In a vast world of DJs to pick from, it’s important to keep your clients coming back for more.
If you’re not highly in-demand yet, then it’s easy for customers to look elsewhere if you don’t leave them with an ever-lasting impression of you.
The trick to repeat customers is to be the ideal DJ. What is an ideal DJ you ask?
The ideal DJ:
This DJ keeps her clients coming back by showing up ready to work, with a good attitude.
She is ready from the moment the potential client inquires about her DJ services.
This DJ has a business card and business plan.
She asks specific questions to her potential clients to clearly understand what they are looking for in a DJ. This DJ follows up with emails, phone calls, paperwork, and if necessary in-person meetings before, and maybe even after the event in a timely manner. A timely manner being within 24 hours in most cases. This shows that she’s reliable and has her business in order.
Contracts and invoices are exchanged ahead of time. Payment specifications are made clear. And by the day of the event, this ideal DJ is well-rehearsed and ready with everything that was agreed upon.
She plays exactly what the client has requested. Furthermore, this DJ has her own set of songs that will go well with the requested ones. She’s prepared to create the vibe the client is asking for.
This DJ has a great attitude. She stays in control of the scene by simply looking up from her DJ rig and checking on her audience. Checking on the various cues around the room which lets her know if people are enjoying themselves or if its time to switch things up a bit.
This DJ stays professional with the client at all times, even if the client is a friend.
This DJ never gets so intoxicated while DJ’ing that she can no longer work.
More Tips…
Depending on the type of event your DJ’ing, most likely the main entertainment of the night is… the DJ. So come dressed to impress with your own Dj style and flare. If you don’t know what to wear; black with a pop of color is always a safe bet. Accessorize with jewelry, hats, bags, and original garments; maybe something with your brand or DJ name printed on it. Experiment with different make-up palettes, if make-up is your thing. These can definitely add a fun flare to your look. Consider rocking a DJ Gurl waist pack at your next gig.
Unless you are some kind of model, dressing scantly clad is NOT necessary, if that’s not your thing.
Also consider the way you roll. Your DJ gear is to be organized and easily transportable. The goal is to load your equipment in and out efficiently with the least amount of trips as possible.
I use a dolly for load-in and load-out. I also buy bags and protective casing for each piece of equipment; it protects your expensive equipment plus it just looks professional.
I’ve had many clients comment on how impressed they are with the way my gear was organized.
Also, try not to burden the client, especially with load-in and load-out; even if they offer to help (unless absolutely necessary). They are paying you to take care of all that.
Don’t invite your friends to your private/corporate events unless they are being paid to help you. I just think it looks weird to have a friend or friends hanging around your DJ booth, talking to you, and pulling your attention away from the job at hand. It looks unprofessional.
If you do have a friend that wants to come along and help, make sure they are dressed professional too; because now they are no longer just friends, now they are a representation of you and your brand.
Sometimes assistance is necessary so make sure you add that into your budget if needed. Ideally, I pay assistants anywhere between $15-$20 an hour.
Follow up after the gig right away, especially if the client seems interested in having you back. It also doesn’t hurt to ask for feedback after the event and then thank the client for having you.
Keep a calendar of when to reach out to potential and past clients. Have a system in place that keeps your contacts and events in order. In the past, whenever I received a new interesting business card, I would enter the information into an excel spreadsheet that I created entitled “Business Contacts”. This method helped make it easier to keep up with who I’d met over the years.
As the DJ, you naturally meet a lot of people at your gigs. So find a method that works for you. Just remember to use your intuition and discern everything that comes your way. Stay professional with everyone at all times during your gigs because someone is always watching.
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Clients came almost as soon as I made it public that I DJ. My friends saw that I was serious about being a DJ, so whenever an opportunity came their way, they would send it my way.
However, that didn’t always mean these new opportunities were ideal.
Just like you want to be the ideal DJ for your clients, be careful with who you choose to work with. Weed out your ideal clients. Who is an ideal client you ask?
The Ideal client:
Someone who is eager and happy to use your DJ services.
They like your DJ style and are confident in what you do. They are professional and can effectively communicate their event goals to you. They are on time with their payments and honor your contract. They are friendly and offer assistance to you if needed. They give you feedback if necessary. They have an easy going disposition. And I absolutely love when clients ask if I am ok during an event and if I need anything to eat or drink.
Obviously, as a DJ you will be dealing with different clientele for each of your events. Most clients are great and fun to work with, but not everyone.
You do not have to accept every gig that comes your way.
However, if you are matched up with a less than ideal client, use your professionalism at all costs to get through the event so that you can minimize any potential problems as best as possible. And don’t forget you can always cease your services at any given time if absolutely necessary.
Ask specific questions to potential clients to make sure the gig is right for you. Such as, what is the event for?
How long do you want me to DJ at the event?
What type of music do you want played?
What will the audience be like?
What is your DJ budget?
If any of their answers drastically coincide with what you do as a DJ, then don’t take it. Remember you want to take gigs that you know you can do well, and in turn you will be their ideal DJ. They’ll always come back to you, and they’ll be the first to suggest you to their friends and contacts.
Beware:
Watch out for potential clients who aren’t sure what they want. These clients will generally reach out to you at the last minute, which could be a red flag right off top. They are vague with what they want and they change their minds a lot with the details.
Beware of potential clients who don’t appreciate the work of a good DJ by trying to haggle down your price. These clients are going to set you up for failure.
It is ok to negotiate your price but make sure you are happy with the negotiation, and that it doesn’t leave you holding the short end of the stick.
All in All:
Give yourself enough prep time to have everything you need before each event. Smile and be personable with your clients. Ask the right questions and give your clients a customized experience that makes them want to keep coming back to you. Remember your clients are the folks who will recommend you to their network of new potential clients.
