Do you want to start a mobile DJ company? If YES, here is a complete guide to starting a mobile DJ business with NO money and no experience plus a sample mobile DJ business plan template.
If you have ever considered starting an entertainment related business in the united states, a business that is not highly competitive, then one of your options will be to start a mobile DJ business. The Mobile DJ business is concerned with moving from one location to another in a bid to carry out your services as a Disc Jockey (DJ).
It is a business that is doing moderately well in the United States of America and Canada Depending on the scale you want to start, the startup capital for this type of business can be considered to be low or perhaps moderate.
As a matter of fact, you can start your own mobile DJ business and then grow it big within a short period of time by reinvesting your profits back to the business. Before launching this type of business, it will pay you carry out your due diligence as it relates to market research, economic and cost analysis and of course feasibility studies.
If you get things right before launching your mobile DJ business, it will not take you long before you break-even and start smiling to the bank. Here is how to go about starting your mobile DJ business in the United States.
Steps to Starting a Mobile DJ Business
1. Understand the Industry
A disc jockey which is popularly called a DJ is a person who mixes recorded music in real time from any sources, including cassettes, CDs, or digital audio files on a digital media player or laptop. Disc Jockeys often perform for a live audience at a club or other venue or for a broadcast audience.
So also, DJs create mixes that are recorded for later sale and distribution and for playback during DJ sets. Disc Jockeys make use of musical equipment that can play at least two sources of recorded music simultaneously and mix them together using an electronic gadget known as DJ mixer machine.
There is a large market for DJs because it is a known fact that Disc Jockeys are a well – accepted component of the entertainment industry. They are known to provide background music at night clubs, bars, and parties and even in corporate events.
In most cases, at special occasions like weddings or in clubs, Disc Jockeys are often the focus of the entertainment and if they perform below expectation it will definitely affect the overall rating of the event.
The demand for the services of disc jockeys is on the increase, as growth in household formation rates expanded the available clientele base for industry players and rising per capita disposable income. As the economy improved and small – business lending increased, the number of operators in this industry experienced steady increase.
As a result of this, the competition in the industry is extremely high, leading profit to only improve marginally over the period, despite noticeably improved economic conditions.
In the face of economic recovery, the overall revenue generated in the Disc Jockey line of business shrunk slightly in 2011, as businesses and consumers wary of the recent recession held off on event spending. On the other hand, renewed assurance in the economy in successive years has encouraged businesses and consumers to host events that require the services of Disc Jockeys.
Continued economic recoveries will likely aid growth through 2022. So also, with higher personal and corporate income, households and businesses are projected to expand their party budgets, which will allow them to spend more on hiring Disc Jockeys.
The Entertainment and Leisure Industry that mobile DJ business is a part of is indeed a large and vibrant industry not only in the United States of America and but also in most countries of the world as long as parties and events are organized there.
The mobile DJ business will continue to blossom because people will always organize parties and other related entertainment events. This industry is not saturated and there is room big enough to accommodate aspiring entrepreneurs who intend opening their own mobile DJ business in the United States of America.
Some of the factors that encourage entrepreneurs to start their own mobile Disc Jockey (DJ) business could be that the business is thriving and easy to set up and manage with minimal startup capital and manpower. The truth is that if a mobile DJ business is well – structured and also well positioned in an environment with the right demography, they will sure attract regular clients and their services will be booked all through the year.
2. Conduct Market Research and Feasibility Studies
- Demographics and Psychographics
The demographic and psychographic composition of those who patronize mobile Disc Jockey (DJ) businesses cut across all genders including households, schools and businesses that organize parties, and those who have the financial means, hence the demographic composition for mobile Disc Jockey (DJ) businesses is all encompassing.
Your target market can’t be restricted to just a group of people but all adults, households and businesses within your target location.
3. Decide Which Niche to Concentrate On
It is important to state that there is no known niche area when it comes to the mobile Disc Jockey (DJ) business. Every player in this line of business makes use of musical equipment that can play at least two sources of recorded music simultaneously and mix them together using an electronic gadget known as DJ mixer machine.
The Level of Competition in the Industry
The competition that exists in the mobile Disc Jockey (DJ) business goes beyond competitions within players in this line of business; you will be expected to compete with any other business such as event planners et al that also have disc jockeys under their payroll.
So, it will be right to say the competition in the mobile Disc Jockey (DJ) business is relatively tough. The truth is that no matter the level of competition in an industry, if you have done your due diligence and you brand and promote your services or business properly, you will always make headway in the industry.
