What is a mobile DJ and what do they do? A mobile DJ is a DJ who travels to different venues with their own equipment, different from a regular DJ who shows up to venues and uses the venues’ equipment. Think about a DJ who plays at a wedding with their own equipment—that is the perfect example of a mobile DJ. Both types of DJs require a lot of hard work and dedication to the job. It’s not an easy task to put together several hours of music for just one show.
At Insurance Canopy, we offer DJ insurance and DJ business tips. We’ll share with you how to create a mobile DJ business plan, and things you need to be a DJ, so you can take your business on the road and to the next level.
Step #1: Put Together a DJ Business Plan
The first step in creating a mobile DJ business is to put together a business plan. A business plan guides you through each stage of starting and managing your business. This can include the services that you are going to provide, what type of gigs and shows you will play, how much your services will cost, how you will market your mobile DJ business, who your target audience will be, where you will be providing your services, what your business’ budget will look like, and more.
Establishing all of these things upfront will help you have a clear plan in mind of what you want your business to look like, how it will operate, and what you would like to achieve as a DJ.
Take the time to develop a great DJ business plan, as you will be referring back to it often as you get your business started and growing. When you have completed your business plan, you are ready for the next step: gathering your DJ equipment!
Step #2: Name and Register Your Business
Once you have lined out a mobile DJ business plan, you are ready to select a name for your business. This may be difficult, but it is very important because this is what your business will be known as. You will want to select a name that is unique, yet easy to remember. If you plan on creating a website for your mobile DJ business, keep in mind you will need to create a domain name, which is often the business name. Make sure that when you’re thinking of a business name, you also check for website names that are available.
After you have selected a name you like, you will want to register your business. This is different for each business, because licenses and registrations differ depending on business operations and location. Take a look at the Small Business Associations’ website to learn more about what information you need and the necessary steps to register your mobile DJ business. You will also need to obtain an EIN in the registration process for your business’ tax purposes.
Step #3: Costs of Beginning a Mobile DJ Business
Gathering equipment and obtaining a vehicle to transport it all is the next step in a mobile DJ business plan. You’ll also need to organize other business needs, like taking inventory of equipment and thinking about employees if needed.
DJ Equipment
Gathering DJ equipment may be the most expensive step of starting a mobile DJ business. DJ equipment involves a lot of technology and there are several different things you need to be a DJ. Here is a list to help you get started:
- Laptop
- Turntables
- Slipmats
- Headphones
- Music
- Lights
- Microphone
- Vehicle (big enough to transport all your equipment)
DJ equipment typically costs thousands of dollars. Because there are different types and sizes of equipment for different needs, make sure you do your research so you can find what you’re looking for.
Once you have purchased your equipment, make sure it is in a safe place and you take good care of it. It is expensive to replace if stolen or damaged. However, if you have DJ insurance, you can have coverage for your tools and equipment, which leads to our next step—purchasing DJ insurance.
Organizational Needs
This step may or may not be needed, depending on your business model. If you are going to run your mobile DJ business as a one-man-show, you won’t need to hire other employees. However, if you plan on expanding your business quickly, you will need to hire additional employees and consider hiring a manager to keep track of your shows, expenses, and other business operations. You should also keep a spreadsheet to track your business information.
Purchase DJ Insurance
DJ insurance is essential if you plan on running a successful mobile DJ business. Many venues where you perform will require you to add them to your policy as an additional insured, so their property can be covered. If a guest at the event trips on your equipment and sustains an injury, someone spills their drink on your turntable, or your equipment damages the venue’s floor, you will be grateful you have DJ insurance.
Insurance Canopy provides three types of DJ insurance so you can purchase a policy that fits your needs. We offer a DJ event policy, monthly policy, and an annual policy. As a mobile DJ business owner, you will likely be performing at multiple events throughout the year, so you may be most interested in the annual policy. Our year-round coverage costs $192 per year and includes both general liability and professional liability insurance. If you’re new to DJ insurance or have any questions, feel free to reach out to our licensed insurance agents today.
Market Your DJ Business
Your final step in starting a mobile DJ business is to market your business. This step will take some time and will be ongoing, so you can always be finding new gigs and events. Marketing is different for each business and what may work for one, may not work for you.
Start by telling everyone about your new mobile DJ business and ask them to spread the word. You can also create a website and link it to Google My Business so people can leave online reviews about your business. On your website you will want to include your services offered, your contact information, prices, and any other relevant business information.
You should also post on social media platforms to share pictures and videos of your DJ business. Pick a platform or two—whether that be TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, etc.—and post consistent content. You can also consider printing business cards so you can hand them out to people at the events you perform at. Collaborate and network with other DJs in the area to stay connected and up-to-date with current DJ trends and events.
Start Doing What You Love
We hope these steps listed above have been informative and helpful to get you started with your mobile DJ business. Start with selecting a name and registering your business, put together a mobile DJ business plan, purchase all the necessary equipment, make sure you obtain DJ insurance, then never stop marketing your business. We wish you the best of luck in all your DJ endeavors!
