How do they find us?

[musicology]

Apart from the customers who have had a recommendation, I always try to find out how they found me. Search terms used etc. and whether it was about price, how the website looked etc. I had one last week who admitted that he is very lazy and, when searching, saw that my telephone number was the only one displayed in the search results so rang me and booked. Simple as. He didn't want to trawl websites or get quotes, he just needed to book a disco without effort so rang the only number he could see direct from the search results. A first for me that one!

[yourdj]

Not sure i would want a client like that myself. 'Oi Kev have you booked that DJ yet, its the only job I have asked you to do'. I am sure this is not the case in this instance though, so well done for securing a booking based on your availability. I have a client like that at the moment. he is a bit older and just does not respond to emails. I got his voice mail and (one of two people i have phoned this year) called him. Booked him in for a 50th in his back garden at £1,500, so phones do work. I will do a ring back serve when i get an office and have more space (2 bed house atm with 2 babies), but refuse to take called incoming calls from price haggling, hapless people, whom have no passion or interest in my service. :o

I would rather someone spends hours on the site and pitch me against a few other decent DJ's and come to the conclusion I was their safest bet as the entertainment is important to them and they cant wait to start working on the playlist. I have a girl this morning that wants a gaming music theme thoughout the day and into the evening - she is so passionate about it which is lovely. Her husband to be is in an orchestra and likes all sorts, so they will be great fun planning with.

I do get a few couples each year that could clearly not give a damn about the DJ in my residency (in a package). I even heard a bride who had booked a band say something like 'oh the DJ is over there, but we dont care about that'. I thought that was very rude, but did my best to make the night as good as possible. The tackless bride was heard at the end of the night agreeing with a guest at how good the DJ was LOL. She was a couple of speakers short of a disco though. :)

To answer the question in order:

1: venue recommendations
2: web results a good website
3: supplier/friend recommendation
4: wedding fairs/open days.

[musicology]

Should have said, perhaps, that I have already done this job and discovered how he booked me on the night. It was for is Wife's surprise 40th at a nice city centre venue. Cracking party, really nice people and a joy to do with a £25 tip into the bargain!

[ppentertainments]

Booked him in for a 50th in his back garden at £1,500, so phones do work.
Wow, that is good - not wanting to go off topic, but genuinely interested in how you converted a birthday disco at 3x your 'from' price ?

I agree with the order of importance, however it is difficult to know what search terms actually work.

I have one local venue and if you search 'wedding DJ (this venue)' I have came top on google rankings for the past 7 years, even above the venue.

Total enquiries for this venue = zero. And yes, it is a suitable venue.

[yourdj]

Wow, that is good - not wanting to go off topic

Good question - Wish this was my normal weekly fee, but have to say it was a very good booking (we usually charge about £6-700 on average). during the call I diverted him to a video - He had not seen it so it was an instant booking https://vimeo.com/176385140 -

Its start time of 7pm with Background and mics etc. I am also doing some event drinks shots as part of the photobooth, but i love taking photos so its free as its downtime anyway and a nice booking & he is a great bloke also. We have another business with phat events and want to specialise in these sorts of house party events. They are usually dead easy and bags of fun and we live in an area with old money & colossal houses so load of kids/parents with birthdays etc. and want someone trustworthy who can do the job properly, especially with late finishes and funny neighbours (hence the silent disco option).

Evening DJ set (5 hours £620 + 3 X £70): £820
Silent disco: £250
Photo Booth: £445

£1,515

Take off the cost for the silent disco (hired) and 2 staff for the night (£300)

Back on topic. Perhaps the video might put someone off (not seen it so cant comment) although I dont tend to get much off youtube etc. directly but use the video as a tool for the website or point people towards them when they make an enquiry. Bit like the one above.

[ukpartydj]

Search terms are a bit elusive nowadays. My websites rank well in Google searches which gets most if my work (topped up with adwords).

#1 = Website
#2 = recommended
#3 = NAD
#4 = wedding fayre/other paid online advertising.

It does sicken me a little the amount of money I spend on advertising recently, about £2500 a year, but then I'm busier than ever so I cannot complain really.