Just ensure that you have standard music mixing machines, laptop and related gadgets, experienced and competent disc jockeys and you know how to attract and reach out to your target market.
4. Know Your Major Competitors in the Industry
These are some of the leading mobile Disc Jockey (DJ) businesses in the United States of America and in the globe;
- Skrillex
- Benny Blanco
- Cheat Codes
- Louis The Child
- Marshmello
- David Guetta
- Jeff Mills
- Calvin Harris
- The Chainsmokers
- Afrojack
- Seth Troxler
- Maceo Plex
- Markus Schulz
- Dillon Francis
- Steve Aoki
Economic Analysis
If you are looking towards successfully launching a business and maximizing profits, then you need to ensure that you get your economic and cost analysis right and try as much as possible to adopt best practices in the industry you choose to build a business in.
Mobile Disc Jockey (DJ) business is not a Green business, as a matter of fact, you will come across several mobile Disc Jockey (DJ) businesses when you go sourcing for one.
So, if you are mapping out your economic analysis, you should carry out thorough market survey to find out the amount needed to purchase DJ mixing machines, laptop, van and other related gadgets and of course music that are in demand in your location, and also the cost to successfully run the business.
Over and above, if you are considering starting a mobile Disc Jockey (DJ) business, then your concern should not be limited to the cost of purchasing your gadgets and van, but also on branding and on how to build a robust clientele base. The truth is that if you are able to build a robust clientele base, you are sure going to maximize profits in the business.
5. Decide Whether to Buy a Franchise or Start from Scratch
If you are looking towards starting a mobile Disc Jockey business, you would have to start from the very scratch because you can hardly get the franchise of a mobile Disc Jockey business to buy.
Besides starting a mobile Disc Jockey (DJ) business from the scratch is less stressful when compared to other small – scale businesses. With a mobile Disc Jockey business, you should just try as much as possible to purchase the needed gadgets and then leverage on every marketing tool within your disposal especially the internet when it comes to marketing your business.
Please note that most of the successful mobile DJ businesses around started from the scratch and they were able to build a solid business brand. It takes dedication, hard work and determination to achieve business success.
6. Know the Possible Threats and Challenges You Will Face
If you decide to start your own mobile Disc Jockey business today, one of the major challenges you are likely going to face is the presence of well – established mobile Disc Jockey businesses and any other business such as event planners that also have Disc Jockey’s under their payroll. The only way to avoid this challenge is to create your own market.
Some other challenges and threats that you are likely going to face is economic downturn; if the economy is in a bad shape, mobile Disc Jockey (DJ) businesses and the likes usually struggle to maintain their old customers or even welcome new customers. So also, unfavorable government policies can also hamper the growth of your business.
7. Choose the Most Suitable Legal Entity (LLC, C Corp, S Corp)
When considering starting a mobile Disc Jockey business, the legal entity you choose will go a long way to determine how big the business can grow.
You can either choose a general partnership, Limited Liability Company, or a sole proprietorship for your mobile Disc Jockey business. Sole proprietorship is the ideal business structure for a small – scale mobile Disc Jockey (DJ) business especially if you are just starting out with moderate startup capital in a small neighborhood.
8. Choose a Catchy Business Name
As it relates to choosing a name for your business, you should be creative because whatever name you choose for your business will go a long way to create a perception of what the business represents. If you are considering starting your own mobile Disc Jockey (DJ) business, here are some catchy names that you can choose from;
- Jeff Teddy® Mobile Disc Jockey (DJ) Services, Inc.
- Part Ryders™ Mobile Disc Jockey (DJ) Service, LLC
- B M X™ Mobile Disc Jockey (DJ) Services, Inc.
- Broadway® Mobile Disc Jockey (DJ) Service, LLC
- Gab Marshal® Mobile Disc Jockey (DJ) Services, Inc.
- Jason Clarkson® Mobile Disc Jockey (DJ) Services, Inc.
- Rock ‘N’ Roll© Mobile Disc Jockey (DJ) Services, Inc.
- DJ Folly™ Mobile Disc Jockey (DJ) Service, LLC
- DJ Holly™ Mobile Disc Jockey (DJ) Services, Inc.
- DJ Knuckles® Mobile Disc Jockey (DJ) Service, Inc.
9. Discuss with an Agent to Know the Best Insurance Policies for You
In the United States and in most countries of the world, you can’t operate a business without having some of the basic insurance policy covers that are required by the industry you want to operate from. So, it is important to create a budget for insurance and perhaps consult an insurance broker to guide you in choosing the best and most appropriate insurance policies for your mobile Disc Jockey business.
