Niche Markets - Gay Community

[Alex]

Guys,

What are your views on advertising to a niche market/community?

For example, some people have separate websites for weddings and things... what about a mobile disco service tailored or "marketed" for specific communities? ... I'm sure I'll get shot down for this thread but hey ho :)

Being a DJ and a gay man myself, I know there shouldn't be a difference... but as there are DJ's out there who market to the other communities, is this something that might work?

Bearing in mind the " Pink Pound ".... it's be proven that most gays and lesbians have more finance for personal things... so perhaps it's an area to venture??

In my area, there are no "Gay DJ" or "Gay Disco" services advertised.
Like most people.... I personally couldn't care less if my DJ was gay or straight and as I said, there shouldn't be a difference or divide ... but there are some queens (and yes I can say that! LOL) who would prefer a gay man or a advertising "Gay Friendly" service.

I know most of you will go... "I don't advertise I'm straight... blah blah blah"... but remember, hetro's are the majority.....

Just wondered what peoples views are on this?? :D :D

(Have I just opened a can of worms, that I might regret???)

[Charlie Brown]

I (personally) think you're onto a winner.

The Gay market is becoming a lucrative area of work.

Go for it! I reckon you could make some serious money.

[Ukbride Owner]

I have registered www.ukgaybride.co.uk and www.ukgaygroom.co.uk and many other variations as it is something we are looking into once UKBride is settled and running according to plan.

I have built my business based on Niche Markets!

SO I would say go for it, the more relevant the service is to someone the more they are likely to buy!

[MBK]

This is a quite an untapped market IMO, I have done 2 Civil Partnership receptions in the last 12 months.

I read in a publication that some DJ's shy away from this type of event but I can't understand why it is just the same as any other wedding. The only difference being that the couples are of the same sex.
The music would be the same as IMO not all Gay people like Hi NRG music this was typical sterotyping from the late 70's and 80's.

Ray

[SC Events]

I don't have a specialist website for Civil Partnerships etc, but I have no objection to DJ'ing for them, as I really couldn't care whether anyone is gay or not, i'm just there to do my job. :)

If that's the market your looking at promoting yourself in, good luck. I'm sure you will do very well :)

[Steve the DJ]

The Gay market is becoming a lucrative area of work.

There is no "becoming" about it, Civil Partnerships have been core to my business since the acts inception 6 years ago.

I refer you to the famous quote by James Phillips:


If you see the bandwagon you've missed it.

:D

The latest incarnation of my website has a dedicated Civil Partnership section and I do focus advertising budget specifically on targeting the "pink pound".

I have found most of my gay clients charming to work for, plus they know exactly what they want and are happy to pay a professional fee for it.

[DazzyD]

I must confess that this is an area I've not thought about. Not through any sort of prejudice, mind, simply that it hasn't occurred to me before (which is really bizarre in hindsight as I spent years as an Area Equality Officer for the Post Office Union, CWU).

I think this is an area I really need to look in to as you've got me thinking that I'm missing out on opportunities here. But I have one question that springs to mind. Exactly what would constitute a "gay-friendly" disco service?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I must admit, I have DJ'd at around 10 CP but they are getting less and less.

I have one rather big one this year, but that is it.

I certainly don't shy away from these events and try to be as gay friendly as possible. I even have a gay DJ working for me who sometimes acts as my 'cultural advisor'!!

[yourdj]

Do it but make sure its under a different name as you know how funny people can be when selecting their wedding DJ.

I would front it as a separate business.

I only did one last year!! There must be loads of gay weddings and i bet they get the DJ's from the gay clubs too do them?

[paulg]

This is a quite an untapped market IMO, I have done 2 Civil Partnership receptions in the last 12 months.

I read in a publication that some DJ's shy away from this type of event but I can't understand why it is just the same as any other wedding. The only difference being that the couples are of the same sex.
The music would be the same as IMO not all Gay people like Hi NRG music this was typical sterotyping from the late 70's and 80's.