[Imagine]

Search terms are a bit elusive nowadays. My websites rank well in Google searches which gets most if my work (topped up with adwords).

#1 = Website
#2 = recommended
#3 = NAD
#4 = wedding fayre/other paid online advertising.

It does sicken me a little the amount of money I spend on advertising recently, about £2500 a year, but then I'm busier than ever so I cannot complain really.

Pretty much the same except for NaD (I can't win a NaD lead for love nor money).

I'll probably be banned for this one but I'm beyond caring now....

<rant mode well and truly on>
Sorry Martin/Vectis....this really IS my last year with you. I can't be doing with quoting against at least 30-40 other Sids on the same lead (it's becoming boring now). There are now too many low quality DJs in my area to be bothered to compete with (yes, every single lead I've quoted on has gone to someone who's willing to quote well under budget just to win the gig....I can't work like that).

Please, either sort the system so that we that spend money on PC/FD slots and have Diamond awards/play the game get some sort of priority on leads, or prepare to lose a lot of quality DJs.....we're fed up now :(

</rant mode off>

[ppentertainments]

Back on topic. Perhaps the video might put someone off (not seen it so cant comment) although I dont tend to get much off youtube etc. directly but use the video as a tool for the website or point people towards them when they make an enquiry. Bit like the one above.
Totally agree - video is definitely a great tool if used correctly - a quick 5/10- second clip will do nothing, however a number of clips from the same night, to show that your whole night is enjoyable works really well.

I get many bookings from the videos I pop on my website, Like Toby, YouTube itself brings nothing, but popping the YouTubes on my website is fantastic.

The only struggle is if you work alone it can be very difficult to get clips from the whole night. I have noticed quite a few DJs starting to fit webcams etc to video the whole night. Whilst in principle I think the idea is good, I just feel it is a little creepy personally, especially if you have a lotto young ladies dancing and the camera is very discreet.

[TONYTIGER]

Nearly all my work comes from my website cost £ 60.00 per year never been so busy.

[ppentertainments]

Nearly all my work comes from my website cost £ 60.00 per year never been so busy.
Care to share any secrets ? :D

[surround sounds]

Most of my leads come from my websites and so far this year its been busy

[TONYTIGER]

Care to share any secrets ? :D

Well this works for me,good clear website,all prices on site not stupid money great equipment white system for weddings ( 103 ) last year good reputation not to loud and 50 years experience .

[ppentertainments]

Well this works for me,good clear website,all prices on site not stupid money great equipment white system for weddings ( 103 ) last year good reputation not to loud and 50 years experience .
Cheers Tony, have tried putting my prices on my website but had a serious adverse effect unfortunately, agree with what you say about a nice clear website, I have noticed a big difference since I revamped mine and have a nice simple menu.

[Imagine]

Cheers Tony, have tried putting my prices on my website but had a serious adverse effect unfortunately, agree with what you say about a nice clear website, I have noticed a big difference since I revamped mine and have a nice simple menu.

I've actually just taken my prices off of my website today as well.

I'm not overly expensive and have nothing to hide, but for some reason looking at the analytics people were hitting the prices page and leaving the site. I don't know why though.

Thinking as I'd act as a customer (which is how my website is designed), if I don't see any obvious information about pricing when I'm shopping, or the pricing is by contact only....I tend to back away.

I'll now give it a couple of months without the pricing info up and see what happens.

[yourdj]

Well this works for me,good clear website,all prices on site not stupid money great equipment white system for weddings ( 103 ) last year good reputation not to loud and 50 years experience .

What you charge is none of my business, but I think given your experience and the level of kit you use, its a complete bargain :):) Especially for a teen event using your son as he has done some big residences/events. must take you a year to pay back that £1500 haze machine, when general running costs/profits are taken into consideration. but then again some of the local guys (especially a couple of the old school agents, think i am ripping people off). I always say 'get a quote for a photobooth, a 3 tier cake or table floristry and then tell me that. ;)


have tried putting my prices on my website

My 'from £500' quotes work quite well as I think I must dissuade all tyre kickers from the start. i have thought about putting ALL my prices on my site as other supplier industries do this (photographers for example) and I don't really mind as the site is pretty conclusive and we are recommended by some nice local venues. I think the 5 contact theory works well (e.g., venue, friend word of mouth, wedding fair, website, meeting), although clients will have a passion for this event and will buy something immediately if its what they want (as it's a bit different to buying some tyres for your car etc).

