Your Dj - Slate My Site 2009 [Archive] - Mobile Disco Directory Forum

yourdj

11-11-2009, 02:54 PM

Hi i do this once a year to get some feedback from like minded professionals.

Have a browse in the frame of mind of a client and not a DJ as lets face it thats what its for ;)

i generally do semi well to do gigs in the new forest so its designed for that.

Will be interesting to hear your views :confused:

My bookings have rocketed since i did it so it seems to be working?

One thing i would say is i still need to make some really good promo videos and add an
online client log in bit so they can pay and choose tracks. other than that im pretty happy with it.

Thanks :D

http://www.yourdj.co.uk/

-

Shaun

11-11-2009, 03:06 PM

It looks fantastic. Definitely one of the better sites I've seen. Classy and professional - nice job!

Richie

11-11-2009, 03:09 PM

Really nice site and very professional looking. :)

Shakermaker Promotions

11-11-2009, 03:15 PM

I really like it Toby. Well done mate.
I'm supposed to be re-doing mine this week and you've given me some ideas.
I can see why it's working for you.

JDB Entertainment

11-11-2009, 03:23 PM

Hi Toby,

I really like your site layout.

If I may ask a few questions:

Having prices on your site, do you find you get less enquiries through?

Also do you feel your enquiries are more likely to become a booking, because the potential customer is already aware of the "approximate" price?

What is your conversion rate from enquiry to booking?(you do not have to answer this if you do not want to!)

Many Thanks

James

visualdjmax

11-11-2009, 03:37 PM

Looks really good mate.

Shakermaker Promotions

11-11-2009, 03:39 PM

Just a couple more things.

Firstly, the video at the Balmer Lawn Hotel (I was there a few weeks back), I think it may well be worth doing that again as you can't hear you too well during the last couple of minutes of the video. I have a 'Meet the DJ' page but I do like the idea of a video.
Secondly, nothing to do with the site really but the hotel.... I noticed that you had bass bins as well as tops in that room. I was in there and it isn't that big is it? Do you think you could save time etc and space by just using Actives?

I was talking to someone yesterday about websites etc, another DJ actually. He said he doesn't have one and simply waits for the calls to come in from his free single line on Yell and in the Yellow Pages....strange but not really as he is never that busy, anyway...I know we've spoken a lot on here about websites etc etc in the past but I think yours has everything that it needs to get the enquiries coming in.

You have an introduction video (re-do it) and other videos of events.
You have a pricing guide (not sure on that myself and I have to say, your prices seem cheap to me, especially the Uplighting).
You have Testimonials etc
Galleries

I think the site is good. For people just looking around for contact numbers so that they can call you and ask "How much do you charge?" without wanting to know anything else...well, it's probably too much but then they are the people looking for the cheapest options and I am guessing that they don't interest you, same as they don't interest me....BUT...for people who want to do a proper bit of research before they call and are interested in making a booking (not enquiring)...well, it's spot on because they know everything that they need to know.

All I would change about the site would be to take the pricing off. I think that the site looks impressive enough and it will get people wanting to book you straight away and not enquire. The site looks good enough that people WILL contact you without knowing the prices and so maybe you could up your prices when dealing with them?

Sorry for the long post.

DJ Jules

11-11-2009, 03:51 PM

For people just looking around for contact numbers so that they can call you and ask "How much do you charge?" without wanting to know anything else...well, it's probably too much but then they are the people looking for the cheapest options and I am guessing that they don't interest you, same as they don't interest me...

I so need to review my prices - I'm such a cheap :Censored: . Absolutely top site though. Classy design, and excellent use of appropriate Stills and Video throughout.

My only comment is that I didn't find the testimonial and T's&C's until later because the navigation links are at the bottom of the page away from the main navigation, but then you link to these pages in the text in the pages anywhere appropriate so they're easy to find when you need them anyway.

Top job.

Julian

Shakermaker Promotions

11-11-2009, 03:58 PM

Sorry Jules. Did I offend you with the stuff you quoted me on?

It maybe didn't come across as well or clear as I wanted it to. What I meant was that - Some people out there are simply looking for a number or contact details so a page on the web that simply has (for example) "Donuts Disco - Contact Duncan Donut on 090100 2999199" etc is ideal for them...you know, the ones that don't want to know about how long you've been doing the job, what extras you offer etc..they just want the cheapest price out there and that's their sole purpose for looking around. For them, an intricate site like Toby's is too much.

