Most people think that a DJ’s life is all about the glitz, glamour, the myriads of groupies, and nights of endless fun. They tend to perceive DJing as one of the most enjoyable professions in the world, requiring little to no effort to rake in thousands of dollars. Well, this might be true to some extent – it is in fact the truth for very few of them. But it also can take thousands of dollars to get started. Looking into DJ finance to find available avenues to get the equipment you need is a good first step.
The reality is that being a DJ is not just about getting people on the dance floor and keeping them there with great tunes and your mad mixing skills. The industry is saturated and highly competitive. Getting gigs is harder than usual, regardless of your skillset.
You’ve probably managed to get some a weekday set in your local club or even bagged some bar gigs, but your cash flow isn’t still impressive to your bank account. If you feel you are working hard but you are still not making the kind of money that you need to, its time to think of a plan B. Like many other DJs in the industry, you can think of other side hustles that can help to boost your bank balance significantly. If you are clueless about where to start, here are some ‘tried and tested’ ways that can help you to make some extra money:
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Teach Your Skill
Your DJing skill is one of the most useful resources that you can use to earn extra money. There are so many people who would like to know how to mix and manipulate music just like you do and there is no better way to capitalize on this than by passing on what you know to them. This page is cool for helping you get the right DJ speakers and all the other DJ equipment for setting you and your students up on the right track. Once you have the right gear, think of printing some flyers and dishing them out to advertise your lessons. Have some business cards handy for when people approach you, seeking a dose of your skills at your gigs.
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Advertise
Are you already established as a popular DJ in your area? Then, you can leverage this to make money by advertising other people and places. The best way to do this is by using your social media profiles that link back to your website. You can advertise for the sponsors at your gig, the venue, as well as other businesses that could use your services. Ensure that your social media pages are active and that your website receives a significant number of views to impress your clients. Don’t be afraid to connect with brands because this is one of the sure-fire ways to make a good amount of money on the side.
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Sell Some Merch
If you are a professional DJ, chances are that you already have a logo, right? Go ahead and print this on some merchandise such as t-shirts, caps and any other thing that you can think of. Make this merchandise available at your gigs and start selling. Ensure that you also wear something so that your fans can see how good the product looks and automatically purchase. And, if you want to make more, look for a partner or sponsor to co-brand and rope them into this venture.
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Look Out for Private Parties/Occasions
To make more on the side, you will have to think outside the box. So don’t limit yourself to club or bar gigs. Instead, make yourself available for private parties and occasions as well. Think of doing those house parties, weddings, graduation parties and every other gig that needs the presence of great music. Have some cards for people you might come across in your day-to-day gigs. Also, be sure to market your services every single chance you get. Cover all your bases to ensure that you take advantage of any opportunities that may come up in the process.
