Unsigned Advice

5 Easy Ways to Get DJing Gigs in 2024

Industry
5 Easy Ways to Get DJing Gigs
September 26, 2023
After an uncertain past couple of years for any-and-all people working in live events, many musicians and DJs will be hoping for a much more successful 2024 in terms of live music.

While some traditional tips for getting music gigs will still be effective, it might also be time to shake things up and try some different marketing tactics that you might not have embraced in the past. So in this blog, we’ll take a look at five completely different ways to get DJ gigs in 2024!


How to start DJing and get more gigs

Considering the climate that DJs were operating in throughout 2020, 2021 and parts of 2022, you won’t be alone if your calendar never quite looked as full as it was in 2019 - even if you had a better year than the previous one.

With 2023 now in the rear-view mirror, it may well be a good excuse to review your marketing strategy and maximise any opportunities that may come your way this year.

Here are 5 top tips that will help you become a better DJ.


1. Diversify your act

It is entirely possible that, as a DJ, you have a niche that you lean into. It could be the type of music you play, the equipment you use, or the kind of venue you usually play at – like Funk and Soul DJs or Club DJs.

5 Easy Ways to Get DJing Gigs - DJ playing live next to the sea

If you specialise as a DJ, 2024 might be the year to try and broaden your music's appeal. Is there another type of act you could offer?

Here are 3 potential angles you could go with:

1. If you’re a Club DJ, could you try offering chill sets at modern venues to secure bookings earlier in the day?

2. If you’re a Funk & Soul specialist, perhaps you could look into doing all-vinyl sets using similar music?

3. If you usually DJ at weddings or functions, could you try getting booked for other public venues and events?

Obviously, this is unlikely to be a simple process. However, you may well pick up more gigs in 2023 by offering different packages to a wider range of customers and branching out in your musical stylings.

2. Look into international gigs

If you have predominantly been UK-based in the past, perhaps 2024 could be the year you investigate securing a few bookings abroad.

With the vast majority of COVID travel restrictions having been lifted worldwide, it is possible to secure lucrative bookings and gigs in other countries at private and public events. Make sure to check out our Festival Opportunities Map for the latest global application forms.

5 Easy Ways to Get DJing Gigs - person looking at world map

Creating a profile on an international event directory like Gigmit or Gig Heaven might be vital to securing more work abroad in 2023. Otherwise you should always be on the lookout for social media posts offering opportunities – try joining some of the larger Facebook groups, like DIY Tour Postings for instance.


3. Update your branding

When was the last time you updated your music branding?

If your marketing materials are looking a little tired, this could be the perfect time for a brand refresh.

5 Easy Ways to Get DJing Gigs - music fans taking photos at a gig

This can include looking over your artist bio, taking fresh press shots or even getting some new physical marketing materials like business cards or pop-up banners.

Having great promo material will help with securing more bookings this year.


4. Use an entertainment agency or directory

If you’ve been securing the majority of your bookings yourself, 2024 could be the year you change that up.

Signing up with an entertainment agency may enable you to get more work, albeit with a commission taken from your fee.

5 Easy Ways to Get DJing Gigs - person researching on laptop

Joining an entertainment directory will allow you to build a profile yourself and communicate directly with potential clients.

Before joining either, it may be beneficial to look into the types of promotional material they will need, such as an EPK, press shots or a music press release.


5. Check-in with previous clients

It may sound obvious, but a polite email to previous clients (just checking in for the new year) can help put you front and centre in their minds for any events they are planning. Remind them that your music is available on electronic platforms like Beatport and link them to your latest tracks.

5 Easy Ways to Get DJing Gigs - person using their laptop and mobile to check messages

We don't advise spamming or annoying anybody, but a friendly reminder that you’re available (perhaps including any offers or updates you are planning for the year) might be just the thing to top up your bookings.

You can also take a look at your quoting process and see if there is any way it could be improved.


Are you a DJ with previous experience securing gigs and shows? How did the pandemic impacted your strategy for finding performance opportunities? Tell us about it below!

This is a guest blog by Jon Fellowes of Gig Heaven, an international site for putting event suppliers and customers in touch – signing up as a DJ is free and easy to do.


5 Easy Ways to Get DJing Gigs in 2024

Music Promo
Want to get amazing distribution, industry standard features and career boosting advice? Join Ditto Music the truly independent solution for musicians.
Join Now

Newsletter

Get the latest unsigned advice, straight to your inbox.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Our newsletter is packed full of tips, tricks and hacks to take your music career to the next level! 

Related Posts

++ Comments