For someone who is serious about getting the right person for the job and wants to know as much detail as possible before they make contact, well it's spot on for them.

Hope that makes sense?

Ryu

11-11-2009, 05:44 PM

Great site, I am envious, my recent site rework is good but I obviously have work to do. Your site has given me some ideas though

Was also interested in your pricing, I am with Jules there! Must ask, are you REALLY available for £245 on Christmas day!?!? That seems remarkably cheap given your other prices.

StarZSoundS

11-11-2009, 06:14 PM

Think your brave putting your prices on the site.....and then making them available to everyone here.

Thought you might have the £400 a night boys on here pouring scorn on you.There is one on here who won't move DOWN to £200 for a midweek wedding in 2010??One wonders what he has got that you haven't.

Nonetheless.....You have real flair....Must be Website of the Year on this site....

Unless....

Any other contenders??

Rowleys

11-11-2009, 06:24 PM

Yeh mine lol :D

wicked site and like the idea of the video showing your self.

i might just nick that idea :D

Shaun

11-11-2009, 07:05 PM

Must be Website of the Year on this site....

Unless....

Any other contenders??

Let's not steer the thread off topic!!

yourdj

11-11-2009, 07:16 PM

Phew it did worry me when i saw two pages. Great responce thanks (better than last year) :p

Having prices on your site, do you find you get less enquiries through?? What is your conversion rate from enquiry to booking?

I like prices as people know where they stand from day one and people are not stupid they will weigh up the price and what they are getting. Im sure i have lots of people who do not hang about long, but to be honest i would rather a diary full of non tight asses who know that will have to spend some money to have a good party. You generally get good venues too.

I get two types of enquiries - people who do not bother to read the site and people who do.

The ones who do generally end up in about 90% booking if im free. I assume its because they have almost got to know me before even contacting me? the people who phone from yellow pages (how much for a dj mate) or do not read the site i would say 60%???

Firstly, the video at the Balmer Lawn Hotel (I was there a few weeks back), I think it may well be worth doing that again as you can't hear you too well during the last couple of minutes of the video. I have a 'Meet the DJ' page but I do like the idea of a video. Secondly, nothing to do with the site really but the hotel.... I noticed that you had bass bins as well as tops in that room. I was in there and it isn't that big is it? Do you think you could save time etc and space by just using Actives?

You have an introduction video (re-do it) and other videos of events.
You have a pricing guide (not sure on that myself and I have to say, your prices seem cheap to me, especially the Uplighting).

I think the site is good. For people just looking around for contact numbers so that they can call you and ask "How much do you charge?".

Thanks :p
The video seems to be working well? it is a bit crap but i wanted it too look non pro and my nervousness shows which is not a bad thing. i may tweak the volume about somehow?

i would use bins, depends on your tops though? Its not too much of a distance if you can get parked in the right spot. They did have a ridiculously sensitive noise limiter, which can still be switched on. NO WARNING NOTHING!

Was also interested in your pricing, I am with Jules there! Must ask, are you REALLY available for £245 on Christmas day!?!?

Im happy with my pricing :) My set up takes 20 mins to erect and i work alone so i think its justified. No trussing or hours spent with DMX leads (its all in one massive flight case ready to go.

I will be at my mums drunk with my girlfriend on christmas day. I was fishing to see who bites :beer1:

And before any clever dicks think of this again i got in there first :D

yourdj

11-11-2009, 07:21 PM

Yeh mine lol :D

wicked site and like the idea of the video showing your self.

i might just nick that idea :D

I was not going to advertise my site for that reason, but ive knicked my ideas of a variety of other people so i hope i give something back ;)

Anyone within a 30 mile radius not allowed (shakermaker).

Speaking of which, Im not looking forward to Vectis loggin on tonight as he is the godfather of webdesign so i gather :p

Danno13

11-11-2009, 07:54 PM

I like that, nice one :) There's a title tag missing from the optional extras page though.

Spookily, your prices and pricing structure is pretty much the same as mine (though your uplighting prices are too cheap :D)

I did notice that a private event with a pre-event meeting works out £5 more expensive than a Wedding, which includes the event meeting for free??

