Unlike the old days, starting a DJ career has become a solid and acceptable profession. If you love music or performing and love being around people, DJing may be a suitable career choice for you.
However, as with all careers, the importance of hard work, perseverance and discipline cannot be overemphasized. Simply put, you will need more than just being cool and having state-of-the-art equipment. You will need to generate good publicity and your reputation to become a competitive brand.
While most event planners hire bands for entertainment, DJs offer a more practical alternative, as they don’t need a lot of space to do their job; plus, they have a large library of music to choose from.
But where to start? You should be familiar with the steps to start a mobile DJ business.
Starting a DJ Business in 2022
- Research the target market
- Pricing and payment policy
- Contractual obligations
- Tools for DJs
- How much does it cost to start a DJ business?
- Launching your DJ business the right way
Research the target market
As with all businesses, a feasibility study plays an important role in the success of your DJing proyect. This study or market research helps to estimate the market demand. Before venturing into any business, it is advisable to have an idea of the amount of business you will get, although when taking into account the possibility of streaming music sessions, the options become wider and allow you to work from anywhere.
Another good way to get a true and fair view of market demand is to consider the average number of events occurring in your desired area of operation. During the initial stages of your DJ business, try to get feedback from your customers or even guests you have entertained. You can get feedback on whether the music selection was as expected and if the song mix was correct and then adjust accordingly.
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Pricing and payment policy
To sell and advertise, you may have to opt for lower rates than those usually charged. However, you will need to strike a balance and ensure that potential customers do not take advantage of your marketing gimmicks.
Connect with other DJs in your area and find out the going rates in the market. Make sure your charges can take salaries and other incidental costs into account. Also, make sure the net profit can account for personal and business growth.
Finally, find out if the most commonly used payment methods are right for you. Most clients will offer to pay by cash or check, and in some cases, online payment methods will be an option.
Tools for DJs
In terms of equipment, an all-in-one DJ controller offers the most portability and flexibility. You no longer need to carry multiple decks and a mixer, instead you can use a single unit. Here are the best DJ controllers for beginners.
Since DJing and entertainment are most popular with the younger generation, you’ll need to keep up with current trends to avoid being considered old-fashioned. On top of that, make sure you are using great tools to keep up to date.
But all of the above would be useless without a large music library. Remember to organize your music library and keep good DJing habits.
Contractual obligations
No matter how trustworthy your customer may seem, never enter into a verbal business agreement. If the unexpected happens, it will be your word against theirs. It is advisable to always protect yourself with a written and signed contract.
A contract not only details the terms and conditions of operation, but also indicates the deliverables expected from both parties. It acts as a proof document when misunderstandings arise along the way.
How much does it cost to start a DJ business?
Generally, the nature of a DJ is primarily mobile. As a DJ, you bring the service to your clients unlike other businesses where clients come looking for your services. Although moving from client to client can be hectic, most DJs operate from home, which keeps office rental costs to a minimum.
To become a DJ you need some basics. The cheapest professional setup you can get is a laptop plus a controller. While you can spend upwards of $10,000 or more, in 2022 it is entirely possible to start a DJ business from scratch for less than $1,200.
The key is to start with what you have as soon as possible, refine your skills, and then use your earnings to upgrade your DJ equipment.
Launching your DJ business the right way
Launching a successful DJ business can be an arduous task, especially if you don’t have the right information about what is required and how to conduct yourself. Use what you already have and get your music out there.
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