Here are some of the basic insurance covers that you should consider purchasing if you want to start your own mobile Disc Jockey (DJ) business in the United States of America;
- General insurance
- Auto Insurance (for your truck/van)
- Personal Accident Insurance
- Personal Effects Coverage
- Commercial Auto Liability
- Health insurance
- Liability insurance
- Workers Compensation
- Overhead expense disability insurance
- Business owner’s policy group insurance
10. Protect your Intellectual Property With Trademark, Copyrights, Patents
If you are considering starting your own mobile Disc Jockey (DJ) business, usually you may not have any need to file for intellectual property protection/trademark. This is because the nature of the business makes it possible for you to run it without having any cause to challenge anybody in court for illegally making use of your company’s intellectual properties.
But if you just want to protect your company’s logo and other documents or software that are unique to you or even jingles and media production concepts, then you can go ahead to file for intellectual property protection. If you want to register your trademark, you are expected to begin the process by filing an application with the USPTO.
11. Get the Necessary Professional Certification
When it comes to mobile Disc Jockey (DJ) business, you do not need to have any formal training or special certification before you can be allowed to start up. All you need is informal training that will expose you to the in and out of the business.
On the other hand, if you come across any form of certification that can aid you to effectively manage and grow your mobile Disc Jockey (DJ) business, then by all mean try and pursue such certification, like the Pioneer DJ Certified and DJ & Producer Certificate .
12. Get the Necessary Legal Documents You Need to Operate
The essence of having the necessary documentation in place before launching a business in the United States of America cannot be overemphasized. It is a fact that you cannot successfully run any business in the United States without the proper documentations.
If you do, it won’t be too long before the long hand of the law catches up with you. These are some of the basic legal documents that you are expected to have in place if you want to legally run your own mobile Disc Jockey business in the United States of America;
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Business License
- Tax Payer’s ID / Tax Identification Number
- Business Plan
- Copy of license for recent inspection report
- Employee Handbook
- Employment Agreement (offer letters)
- Operating Agreement for LLCs
- Insurance Policy
- Online Terms of Use
- Online Privacy Policy Document (basically for online payment portal)
- Company Bylaws
- Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
- Franchise or Trademark License (optional)
13. Raise the Needed Startup Capital
Starting a mobile Disc Jockey business can be cost effective especially if you choose to start on a small scale. Purchasing standard mixing machines, laptop, van and other related gadgets are part of what will consume a large chunk of your startup capital, but if you choose to start the business on a large scale, you need to go source for fund to finance the business.
No doubt when it comes to financing a business, one of the first things you should consider is to write a good business plan. If you have a good and workable business plan document in place, you may not have to labor yourself before convincing your bank, investors and your friends to invest in your business.
Here are some of the options you can explore when sourcing for startup capital for your mobile Disc Jockey business;
- Raising money from personal savings and sale of personal stocks and properties
- Raising money from investors and business partners
- Sell shares to interested investors
- Applying for Loan from your Bank
- Source for soft loans from your family members and your friends.
14. Choose a Suitable Location for your Business
When it comes to choosing a location for your mobile Disc Jockey (DJ) business, the rule of thumb is that you should be guided by the frequency of parties and related entertainment events. Of course, if you are able to secure a central location for your mobile Disc Jockey business, it will help people locate you easily.
But if you want to cut your expenses, you can run the business from your home, or even out of your van. These are some of the key factors that you should consider before choosing a location for your mobile Disc Jockey (DJ) business;
- The demography of the location
- The demand for DJs in the location
- The frequency at which parties are done in the location
- Accessibility of the location
- The number of mobile Disc Jockey businesses and any other business such as event planners that supply DJs in the location
- The local laws and regulations in the community / state
- Traffic, parking and security et al
15. Hire Employees for your Technical and Manpower Needs
On the average, there are no special technology or equipment needed to run this type of business except for DJ mixing machines, laptop, van and other related gadgets and software applications and all these can be gotten as fairly used.
When it comes to hiring employees for a standard mobile Disc Jockey business, you should make plans to hire a competent Manager (you can occupy this role), Disc Jockeys, and Van Drivers.
The Service Delivery Process of the Business
When it comes to the business service process of a mobile Disc Jockey business, the process is simple and straightforward and can be run on autopilot. Generally, a mobile Disc Jockey business lists out the different types of services. When a party organizer or customer approaches them, they agree on the price of the service to be rendered, payment is made, and deposit is also made.
The deposit is compulsory because it is used to replace any damaged equipment at the venue. In most cases, once the payment and deposit are done, the DJ and driver take the required gadgets to the chosen location, set up the equipment, perform in the party and entertain the guests.