Ryu

11-11-2009, 08:21 PM

Phew it did worry me when i saw two pages. Great responce thanks (better than last year) :p

I like prices as people know where they stand from day one and people are not stupid they will weigh up the price and what they are getting. Im sure i have lots of people who do not hang about long, but to be honest i would rather a diary full of non tight asses who know that will have to spend some money to have a good party. You generally get good venues too.

I get two types of enquiries - people who do not bother to read the site and people who do.

The ones who do generally end up in about 90% booking if im free. I assume its because they have almost got to know me before even contacting me? the people who phone from yellow pages (how much for a dj mate) or do not read the site i would say 60%???

Thanks :p
The video seems to be working well? it is a bit crap but i wanted it too look non pro and my nervousness shows which is not a bad thing. i may tweak the volume about somehow?

i would use bins, depends on your tops though? Its not too much of a distance if you can get parked in the right spot. They did have a ridiculously sensitive noise limiter, which can still be switched on. NO WARNING NOTHING!

Im happy with my pricing :) My set up takes 20 mins to erect and i work alone so i think its justified. No trussing or hours spent with DMX leads (its all in one massive flight case ready to go.

I will be at my mums drunk with my girlfriend on christmas day. I was fishing to see who bites :beer1:

And before any clever dicks think of this again i got in there first :D

Hook Line and Sinker :D . Some interesting food for thought throughout your site, good work :beer1:

yourdj

11-11-2009, 08:36 PM

I like that, nice one :) There's a title tag missing from the optional extras page though.

Spookily, your prices and pricing structure is pretty much the same as mine (thought you're uplighting prices are too cheap :D)

what tag :confused:

The whole site is similar to yours as it struck me as one of the best some time back :p so i have probably taken some inspirations from it hence this post. i can give some back possibly. The main thing was the picture on yours is the chanderlear. Lots of my pics have a similar style as that too.

No ones mentioned the background not being one image. I cant work out how to do it in dreamweaver? if anyone knows then great.

Solitaire Events Ltd

11-11-2009, 08:37 PM

Thought you might have the £400 a night boys on here pouring scorn on you.There is one on here who won't move DOWN to £200 for a midweek wedding in 2010??

I don't pour scorn on anyone. People charge what they charge. Seems strange that it's nearly always you who makes comments about money and the higher earners though.

StarZSoundS

11-11-2009, 08:51 PM

I don't pour scorn on anyone. People charge what they charge. Seems strange that it's nearly always you who makes comments about money and the higher earners though.

It wasn't aimed at anyone.....If the cap fits though wear it with pride.I couldn't imagine charging £400 for my services.

What you have here tho is a young forward looking chap with all the gadgets offering his midweek services in January for £175(admittedly for the basic package).I thought this would cause my shock/horror:eek: thats all;)

Danno13

11-11-2009, 08:52 PM

what tag :confused:

When you go on the optional extras page it just says "Untitled document" as the title.

Solitaire Events Ltd

11-11-2009, 08:57 PM

.I couldn't imagine charging £400 for my services.

Just about sums it up then really. ;)

JDB Entertainment

11-11-2009, 09:05 PM

StarZSounds - everyone charges different prices as I am sure you have noticed from being around the forum.

Each person will decide on how much they feel there service is worth.

In my opinion, YourDJ is possibly under pricing himself, but as I have no idea of pricing in his area this may be a good price in January for him.

I do feel you go on about PRICE in more-a-less every post.

This is about a website, not a price.

yourdj

11-11-2009, 09:07 PM

When you go on the optional extras page it just says "Untitled document" as the title.

Not sure what you mean? I've opened it in safari and firefox and it looks fine to me :confused:

http://www.yourdj.co.uk/tobyoptionalextras.html

StarZSoundS

11-11-2009, 09:10 PM

Just about sums it up then really. ;)

Canvass the forum Darren......I'm GUESSING the genuine £400 a night boys may at a push be 10% of the members....if they are truly honest.I'm talking regular £400 a night ....not a one off.

Perhaps I deserve some respect for not trying to be what I know I never could be.....