I think an idea of 'from' or an example of '4 hours' pricing from the start, stops wasting the clients and your time. I dont tend to get anyone wince at the £1000+ bills and 90% of my customers are normal working people. Weddings help I guess as they often have saved up and have the money in a pot to spend, i would rather they spend it on me than a £600 cake or a business class upgrade on their honeymoon flight!! Corporates are the same, as they have the money in the yearly budget and will opt for something like tonys services as he has top end kit/extra audio visuals and knows what he is doing, especially if its to impress new clients or reward employees for their hard work.


Totally agree - video is definitely a great tool if used correctly

Totally. i did this video last week for a wedding fair and am very happy with it.
its completely amateur but i think it sums up what and how we do things in a good space of time in an honest way.

https://vimeo.com/202013317

(Can this forum get the ability to stream other video sites btw)

[Daryll]

every one of my bookings is either, from gary , or personal recommendations , the web site has generated a big fat zero in 5 years , I am seriously considering dumping the web site , complete waste of time

[TONYTIGER]

What you charge is none of my business, but I think given your experience and the level of kit you use, its a complete bargain :):) Especially for a teen event using your son as he has done some big residences/events. must take you a year to pay back that £1500 haze machine, when general running costs/profits are taken into consideration. but then again some of the local guys (especially a couple of the old school agents, think i am ripping people off). I always say 'get a quote for a photobooth, a 3 tier cake or table floristry and then tell me that. ;)



My 'from £500' quotes work quite well as I think I must dissuade all tyre kickers from the start. i have thought about putting ALL my prices on my site as other supplier industries do this (photographers for example) and I don't really mind as the site is pretty conclusive and we are recommended by some nice local venues. I think the 5 contact theory works well (e.g., venue, friend word of mouth, wedding fair, website, meeting), although clients will have a passion for this event and will buy something immediately if its what they want (as it's a bit different to buying some tyres for your car etc).

I think an idea of 'from' or an example of '4 hours' pricing from the start, stops wasting the clients and your time. I dont tend to get anyone wince at the £1000+ bills and 90% of my customers are normal working people. Weddings help I guess as they often have saved up and have the money in a pot to spend, i would rather they spend it on me than a £600 cake or a business class upgrade on their honeymoon flight!! Corporates are the same, as they have the money in the yearly budget and will opt for something like tonys services as he has top end kit/extra audio visuals and knows what he is doing, especially if its to impress new clients or reward employees for their hard w


Totally. i did this video last week for a wedding fair and am very happy with it.
its completely amateur but i think it sums up what and how we do things in a good space of time in an honest way.

https://vimeo.com/202013317

(Can this forum get the ability to stream other video sites btw)

I cant see how you work that out average job £ 245 -£ 280 and 150 jobs per year for me + my son starts at £ 800 for a appearance its simple maths.

[yourdj]

I cant see how you work that out average job £ 245 -£ 280 and 150 jobs per year for me + my son starts at £ 800 for a appearance its simple maths.

You are a busy man. Not added mine up for years, but its probably about 80 these days, It used to be 100-120 a few years back though. :)

Suppose it depends on your running costs, how much you take out for expenses, the time you spend on prep and travel and what your comfortable to earn/loose. Yes simple maths - It's £10 a an event (plus consumables/maintenance costs), but we all know that there are a lot more things that need to be paid for and all those £10-20's soon add up. If i was 70 and had the mortgage all paid off I would probably not mind so much as its a very good retirement job! Perhaps that's for another thread, sorry to divert. :)

[TONYTIGER]

You are a busy man. Not added mine up for years, but its probably about 80 these days, It used to be 100-120 a few years back though. :)

