Top 10 Mobile DJ Business Tips

There’s a lot that you need to know if you’re a Mobile DJ. You’re simply not playing tracks for people as you were in a club. You have a whole new level of responsibility on your shoulder because you need to run a sustainable business.

Thinking about starting a Mobile DJ business? Already started but can’t seem to gain traction in your business? This post will share ten of the best tips to get started and keep running with your new profession.

#1 – Remember, It’s a Business

Always remember that your Mobile DJing is a business. Sure, you’re having a load of fun mixing tunes that you and people love but it’s still what pays the bills. If you don’t treat your business like a business than it’ll become a hobby and hobbies generally don’t pay.

There are times where you need to be stern such as choosing your price, sticking with your decisions, getting around, landing new clients and promoting yourself. Take the business side of your Mobile DJ business as much as you put into learning the skill.

Additionally, always remember to take care of your finances. A gig today may pay the bills but if you don’t take track of your expenses than you could end up sunk because of bad money management. Don’t forget your taxes either!

#2 – Really, Really Know your Audience

There’s no better way to leave an impression than knowing exactly what your audience wants. Don’t expect to get behind the decks and play all of your favorite tracks because it’s a quick way to clear the dance floor. Part of being a Mobile DJ is to get the party started which may have you playing a wide variety of tracks depending on who hired you for the gig.

If you’re playing for weddings you can expect to play wedding-related tracks. Birthday parties pull their own. The list goes on and on. You can still slip in some of your favorites but always remember to leave the track selection up to the guests because if you make sure they’re having a good time than you and your business will do well.

#3 – Keep Everything Well Organized

Business needs organization. You wouldn’t operate a restaurant with nothing labeled, never rotating food, throwing customers whenever they want to sit or constantly changing the menu on them. Don’t try this type of scenario with your own mobile DJ business.

Always keep your gear, music and business in check. Organization goes a long way when you land a gig and need to head out on a whim. You don’t want to lose a gig if you can’t find paper work or the all important cables to hook up your gear.

Likewise, you’ll want to keep all of your documents organized. You will need to do taxes, make sure your business is pulling in money, understanding how you’re landing your clients and how you’re going to improve your business. You can’t run a business if it’s scattered all over the place so always keep it organized.

#4 – Promote yourself like a Business

Speaking about business: promote yourself like a business.

A club DJ has their own ways of landing gigs and residencies but since you’re a Mobile DJ you’ll need to open up a whole new bag of tricks for landing that all important job. Your business needs to get its name out there through any means possible which may include putting a small investment in advertising and even cold calling.

Print up some business cards, hand out flyers, talk to people and maybe even create a website. You’re business will be completely reliant on how well you can pull in new clients.

#5 – Bring something new to the Table

There are thousands of Mobile DJ’s in the world all doing the same thing. Don’t become just another DJ; try to bring something new to the table but not in a gimmicky manner.

Create a unique setup that people are going to remember you by. Bring excellent music that is going to get people on the dance floor. Consider working with someone that will show the party people how to dance different styles. Have a few party games. It’s up to you on how to run your business but remember that there will always be generic DJ’s; you don’t have to be.

#6 – Referrals are Infinitely Powerful

Self promotion in your business, as noted, is extremely important but the most important of all marketing techniques for Mobile DJ’s is word-of-mouth.

Think about it: your gigs are generally going to be weddings, parties, events and other happenings. People are constantly getting married, constantly having parties, constantly having events and more. You can bet that someone from the party will, at some point, mention you to another person if you did your job well.

Always stress to your clients to consider tell their friends and family about you. Once you begin to land those gigs you will have many more pouring in as your name gets out there and the locals know who you are. It becomes less of a cut-throat industry and more about landing the gigs you want.

#7 – Evolve with the Times

Peoples’ taste in music and parting change with time. You’re going to have a difficult time bring your all 70’s Disco setup to a younger party for a school. You shouldn’t expect the tracks you played just three years ago to go over well at your gigs today.

Evolve with the times. Figure out what people like to listen to these days. Go out and party with the type of people that are going to hire you so you can see what sort of venues and activities they like to do at parties; replicate it in your business and you’ll always stay relevant.

#8 – Consider working with others

If you can just play music at a party than you’ve got an easy job but it’s generally not the case with Mobile DJing. You’re going to need to get on the mic at times to make announcements and get people up and dancing. Perhaps, at some point in your business, you should hire others to work along side of you.

MC’s can make for a great addition to your business and even pull in additional money. Dance instructors can also have a great impact on your business as it will stand out and be in high demand. VJ’s and other party designers can bring a unique vibe to the party rather than just being a bland dance floor.

Consider working with others and your business will be taken to the next level.

#9 – Keep your Day Job (for now)

I know it’ll be a rush for you to land your first gig but before you completely go DJ overboard you should maybe stick to you day job, for now.

You can’t be sure that you’ll immediately land your next gig just days or weeks after the first. What if you quit your job and you don’t get anything for months? If you at least hold onto your job, for now, you’ll be able to support yourself and even use some of that money to further promote your business so you can land new gigs with ease. Just saying.

#10 – Be the Life of the Party

Although the party is for the people you play – bring your own vibe and energy. Try to become the life of the party because when the DJ is having a good time than it get others onto the dance floor which means everyone else makes their way out, as well.

Parties have their ups and downs throughout the night. Always keep the floor rockin’ even if people are a bit pissy; eventually they’ll come around and the party will pick back up again.

There you have it; ten different Mobile DJ business tips that will help you create and sustain a viable business from your passion. If you need additional tips and tricks for your mobile DJ business than I would highly recommend checking out: The Mobile DJ Handbook.