It is important to state that a mobile Disc Jockey (DJ) business may decide to improvise or adopt any business process and structure that will guarantee them efficiency and flexibility.
16. Write a Marketing Plan Packed with ideas & Strategies
Generally, running a business requires that you should be proactive when it comes to marketing your goods or services. If you choose to launch a mobile Disc Jockey (DJ) business, then you must employ strategies that will help you attract customers or else you will likely struggle with the business because there are well – known brands that determine the market direction of the business.
These are some of the marketing ideas and strategies that you can adopt for your mobile Disc Jockey business;
- Introduce your mobile Disc Jockey (DJ) business by sending introductory letters alongside your brochure to households, event planners and other key stakeholders in the neighborhood where your business will be located
- Advertise on the internet on blogs and forums, and also on social media like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn to get your message across
- Create a basic website for your business so as to give your business an online presence
- Directly market your services.
- Join local disc jockeys associations for industry trends and tips
- Provide discount days for your customers
- Advertise your business in community based newspapers, local TV and radio stations
- List your business on yellow pages ads (local directories)
- Encourage the use of Word of mouth marketing (referrals)
17. Work Out a Reasonable Pricing for your Services & Products
One key factor that will help you deploy your disc jockey services at rock bottom prices is to ensure that you obtain your business loan from financial institutions that will not put pressure on you; you should source for loan that will give you enough time to pay back.
Another strategy that will help you is to ensure that you cut operational costs to the barest minimum and channel your efforts towards marketing and promoting your brand name. Aside from the fact that this strategy will help you save cost, it will also help you get the right pricing for your services.
You can also try as much as possible to work with independent contractors and marketers, it will help you save cost of paying sales and marketing executives.
18. Develop Iron-clad Competitive Strategies to Help You Win
The availability of standard DJ mixing machines and related gadgets under your care, your business process and of course your pricing model are part of what you need to stay competitive in the industry.
Another possible competitive strategy for winning your competitors in this particular industry is to offer freebies once in a while to your clients. Over and above, ensure that your organization is well positioned, key members of your team are highly qualified and your DJ music mixing machines and other related gadgets can favorably compete with the some of the best in the industry.
19. Brainstorm Possible Ways to Retain Clients & Customers
When it comes to business, no matter the industry that you choose to pitch your tent in, one of the easiest ways to increase customer retention and perhaps to attract new customers is to produce results and satisfy your customers always. If your customers are satisfied with your services delivery, they can hardly source for alternative service providers.
Statistics has it that one of the major reasons why clients source for alternative service providers is when there is a drop in quality. Another reason is poor customer service. Ensure that you offer your customers incentives if you want to retain them and of course continue to generate repeated sales from them and also to attract new customers.
Part of what you need to do to achieve this is to track progress, results or outputs with the aim of improving on them quickly as the case demands. When it comes to managing your customers, and building loyal clientele base, you should purchase a customized CRM software.
With a customized CRM system, you can easily stay in touch with your clients (you can carry out quick surveys, you can introduce new products and prices to them without any hitch, you can felicitate with them on their birthdays and other anniversaries, you can keep track of their progress, you can send bulk sms and customized e – mails and above all, you can easily receive compliant and feedback from them).
20. Develop Strategies to Boost Brand Awareness and Create a Corporate Identity
If you are in business and you are not conscious about boosting you brand awareness and communicating your corporate identity, then you should be ready to take on whatever the society portrays your business to be. One of the secrets of larger corporations is that they are willing to spend fortunes to boost their brand awareness.
If your intention of starting a mobile Disc Jockey (DJ) business is to grow the business beyond the city where you are going to be operating from to become a national and international brand by franchising, then you must be ready to spend money on promotion and advertisement of your brand.
Here are the platforms you can leverage on to boost your brand awareness and create a corporate identity for your business;
- Place adverts on both print (newspapers and events and lifestyle magazines) and electronic media platforms
- Sponsor relevant community based events / programs
- Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote your mobile Disc Jockey business
- Install your Billboards in strategic locations all around your city or state
- Engage in roadshows from time to time in targeted neighborhoods to create awareness of your company
- Distribute your fliers and handbills in target areas
- List your company in local directories/yellow pages
- Advertise your mobile DJ business in your official website and employ strategies that will help you pull traffic to the site.
- Position our Flexi Banners at strategic positions in the location where your company is located.
- Ensure that all your disc jockeys wear your branded shirts and all your mixing machines, laptops, and public address gadgets and trucks are branded with your company logo.