Lets not make this another price row....I commented on one aspect of what I thought was an excellent website....I was comforted to see there wasn't a gap between what one of the other younger members was GENUINELY charging and what I was getting.:beer1:

JDB Entertainment

11-11-2009, 09:11 PM

Not sure what you mean? I've opened it in safari and firefox and it looks fine to me :confused:

http://www.yourdj.co.uk/tobyoptionalextras.html

In Internet Explorer if you look in the top left of your screen is what Dan is on about. :)

Shaun

11-11-2009, 09:11 PM

Let's keep it on topic please!

Danno13

11-11-2009, 09:19 PM

Toby... looking at the code...

<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<head>
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1" />
<title>Untitled Document</title>

That last line, sets what is shown in the title bar on the viewers web browser, and is also one of the things search engines pick up on, so make it something relevant to the page content.

yourdj

11-11-2009, 09:21 PM

In Internet Explorer if you look in the top left of your screen is what Dan is on about. :)

Oh yes only on IE though by the looks of it. How do you sort that out? Does funny blue lines come up on the boxes on the front page too. might be my mac windows thing?

JDB Entertainment

11-11-2009, 09:26 PM

Oh yes only on IE though by the looks of it. How do you sort that out? Does funny blue lines come up on the boxes on the front page too. might be my mac windows thing?

No funny blue lines, just a purple outline. :D

As for sorting the page title - As Dan said above.

Vectis

11-11-2009, 10:03 PM

Speaking of which, Im not looking forward to Vectis loggin on tonight as he is the godfather of webdesign so i gather :p

:eek: <-- :D

I just hate seeing poorly conceived or designed sites, that's all ;)

Toby - brilliant mate. I've been tossing around ideas for how to visualise the all-day wedding thing and I'm going to be adding a modified version of your clocks, for sure ;)

I love the whole first-person thing - it adds a big dollop of personalisation and it definitely works for me.

I have just a few (very) minor comments:

- Use of the term djing - personally I'd write this as DJ'ing - you don't use an apostrophe and you use different casing throughout the site (examples djing, Djing)

- Same with DJ - are you a DJ, Dj or dj?

- Pre-event meeting at the venue - isn't this a bit restrictive? I offer mine anywhere - my place, their place, pub

Typos:
Your Wedding page - "No two wedding are the same"
Corporate Events - repetition of 'event' in the first sentence
Private Functions - sentence ending 'etc.' needs an extra full stop
Private Functions - "Birthdays, Retirement, Engagements" - mixed singular/plural

That's about it :)

Nice work :cool:

Vectis

11-11-2009, 10:06 PM

Oh yes only on IE though by the looks of it. How do you sort that out? Does funny blue lines come up on the boxes on the front page too. might be my mac windows thing?

It's an IE thing. IE being too literal with a missing border declaration in your css, or missing an absolute 'border=0' if just using a plain old '<img src' type line.

Been there, done that :D

Shakermaker Promotions

11-11-2009, 10:07 PM

Toby, funny you mentioned the sound limiter at the Balmer Lawn hotel. I saw it after I had set up so asked the C&B Manager what the score was with it as I never usually took bookings in venues that had them. He told me that unless it was ridiculously loud, it would stay turned off. I must admit that my actives in there were pretty loud but no problems with the sound limiter.

simonp

11-11-2009, 10:47 PM

There is one on here who won't move DOWN to £200 for a midweek wedding in 2010??One wonders what he has got that you haven't.

That'll be me then, and it was 2011, not 2010, and I wouldn't go out at £200 for a midweek under 5's happy clappy event lasting an hour! :p ;)

I don't pour scorn on anyone. People charge what they charge. Seems strange that it's nearly always you who makes comments about money and the higher earners though.

I have to agree, I charge what I do because I am worth the fee, and people either pay it (and book me) or they don't, simple.

It wasn't aimed at anyone.

Errrr, yes it was; at me - but no dramas, don't worry I'm not taking offence, it's a forum and we're entitled to our opinions ;)

simonp

11-11-2009, 11:07 PM

P.s

Love the website - there are definite aspects I'm gonna steal :D

and I've just given you your first rating on the video

rob1963

11-11-2009, 11:44 PM

Really nice site and very professional looking. :)

Agreed.

I have to say, your prices seem cheap to me, especially the Uplighting.

The same thing jumped out at me.

