showcases your work, and make sure to include a section for your mixes and tracks. Here are some tips for building a great DJ website that will help you get booked.

• Make sure your website is professional and up-to-date.
• Include a section for your mixes and tracks.
• Drive traffic to your website through social media.
• Make sure your website is mobile-friendly.
• Upload videos and pictures of your previous gigs so potential clients can see what you’re all about.
• List the type of gigs you’re available for, as well as your rates.
• Mention the type of music you are good at, like if you are best at electronic music.

TIP 2 – Network with Other DJs and Event Planners

One of the best ways to get booked for gigs is to network with other DJs and event planners. Get to know people in the industry, and let them know what you’re all about.

Attend industry events, and make sure to exchange business cards with as many people as possible. The more connections you have, the more likely you are to get booked for gigs.

Another great way to network is to join online communities and forums. There are a lot of great DJ forums out there, and this is a great way to connect with other DJs and event planners.

TIP 3 – Have an Amazing Portfolio of Mixes and Tracks

When you’re first starting out, it’s important to have an amazing portfolio of mixes and tracks. This will show potential clients that you’re a talented DJ, and it will give them an idea of what you can do.

Be sure to include a variety of genres in your portfolio, and make sure that your mixes are top-notch.

Be sure to showcase your best work and don’t be afraid to toot your own horn. If you’re good, people will take notice!

A good track list will also help you get booked for gigs. If potential clients see that you have a great selection of tracks, they’ll be more likely to book you for their event.

TIP 4 – Get Good Reviews

If you want to get booked for gigs, you need to have good reviews. Event planners and clients will often look at online reviews before they book a DJ, so it’s important to make sure that you have good reviews on sites like Google and Yelp.

To get good reviews, make sure to always deliver a great performance, and be sure to follow up with your clients after the event. Play the right music for the crowd, and put on a show.

If you deliver a great performance, you’ll get good reviews, and you’re more likely to get booked for future gigs. So make sure to give it your all!

TIP 5 – Offer Discounts and Deals

When you’re first starting out, it’s important to offer discounts and deals. This will help you stand out from the competition, and it will make you more attractive to potential clients.

You could offer a discount if someone books you for multiple gigs or if someone books you for an event that’s outside of your normal gigging radius.

Another way to offer discounts is to offer early bird specials. For example, you could offer a discount if someone books you more than 6 months in advance.

How to Approach Clubs as a DJ

1. Do Your Research

Before you approach any clubs as a DJ, you must do your research. Find out what kind of music the club plays, what kind of crowd they attract, and what their dress code is.

It’s also a good idea to check out the club’s website and social media accounts to see what they’re all about. This will help you tailor your approach and make sure that you’re a good fit for the club.

2. Make a Good First Impression

When you’re meeting with the club owner or manager, it’s important to make a good first impression. Dress professionally, and be sure to have a well-organized portfolio of your work.

It’s also a good idea to be prepared to answer any questions about your DJing experience and style. This will show that you’re a professional DJ, and it will help you get booked for gigs.

3. Contact DJ Booking Agents

If you’re having trouble getting booked for gigs, you may want to contact DJ booking agents. These professionals can help you get gigs at clubs and events, and they often have inside knowledge of the industry.

When you’re contacting DJ booking agents, be sure to have a professional website and social media presence. This will show that you’re a serious DJ, and it will help you get booked for more gigs.

4. Promote Your Gigs

Once you’ve booked a gig, it’s important to promote it. Be sure to post about it on your social media accounts, and be sure to tell your friends and family. You may also want to put up flyers around town.

The more people that know about your gig, the more likely you are to get people to come out and support you.

Conclusion

If you want to get booked for gigs, it’s important to put yourself out there. Make sure to have a professional website and social media presence, and be sure to contact DJ booking agents. You should also promote your gigs, and deliver a great performance. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to getting booked for more gigs.

Getting booked for gigs can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. By following these tips you’ll be on your way to getting booked for more gigs in no time. Thanks for reading!

 

 

Image Credit: Arturo Rey on Unsplash