Ray

Well said, Ray.

[Excalibur]

I don't have a specialist website for Civil Partnerships etc, but I have no objection to DJ'ing for them, as I really couldn't care whether anyone is gay or not, i'm just there to do my job. :)

If that's the market your looking at promoting yourself in, good luck. I'm sure you will do very well :)
Amen Brother, if they've got £60, they can be my customer, regardless of race, creed, sexual predilection, or shoe size. ;)

[visualdjmax]

Do it but make sure its under a different name as you know how funny people can be when selecting their wedding DJ.

I would front it as a separate business.

I only did one last year!! There must be loads of gay weddings and i bet they get the DJ's from the gay clubs too do them?

Not sure I quite agree with this mate. It's a bit like saying oh you did an 18th the other week, I don't want that sort of DJ to do my wedding. As far as I'm concerned, if clients can see that you have done a whole host of events, regardless of the occassion they are happy as they can see that you are experienced and an all rounder.

As for the getting the DJ's at the gay clubs do DJ for them, that's a bit of a generalisation isn't it. :confused:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

As for the getting the DJ's at the gay clubs do DJ for them, that's a bit of a generalisation isn't it. :confused:

Ever so slightly...;)

[Corabar Entertainment]

Quite frankly, I don't want the sort of clients that would be 'funny' knowing that we had DJ'd for Civil Ceremony Receptions

[visualdjmax]

Quite frankly, I don't want the sort of clients that would be 'funny' knowing that we had DJ'd for Civil Ceremony Receptions

Agreed. As Gordon Brown would say "Biggots"

[Corabar Entertainment]

:thumbsup:

[Alex]

:)

[yourdj]

As for the getting the DJ's at the gay clubs do DJ for them, that's a bit of a generalisation isn't it. :confused:

I dont know just trying to help :(

Too add it as a USP is one thing but too specialize in this market i think would require a bit more than a page on a website.
I would go the whole hog and come up with a different name and approach that's all :confused:

Who does DJ for these events as most of the DJ's I know only do one or two a year if that :confused: :confused:

I would do the same if i decided to do more corporate or something as my current approach is mainly driven for
weddings and thats what i attract as a result. :)

Im not talking pink dice and the Village people all over the front page.
Just something simple and subtle thats all possibly using the rainbow colours?

Like this possibly?

http://www.gjsdiscos.co.uk/

[Charlie Brown]

Agreed. As Gordon Brown would say "Biggots"

:lol: Brilliant!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

but too specialize in this market i think would require a bit more than a page on a website.


Why?

What do you think you have to do or be to specialise?

People are people regardless of sexual orientation.

[yourdj]

Why?

What do you think you have to do or be to specialise?

People are people regardless of sexual orientation.

Darren do not forget i know alex personally :) this is not a personal opinion.

You may have a point but he is trying to tap in to a market and it will require some good
marketing and some promotion of some sort? Such as flyers in the right places?

[visualdjmax]

Playing to a gay crowd is no different to playing to a straight crowd. Actually that's wrong. When you play to a gay crowd there's normally nobody hanging around the bar, nobody skulking around the buffet and most of all nobody just sat down looking at you like your are some sort of idiot! Gay crowds are always on the dancefloor.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Darren do not forget i know alex personally

And? What has that got to do with anything?



Playing to a gay crowd is no different to playing to a straight crowd. Actually that's wrong. When you play to a gay crowd there's normally nobody hanging around the bar, nobody skulking around the buffet and most of all nobody just sat down looking at you like your are some sort of idiot Gay crowds are always on the dancefloor.

Now you're generalising! (Though most of that I agree with)

[visualdjmax]

Darren do not forget i know alex personally :) this is not a personal opinion.

You may have a point but he is trying to tap in to a market and it will require some good
marketing and some promotion of some sort? Such as flyers in the right places?