There are people on the forum in the south of England who charge more than THREE TIMES what you do for uplighting, so either theirs is massively over-priced or yours is massively under-priced...and I suspect the latter.

DJ Jules

12-11-2009, 06:36 AM

Sorry Jules. Did I offend you with the stuff you quoted me on?

Nope, you're absolutely spot on with your comments and it didn't offend me at all.

My comment was meant to be taken literally - I really do need to review my prices because I believe I am charging far too little. My view is exactly the same as yours and at some point (when I get my pricing sorted out) I will probably publish my prices on my website as well because if they put people off, then they're probably not the people I want to be working for anyway.

At present though, everyone I talk to is charging more than me, and my goal was never to position myself as a "cheap" supplier, but rather a quality one which operates quality equipment in a professional manner and subsequently gets paid good money for every job. But without any easy way of doing market research last year (other than conversations I'd had with DJ's at other Gigs), I stuck a finger in the air and came up with a rough pricing structure and obviously missed the mark by some way based on recent conversations on here.

I'm sorry if I muddied the issue with my comment.

Julian

StarZSoundS

12-11-2009, 06:45 AM

and I wouldn't go out at £200 for a midweek under 5's happy clappy event lasting an hour! :p ;)

Elite......Its not me this time:D

Its someboy else massaging their ego.:eek:

yourdj

12-11-2009, 07:41 AM

Toby - brilliant mate. I've been tossing around ideas for how to visualise the all-day wedding thing and I'm going to be adding a modified version of your clocks, for sure ;)

Thanks. :) Great help.

Toby, funny you mentioned the sound limiter at the Balmer Lawn hotel.

It turned off twice on the first dance from people clapping! That was a year or two ago. The way round it is to plug in to the socket on the wall between the outside door i go through and my lights. :)

Dynamic Entertainment

12-11-2009, 07:42 AM

Im on IE8 right now, and from here:
http://www.yourdj.co.uk/tobyoptionalextras.html

all your top line navigation "about me" weddings" etc, opens in a new windown.

Marc J

12-11-2009, 09:07 AM

Generally a good site, although I noticed a few things: -

Randomly links open in a new window, I had to keep closing them. The general rule is (or used to be) web links to your own site open in the same window while links to non-web documents (i.e. PDFs) and external links open in a new window. However, since target="_blank" is actually deprecated some say it shouldn't be used at all (after all, the visitor can open i a link in a new window if they want to, you shouldn't be forcing it on them).

Terms & Conditions page is strangely all graphic. The only reason I can think is that you don't want search engines indexing, but there are ways around this.

Booking forms and testimonials I expected to be PDFs but they are images, too.

The background image tiles, looking strange on pages that have scrolling.

I thought there was no way back to the "home" page once I started clicking around. Then I realised that the "About Me" page is actually the home page, or it seems a duplicate of it.

yourdj

12-11-2009, 11:49 AM

your top line navigation "about me" weddings" etc, opens in a new windown.

Thanks have not changed the "blank" settings in dreamweaver. the page is an older template i did later. Thanks for spotting that :)

Terms & Conditions page is strangely all graphic. The only reason I can think is that you don't want search engines indexing, but there are ways around this.Booking forms and testimonials I expected to be PDFs but they are images, too.

The background image tiles, looking strange on pages that have scrolling.

Thanks. im setting up an online ordering and client log in section in shich they can do a booking form, pay/monitor expenses, add tracks and give feedback.

The forms are just jpf's i bunged in for now :D Does the job though as i have not had to print a single booking form or do any admin for acges which frees up some time to sit on this forum ;)

how do i get round the background thing? It was a big image knicked off google images. I use dreamweaver.

Thanks :D

LOVING ALL THE FEEDBACK. I WILL WAIT TILL THIS POST AS SLOWED AND GET ON WITH ALL OF THE CHANGES.

Marc J

12-11-2009, 01:51 PM

how do i get round the background thing? It was a big image knicked off google images. I use dreamweaver.

You can either use a solid background colour, or a background image which will tile better. There are methods which you can use to display a single image as a background, stretched or shrunk to fit, see http://css-tricks.com/perfect-full-page-background-image/ - but to be honest your background is just a background and not meant to be a "feature", so these would probably be a waste of time.