Suppose it depends on your running costs, how much you take out for expenses, the time you spend on prep and travel and what your comfortable to earn/loose. Yes simple maths - It's £10 a an event (plus consumables/maintenance costs), but we all know that there are a lot more things that need to be paid for and all those £10-20's soon add up. If i was 70 and had the mortgage all paid off I would probably not mind so much as its a very good retirement job! Perhaps that's for another thread, sorry to divert. :)

And on top of that i have the hire business ,and the sales which is the growing part as we are the cheapest place to buy in the uk as long as you are not vat registered,i dont have a mortgage kids are grown up and sorted own my own transport so running costs are low,happy retirement .

[ppentertainments]

I cant see how you work that out average job £ 245 -£ 280 and 150 jobs per year for me + my son starts at £ 800 for a appearance its simple maths.
To be honest though, I would expect you to turn over more than £40k with your experience etc.

[musicology]

:offtopic:

[ppentertainments]

Apologies, and in way of an apology I will share this information which was received in a little bit data collection I done with help from another company. This was conducted to independent couples.

What Methods do you use to Find a Wedding DJ

Social Media 33%
Wedding Fayres 18%
Website 33%
Venue Recommendation 74%
Friends & Family Recommendation 56%
Other 11%
(Work Colleagues, seen in pub, seen at wedding)

[funkymook]

Apologies, and in way of an apology I will share this information which was received in a little bit data collection I done with help from another company. This was conducted to independent couples.

What Methods do you use to Find a Wedding DJ

Social Media 33%
Wedding Fayres 18%
Website 33%
Venue Recommendation 74%
Friends & Family Recommendation 56%
Other 11%
(Work Colleagues, seen in pub, seen at wedding)

I make that 225%

Was perhaps the total number surveyed 225?

[ppentertainments]

I make that 225%

Was perhaps the total number surveyed 225?
No, the question was what methods, they could choose more than one ;)

[funkymook]

No, the question was what methods, they could choose more than one ;)

No percentage breakdown result can exceed 100%.

[funkymook]

Just trying to get my head around the figures (probably me being thick).

What was the sample size?

So 33% of the responders used social media - what did the other 67% use?

Taking for granted most people will use various search methods, which was the one method that actually succeeded in finding them their wedding DJ?

I just can’t work out what it’s telling me I’m afraid...

[Imagine]

Just trying to get my head around the figures (probably me being thick).

What was the sample size?

So 33% of the responders used social media - what did the other 67% use?

Taking for granted most people will use various search methods, which was the one method that actually succeeded in finding them their wedding DJ?

I just can’t work out what it’s telling me I’m afraid...

I think what may be happening there is that some of them may have used multiple methods (i.e. a mix of Social media and websites, or whatever).

[ppentertainments]

Just trying to get my head around the figures (probably me being thick).

What was the sample size?

So 33% of the responders used social media - what did the other 67% use?

Taking for granted most people will use various search methods, which was the one method that actually succeeded in finding them their wedding DJ?

I just can’t work out what it’s telling me I’m afraid...

Sample size 130

What Methods do you use to Find a Wedding DJ

Social Media : 43 People used this
Wedding Fayres : 23 People Used This
Website : 43 People Used this
Venue Recommendation : 96 People used this
Friends & Family Recommendation : 73 People used this
Other : 14 People Used this.
(Work Colleagues, seen in pub, seen at wedding)

[ppentertainments]

I think what may be happening there is that some of them may have used multiple methods (i.e. a mix of Social media and websites, or whatever).

Exactly, I would assume most couples would use more than one method :confused:

[funkymook]

Sample size 130

What Methods do you use to Find a Wedding DJ

Social Media : 43 People used this
Wedding Fayres : 23 People Used This
Website : 43 People Used this
Venue Recommendation : 96 People used this
Friends & Family Recommendation : 73 People used this
Other : 14 People Used this.
(Work Colleagues, seen in pub, seen at wedding)

So looking at the 74% who had venue recommendations does your survey analysis break it down any further?

74% used venue recommendations.

What other methods did they use?
Which method influenced their final decision?

