Real-World Advice for DJs Looking to Get Booked
If you’re a DJ trying to figure out how to get booked—whether it’s weddings, clubs, festivals, or online streams—this post is for you. I’ve been grinding in all of these lanes since 2019, and while I don’t claim to have all the answers, I do know what’s worked for me and what hasn’t. This is a breakdown of how I land DJ gigs across different types of events—and how you can start doing the same.
Booking Wedding Gigs as a DJ
Weddings are a totally different beast compared to club or festival gigs. Booking wedding DJ gigs is all about marketing, SEO, local directories, social media, and ads. You’re not just an entertainer—you’re a service provider. It’s about professionalism and presentation.
Here’s what works for me:
- Word-of-mouth referrals are my #1 source of wedding gigs. I go above and beyond for my clients, and it pays off.
- Search engine optimization (SEO) is a close second. I know how to write strong website content, run Google Ads, build backlinks, and use AI tools to boost visibility.
- I treat my wedding clients with respect. This isn’t about ego—it’s about making the bride and groom feel like their day matters. That approach gets me repeat business and strong community reputation.
Getting Booked at Clubs and Local Shows
If you want to get booked at clubs, local events, or bars, here’s the hard truth: you have to network.
I broke into the scene in 2019 by doing things like:
- Volunteering to help set up and tear down shows
- Lending out gear
- Being the DD for other DJs
- Showing up consistently and supporting other artists
- Getting to know venue owners, promoters, and regulars
Yeah, it can feel weird being 44 and partying with 20-somethings. But if you want to be part of the community, you’ve got to actually show up for it. No one’s going to hand you DJ gigs—you earn them by showing you’re dependable, helpful, and passionate about the scene.
Festival DJ Gigs, Online Shows, and Out-of-State Bookings
These types of gigs require a totally different mindset. You have to act as your own manager and PR rep.
What you’ll need:
- A solid EPK (Electronic Press Kit). I’ll be writing a full post about how to build one soon.
- Confidence to reach out to promoters directly—via email or DMs—with a professional tone and clear pitch.
- Strong interpersonal skills. You have to be able to talk to people, follow up, and build rapport.
- A consistent and engaging online presence. It’s not about having a massive following. Promoters care more about whether you’re visible, engaged, and excited to promote your shows.
Final Advice: Be Reliable, Be Present, Be Loud
If I had to boil it all down:
The squeaky wheel gets the oil.
- Be vocal that you’re available for gigs.
- Be easy to find online.
- Be someone people want to work with.
- And of course—be good at what you do.
No one wants to book a flake or someone who’s a pain to work with. Be professional, be personable, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
In a future post, I’ll talk about how to prepare once you actually land the gig.
This blog post was drafted via voice dictation and edited with the help of AI to improve clarity, formatting, and grammar while preserving the original voice and intent.