Shakermaker Promotions

12-11-2009, 04:45 PM

I got up this morning with the sole intention of overhauling my whole site and making it better. It's now 5.45pm and I haven't done anything and it's made me realise that I know very, very little about Dreamweaver. I know exactly what I want to do and have even downloaded free web templates today where all I need to do is change things about etc but I have lost the plot very quickly.

I need to learn a bit more on Dreamweaver before I attempt it but finding the time is a bit of a mission.

Vectis

12-11-2009, 04:57 PM

Shakermaker Promotions

12-11-2009, 05:04 PM

Vectis, it's getting plenty of good comments and hits but I want it to be a bit better, that's all.

Anyway, apologies for the hi-jack, it's not about me.

Vectis

12-11-2009, 05:16 PM

In the meantime, (by your own admission) your site isn't reaching it's potential when you could seek professional assistance ;)

Vectis, it's getting plenty of good comments and hits but I want it to be a bit better, that's all.

Anyway, apologies for the hi-jack, it's not about me.

Ah, well, a man's gotta try :p

Marc J

13-11-2009, 07:00 AM

In the meantime, (by your own admission) your site isn't reaching it's potential when you could seek professional assistance ;)

Unfortunately I'm too busy at the moment, but thanks for dropping the hint to Gary :approve: :beer1: :boxer:

Vectis

13-11-2009, 07:56 AM

Unfortunately I'm too busy at the moment, but thanks for dropping the hint to Gary :approve: :beer1: :boxer:

Touché ;)

yourdj

14-11-2009, 12:24 PM

You can either use a solid background colour, or a background image which will tile better.

Im gonna change the background i think to a more uniform shade as the colour change makes it look rubbish. i will stick with the wallpaper theme though :)

I got up this morning with the sole intention of overhauling my whole site and making it better. It's now 5.45pm and I haven't done anything and it's made me realise that I know very, very little about Dreamweaver.

Welcome to the club. i spent days on my first site (the your dj one is my second). its just a matter of time. Did not take me too long as i know illustrator and they operate in a similar manner (kind of). im getting used to the coding now. :)

ANY MORE FANTASTIC ADVICE ANYONE?

You have been excellent so far.

- what about a client log in section what can i do with that :confused:

Vectis

14-11-2009, 01:17 PM

- what about a client log in section what can i do with that :confused:

Create yourself an administrative nightmare? :o

yourdj

14-11-2009, 01:23 PM

Create yourself an administrative nightmare? :o

i don't see why if its programed right? i may be being ambitious here :)

For example:
Someone needs to pay me the rest of the fee. it emails them to remind them and emails me when they have paid.

or the gig has finished they get an email the next evening with a feedback form.

With some hard work i can limit myself to answering emails, meeting the client and doing the gig only.
- i will have payment upfront, feedback, marketing feedback too, track requests on time, and be able to sell optional extras on an online booking form.

Marc J

15-11-2009, 02:30 PM

what about a client log in section what can i do with that :confused:

Create yourself an administrative nightmare? :o

i don't see why if its programed right? i may be being ambitious here :)

For example:
Someone needs to pay me the rest of the fee. it emails them to remind them and emails me when they have paid.

or the gig has finished they get an email the next evening with a feedback form.

With some hard work i can limit myself to answering emails, meeting the client and doing the gig only.
- i will have payment upfront, feedback, marketing feedback too, track requests on time, and be able to sell optional extras on an online booking form.

This has been discussed a few times before, see http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=7344 ;)

For coding a client area yourself you'll need to get your head around (if you don't already know) PHP / MySQL including the use of session variables / cookies etc. etc...or something similar. With the use of cron jobs your automatic timed emails idea can also be done fairly easily.

yourdj

15-11-2009, 03:13 PM

This has been discussed a few times before, see http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=7344 ;)

For coding a client area yourself you'll need to get your head around (if you don't already know) PHP / MySQL including the use of session variables / cookies etc. etc...or something similar. With the use of cron jobs your automatic timed emails idea can also be done fairly easily.

Im not too worried as i have a bloke who works for me who does that :D I have not got the head for it. I prefer to design.

We are working on a mysql site for my printing company to make it a bespoke online ordering service. Ive looked in to magento etc and recon i could possibly make a simpler model.

ON the outcome of that i think the DJ log in section will work :confused: