Whether you are a full-time or part-time DJ, if you really want to get to the next level you have to “go to work” everyday. I don’t mean go to an office or punch a clock, but do something productive towards your DJ career on a daily basis. Here is a list of things you can do to stay active:
1. Being seen
Online: Utilizing FaceBook does help quite a bit. Being seen is part of the process and being active in social networks is important. A great way to do this is leaving positive comments on the pages of your friends, fans, and colleagues. Leave feedback on their photos, videos, too. Let them know publicly how much you appreciate fans or how hot a fellow DJ’s last set was. Be supportive of others and they are more likely to be supportive of you.
In person: Support other’s events by showing up. You don’t have to stay long but show face, shake some hands, hand out some CDs, and smile as much as possible. It’s like running for office so kiss a baby or two while you’re at it.
2. Make a new mix and push it
I always say when gigs are down make a new mix. Then use the web to get the word out about downloading it. Promote the mix heavily. I’m assuming of course that it will be a good mix. It is great to burn it to CD and hand it out too if budget allows for this.
3. Write music reviews
Not all of us are cut out for this but if you feel comfortable with your writing ability review a few new tracks and send them into industry magazines. You never know…they may publish it. This will not only get your name out there a bit but it gives you something to add to your press kit. You can even start your own review blog and promote it. Also send feedback about tracks directly to the artists. They sometimes use a line or two from fellow DJs to promote the track. If they like it they may start sending you demos directly for feedback or reviews.
4. Throw and event
I don’t recommend this for everyone unless you really know what you’re doing. The last thing you want to do is throw an event to get your name out there and have no one show up. Also budget may be a concern here as well. If you can afford it, bring in a big name DJ to play with you. Now don’t do this for the sole purpose of having a big name on the bill with you. Do this because you really want to throw a quality event. People will respect you more for throwing a quality event than they will for adding a big name next to yours and they can tell the difference. There are a lot of benefits to doing this but they will come naturally if your intentions for quality come first. Don’t force it.
5. Get in the studio
For the producing DJs out there you already know that when things are slow you need to get in the lab. I have yet to venture into the world of production myself but I do know the makings of a great track. Please don’t jump in just to put your name on production. We have enough crap coming out every week to sort through. Get into production with the intent on making something with substance and quality. Producing mediocre tracks will not help your career at all. It might be a good idea to make your own edits of tracks your currently play just to get started.
6. Write a “top ten”
Writing a monthly top ten track list and posting it publicly may also get you noticed. I don’t personally do this but it is one of my goals. Others will see the type of music you play by scanning your list regularly and it keeps your name out there in an industry-related nature. Producers might want to see their tracks on your list and may start sending you material.
7. Do a photo shoot
Nothing screams “I’m alive and well” like a great photo shoot. I’m in desperate need of a new shoot myself. New pictures sometimes can present a new image. If they’re hot, promoters will see how to promote you and even publications may take an interest. Once you use a hot new image for the first time on a flyer people will notice.
8. Updating content
Update your website, FaceBook, MySpace or any other web content/profile with your latest gigs, bio, and photos. Many biographies end with current projects that are now 2-3 years old. Also update your media kit with new photos, bio or discography information. If you’ve been in the press, add clippings as well.
9. Notify your fans
Use social networks and e-mailing lists to let your friends and fans know what you’ve been up to or what you’re currently working on. Add up-coming event flyers, links to photo galleries, video or mix downloads. Don’t wait for them to find out accidentally. Make it your responsibility to inform them.
10. Planning
Plan to do something…anything…on a regular basis that will get your name out there consistently. Train your fan base to expect to hear from you. You must be seen or people will forget and move on.
David Sabat
DJ Marketing 101 
On point again, sir.
Tip #1 I have on lock. I always send blasts on MySpace, Facebook, thru the website email address and also on the “blog” and/or calendar. And, I am a regular cummuter to the clubs after I finish with my radio show. Tips # 2 and # 3 – check! The rest of the tips are equally as good, depending on the situation at the time. Again, great stuff.
David,
This link is very timely. I am taking it under advisement. Thank you for the link and post.
Tronda
Once again, very good advice, David.
Good stuff man!
Simple yet solid information….
I was just talking with a friend of mine about promotions, and you don’t necessarily have to put a show together to be a promoter…. And on some level, I really do think that if your a DJ, by default, you are / should be a promoter.
Your playing other people’s songs, and every time that you do, you are exposing others to those artist. Essentially, you are a promoter for the music that you represent. And if you want people showing up to your gigs, you need to promote yourself and the music that you play.
Wow, fantastic blog fomart! How lengthy have you ever been running a blog for? you make running a blog look easy. The total look of your site is fantastic, let alone the content!
Great post! It is very helpful to have ideas in front of you in case you “forget” about something that might potentially be very good. The owner of Megasound just called me today to let me know that he just finished a new music mix. He does this more for personal reasons. So here is a way to share more publically. Thanks again for the great advice. June
Just wanted to chime in on number 3, “Write Music Reviews”. I know on my blog, (and I also write for Examiner.com), I would be more than happy to post up reviews sent in to me by DJ’s working in the industry.
1. They must be well written, original content, proper grammar, and fair. I am more apt to post a good review than a bad one.
2. Reviews of entire compilations, or Albums (CD’s) are preferable, but if a single track is just slammin’, by all means write it up.
3. Don’t make them self serving and no affiliate links. Send me your short bio, links, photo and contact information with your review and I will include it.
4. They should be at least 300 words (500 is better)
5. Include basic information about the artist, label including web address, social media links and any videos to help show your professionalism and thoroughness.
I get more Trance CD’s for review than anything else, so some House reviews and news would be especially welcome.
If anyone is interested they can certainly contact me editor@124bpms.com
I can’t promise to post everything sent to me, but if they are written professionally there is a much better chance that I will.
Great feedback and very useful information….THANKS!
Oh, yeah. If you have a new mix or podcast available for download to the public featuring the tracks or compilations that you are reviewing, by all means include a link to it.
Good, solid advice David! My personal favorites are:
1) Being Seen (in person): LOL I see you do this all the time! But it is definitely effective, because it shows that you choose to support even if it is a work/school night. Dropping by and saying hello does not go unnoticed and is very much appreciated.
7) Do a photo shoot: YES, YES & HELL YES! As an editor of a music publication, I cannot tell you how many times a MAJOR DJ/Producer with over 2 decades under his belt does not even have one decent high-res publicity shot! Even a 14-year-old girl on MySpace will have better pictures than the 2×2 blurry image he manages to scrounge up.
When it comes to investing in pictures (whether it is paying or doing a trade with a good photographer), channel an egotistical model. The more pictures, the better. It really does give this illusion of you being a ‘star’, and will make a lot more promoters and fans take notice of you.
Especially for up and coming talent, professionally done pictures scream professionalism. It tells me that you’re serious about your career and your image. Many a time I’ve been swayed by striking photos and have decided to upgrade their feature in the magazine.