At the moment the stats aren't telling us which methods were successful and which weren't, which is crucial when planning your marketing.


With the information you've presented both these statements could be true.

Of the 96 who looked at the wedding venue recommendation 90% went on to book the recommended supplier.

Of the 96 who looked at the wedding venue recommendation 5% went on to book the recommended supplier.

Unless it does reveal that sort of information and I'm missing it?

[yourdj]

I have an option on my form for how people have found me, but dont tend to pay much attention to it. Would be nice to collate the data in a year or two and track trends. My assistant has stated to get all the booking data together frown 2013, so can add that to his list. :)

[ppentertainments]

So looking at the 74% who had venue recommendations does your survey analysis break it down any further?

74% used venue recommendations.

What other methods did they use?
Which method influenced their final decision?

At the moment the stats aren't telling us which methods were successful and which weren't, which is crucial when planning your marketing.


With the information you've presented both these statements could be true.

Of the 96 who looked at the wedding venue recommendation 90% went on to book the recommended supplier.

Of the 96 who looked at the wedding venue recommendation 5% went on to book the recommended supplier.

Unless it does reveal that sort of information and I'm missing it?
Yes, I do have similar data, however this was collected in conjunction with another company (not a disco company) so cannot release too much information :zip::zip:

[ppentertainments]

I have an option on my form for how people have found me, but dont tend to pay much attention to it. Would be nice to collate the data in a year or two and track trends. My assistant has stated to get all the booking data together frown 2013, so can add that to his list. :)
Last year I started analysing a lot of data and the results have been amazing and many not what I thought they would be. I am fortunate to work closely with someone who has access to many couples and can call upon them to help with data analysis as well as collecting my own.

[funkymook]

Yes, I do have similar data, however this was collected in conjunction with another company (not a disco company) so cannot release too much information :zip::zip:

So what do the figure you posted actually tell us, how would we use them to our advantage?

[ppentertainments]

So what do the figure you posted actually tell us, how would we use them to our advantage?
If you find it no advantage, don't take any note of it, if you do find it an advantage, you are welcome - simples :D

[funkymook]

If you find it no advantage, don't take any note of it, if you do find it an advantage, you are welcome - simples :D


Simples it isn’t!

You have a sample size of 130.

There are 292 responses over the various options.


For example, how many who chose ‘Venue Recommendation’ also chose ‘Website’ because they checked the recommendation’s website? (and if the questions intention was to record both then how many didn’t?).

It’s very unlikely anyone would use just one method, a recommendation from a friend could result in the DJ's website or FB being visited (or even both), if multiple options were ticked how do you know if the respond was recording all the methods they used or just recording the initial method.

The reason this is important is because most people would take a higher percentage score as being more positive than a lower one, which may not be the case.

Perhaps I’m just being dense though - can anyone else explain what it all means as obviously Chris doesn’t want to tell me.

[ppentertainments]

The title of this thread is - How do they find us ?, not 'what methods do people use to book us?'

I have given some facts of what methods people use/used when searching for a DJ, which I think is relevant to the question, I could have maybe just given figures rather than %, but to be honest copied and pasted my results rather than wasting time contemplating every outcome people who read the advice could have.

In future, don't think I will bother - as I said, if the example is no use, don't read it !

[funkymook]

The title of this thread is - How do they find us ?, not 'what methods do people use to book us?'

I have given some facts of what methods people use/used when searching for a DJ, which I think is relevant to the question, I could have maybe just given figures rather than %, but to be honest copied and pasted my results rather than wasting time contemplating every outcome people who read the advice could have.

In future, don't think I will bother - as I said, if the example is no use, don't read it !

I’ve had many years experience writing, collating, analysing and presenting various types of surveys for a major airline, believe me it’s meaningless set of results. I used to see this a lot when our internal departments tried to run their own surveys, they’d end up with a lot of data which they could make no sense of, the main culprits were the multiple option questions. A case of not having a clear objective and not asking the right question in the right format. I had to rewrite them and run the survey again.

If you ever need help creating a survey that will get you meaningful results then drop me a line.