Flyers in the right places, just sounds wrong. The best way to get on in any niche market, is word and mouth.

[visualdjmax]

And?




Now you're generalising! (Though most of that I agree with)

I just knew that was coming as soon as I typed it. Fairplay!

[yourdj]

Flyers in the right places, just sounds wrong. The best way to get on in any niche market, is word and mouth.

all right then a good page on his existing site (although i would set up another one), some good optimisation, maybe an add in the right publications, word of mouth, and some flyers too hand people when your out and about. :)

Possibly a residency in a gay club or something or networking with club owners?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

all right then a good page on his existing site (although i would set up another one), some good optimisation, maybe an add in the right publications, word of mouth, and some flyers too hand people when your out and about. :)



None of which is being specialist which is what I was saying. ;)

[yourdj]

None of which is being specialist which is what I was saying. ;)

OK - I agree on that :) It can take knowlege of different music and things but not too much difference too a standard wedding.

i have had to deal with some people pulling up my shirt and feeling me up which was a bit embarrassing though. :o

shirley bassey and relight my fire always went down well :D

[Corabar Steve]

I even have a gay DJ working for me who sometimes acts as my 'cultural advisor'!!
Fat lot of good that is though. He doesn't even like Glee!

[visualdjmax]

OK - I agree on that :) It can take knowlege of different music and things but not too much difference too a standard wedding.

i have had to deal with some people pulling up my shirt and feeling me up which was a bit embarrassing though. :o

shirley bassey and relight my fire always went down well :D

You are starting to sound like Alan Partridge:D. Come to think of it I have seen your vids, you are Alan Partridge:D :D :D :D :D :D

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

OK - I agree on that :) It can take knowlege of different music and things but not too much difference too a standard wedding.


Exactly, just because someone is gay doesn't necessarily mean they like Kylie and musicals...

There are certain anthems that I have noticed at most of the CPs I have worked on, but once you have them, you have them.

Alicia Bridges - I love the nightlife being one that is buzzing round my head now...

[visualdjmax]

Donna Summer - I feel Love 14 Mins mix!

[Kernow]

People are people regardless of sexual orientation.

And sheep are sheep regardless........ :eek: ;)

Strangely I had a similar discussion recently regarding discrimination in the workplace. I expressed the opinion that I couldn't see the relevance of introducing sexuality or orientation into the working environment as it was only of concern if I wished to engage in a personal relationship,but as all my colleagues are too cosmetically challenged, that would be unlikely. :)
I have no time though for people of whatever orientation who wear it almost like a badge and seem to think it entitles them to exceed equality.

[visualdjmax]

well said.

[yourdj]

You are starting to sound like Alan Partridge:D. Come to think of it I have seen your vids, you are Alan Partridge:D :D :D :D :D :D

i Love AP - been watching it loads recently. :p

[Kernow]

And sheep are sheep regardless........ :eek: ;)


As long as they're consenting !! ;)
:D

[Mark Wild]

You are starting to sound like Alan Partridge:D. Come to think of it I have seen your vids, you are Alan Partridge:D :D :D :D :D :D

LMFAO !

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I'm going to buy a pair of beige slacks and send them to Toby. :lol:

[Mark Wild]

"Now, if you would like to book me" :lol:

[visualdjmax]

I'm going to buy a pair of beige slacks and send them to Toby. :lol:

Don't forget matching tie and blazer badge.

Your DJ - Thou shall market, ones self OFTEN!

[Mark Wild]

Don't forget matching tie and blazer badge.

Your DJ - Thou shall market, ones self OFTEN!

PMSL ! aaahahahaha

[STEVE HANLEY]

I've only done one civil ceremony so far and it was just last month

I have to say the two lads we did it for were a pleasure to work for very polite curteous and nothing was too much trouble and I would say it was one if not my most successfull gig so far.

Civil ceremonies?? Bring em on I'll take as many as I can get my hands on:)

[yourdj]

"Now, if you would like to book me" :lol:

:p

[Corabar Entertainment]

I don't wish to worry you Toby, but it suits you! :lol:

[Mark Wild]

LOL Toby, fair play to you. Radio New Forest lol

[visualdjmax]

:p

Hi my name is Toby.
This is my microphone. I speak into this.
This is my blue jumper. When I am working with Serato I take it off. Only somethimes though! It really depends if the client has asked for that option......

Fairplay to you Toby. Top sport.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Aaaaaaaaanyway, back on topic please.

[Alex]

Exactly, just because someone is gay doesn't necessarily mean they like Kylie and musicals...

Completely agree!! Every party has different music tastes... and it varies party to party regardless of sexual orientation....

The reason why I brought this thread up was because over the last few weeks I've had people get quotes and book with me purely for the fact I was gay and they were a gay couple/gay person.... they felt more comfortable with it.

Also when searching for gay discos in the local area.... NOTHING came up except the gay clubs.
Personally I wouldn't want to work in the local clubs round here, as I know how sleazy they are.... in fact I don't frequent the "scene"..... well not anymore! ;)

By the way, I've always agreed that sexuality shouldn't come in it... and should never be a problem for anyone. As someone mentioned, it shouldn't be screamed out or badged blatently.

My alternative DJ I have on standy should I be booked was contacted too, and was asked if he could DJ at a gay disco... he said yeah sure, they then continued to ask him if he too was gay... to which he replied no... and they said "oh don't worry then...." he then explained I was and so the booking came over to me....

With regards to setting up a new website, I think that would be a good idea.... again, it shouldn't matter, but some people are funny.... like today I lost a wedding booking purely because I was gay, and they thought I wouldn't understand their needs ( Granted I don't think I wanted to DJ for them anyway.... they were a bit.... well, you know....)

By the way... I don't personally agree that for a gay disco, you HAVE to be gay.... I'm just saying that there are some people out there that this is an issue for them.... unfortunately :(....

AND I THINK I WANT TO TAP THAT..... the market that is ;) LOL

[yourdj]

Hi my name is Toby.
This is my microphone. I speak into this.
This is my blue jumper. When I am working with Serato I take it off. Only somethimes though! It really depends if the client has asked for that option......

Fairplay to you Toby. Top sport.

All i need is a roady called david:

YouTube- steve coogan alan partridge camp david


like today I lost a wedding booking purely because I was gay

I know how you feel.

I have lost gigs as I sound too posh on the phone/video (I'm not that posh really - I drive a subaru) :D

[Alex]

By the way.....

I love Kylie and cheesy pop .... LOL

Oh and GLEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

[Excalibur]

Completely agree!! Every party has different music tastes... and it varies party to party regardless of sexual orientation....

The reason why I brought this thread up was because over the last few weeks I've had people get quotes and book with me purely for the fact I was gay and they were a gay couple/gay person.... they felt more comfortable with it.

Now that baffles me. :confused: :confused: By the same token, only 18 year old DJ's should do 18ths, and married DJ's do weddings? :confused: :confused:


By the way, I've always agreed that sexuality shouldn't come in it... and should never be a problem for anyone. As someone mentioned, it shouldn't be screamed out or badged blatently.
Agreed.


My alternative DJ I have on standy should I be booked was contacted too, and was asked if he could DJ at a gay disco... he said yeah sure, they then continued to ask him if he too was gay... to which he replied no... and they said "oh don't worry then...." he then explained I was and so the booking came over to me....
Noiw I think that's perilously close to being discrimination, surely. :confused:


With regards to setting up a new website, I think that would be a good idea.... again, it shouldn't matter, but some people are funny.... like today I lost a wedding booking purely because I was gay, and they thought I wouldn't understand their needs ( Granted I don't think I wanted to DJ for them anyway.... they were a bit.... well, you know....)



Why? You play music, don't you? :confused: Most of us tend to do that sort of thing. ;) ;)