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I’m speaking strictly weddings… it’s 80%+ of my clientele so I’m speaking 25-35yr olds. Most don’t even have Facebook under 30. Instagram is their main source of info, with Tik tok being more a source for inspiration and trends. Almost every time someone starts a sentence with “I saw this thing on…” it’s always Tik tok. But whenever they say I’m working with xyz photography or this is my planner or florist… they always share their instagram. In addition when I work with planners, they always ask vendors for their instagram for the purpose of content sharing. Facebook is a relic at this point.

I'm not getting that at all in this area. We all have Insta in the wedding business here but Facebook is the go to. I'd have to go back and look but If I remember correctly it was around 60 inquiries I had through Facebook last year which makes it my largest point of contact. As I said earlier we aren't as trendy here. I will say this conversation has got me thinking I will be upping my Instagram game
 
I'm not getting that at all in this area. We all have Insta in the wedding business here but Facebook is the go to. I'd have to go back and look but If I remember correctly it was around 60 inquiries I had through Facebook last year which makes it my largest point of contact. As I said earlier we aren't as trendy here. I will say this conversation has got me thinking I will be upping my Instagram game
The majority of my inquiries come through my site. NO wedding inquiries come through my facebook. The only inquiries I get from there, is from some 50+ year old planning a birthday party or a smaller event. That generation is VERY into facebook and are completely comfortable messaging all their friends and family on there, and as such view messaging my business no different. I also rarely get inquiries on my instagram other than for a quick date inquiry before they do a formal inquiry. Why... bc my instagram says to go to my site for inquiries and pricing... which means I know it's working and they're reading that... as well as the inquiry source on my sites contact form says instagram.

But let's put this further into perspective.

Is facebook the largest point of contact because that is the preferred method of your customers... or is it because that's where they find you easiest and the quickest way to get in touch with you? This is a test any of you can do with your own business.

For example... if you search "DJ Taso NJ", my website will come up first, as will my google page. Both direct you of course to my website. From there, my instagram will be the next result... which of course if you go there, it will showcase my most recent work (which is a good thing), but will also direct you to my website. Next is my facebook... which if you try to dm me... before you hit send it will automatically pop up and say to go to my website for pricing and info. Again, all designed to get you to my website. I want them to see my pricing, I want them to see the level of my work and what I bring to the table. I want to make sure that is what they seek before even contacting me. 90% of the time if I were to get a call or an inquiry outside of my website, the lead is not qualified.

Now, if I search Romard Sound or Jeff Romard DJ Nova Scotia, there is a notable difference in the experience. The first result is your facebook. There is no website listed, nor is there any instagram. A google page with only a number listed and a weddingwire listing which you direct clients to call or email you can be found. The only way I found your website, is bc under your personal fb profile you had it listed, which then directed me to a page that is under construction or not fully functioning. So clearly thats not a method of contact or information gathering for a perspective client. And in no instance did I find an instagram page, so if brides were looking there, you wouldn't be exposed to them.

So realistically, from that observation it's obvious FB is your main lead source, simply bc you made it that way... and that's fine if that's what you prefer and get enough of the kind of quality leads you seek.

Which to bring it back full circle, even if you gave out business cards... they ultimately will go search your social media, and from there your website. That is the path of 75%+ of brides nowadays (research polls for 2023 have it between 75-90% depending on the poll). Instagram is also a source of where they find vendors, most often by searching tagged photos of their venue to see who has worked there. While most of my leads are referrals, the ones that aren't are often because they see content of mine at their venue and know I'm familiar with it. In addition, over 50% of brides now say they will not contact a vendor if they don't know their price point (food for thought to all).

Once again, I do want to be clear, this is primarily for the wedding demographic. Older generations are very different who rely more on phone calls, conversations, and they're comfort level with social media is facebook, as is the future wedding generation as they are more tik tok centric and are looking for quick form content.
 
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I literally carry like 5-6 biz cards in my wallet with me, and that is it these days. I passed a couple out a few weddings ago when people approached me and asked for one. Outside of that, I don't place them on the table or have them out at all.

As far as putting biz cards on our DJ table or stand is concerned though...Only other DJs are going to make mention of it. Literally nobody at our events cares whether we have them out or not. Now if you throw them all over your table in a hodgepodge way, I could see a planner wondering why the DJ is doing that, but if they are in a neat stack or in a card holder sitting there nobody is going to bat an eye or think about it.
 
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I literally carry like 5-6 biz cards in my wallet with me, and that is it these days. I passed a couple out a few weddings ago when people approached me and asked for one. Outside of that, I don't place them on the table or have them out at all.

As far as putting biz cards on our DJ table or stand is concerned though...Only other DJs are going to make mention of it. Literally nobody at our events cares whether we have them out or not. Now if you throw them all over your table in a hodgepodge way, I could see a planner wondering why the DJ is doing that, but if they are in a neat stack or in a card holder sitting there nobody is going to bat an eye or think about it.
Not true. People do find visible cards very tacky, especially those that are meticulous about every detail and how things appear.

You give out a business card, I say “just follow my on instagram”. As a business, We should steer people where we want them. If your impulse is to give out a card, you’re not providing them the best tool they want to research you. Remember, most cards end up on the ground or lost amongst other papers.
 
Thoughts on a digital business card, send all of your info, links and whatever simply and quickly, o see they have one that more of a key fob just tap their phone on it and they have all of your information
 
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Only useful tool for cards had been that venues asked for cards so as to give to brides as suggestion for DJ entertaiment that they feel are of a caliber for their venue.
 
Thoughts on a digital business card, send all of your info, links and whatever simply and quickly, o see they have one that more of a key fob just tap their phone on it and they have all of your information
this works, but it requires further interaction. Also some people, like myself, would be weary of someone trying to add info to my phone. I just feel "go to my insta" is so much easier and socially acceptable.
Only useful tool for cards had been that venues asked for cards so as to give to brides as suggestion for DJ entertaiment that they feel are of a caliber for their venue.
Lol, this always intrigued me when people say that. In my mind it's like ok, how many cards do I give them... they do 300 events a year... do I give them 400 cards so thy have one for every client. If they run out, do they not recommend me? All my venue recommendations are verbal. Maybe I give them one or two to refer to for my info when it's needed, but even nowadays, the venues just follow me on instagram. At the very least, most venues here have a book with the vendors they recommend listing their company name and site/number, so again... cards aren't needed.
 
I’m not without them either. Always a box of cards in my laptop bag ready to go… but still hardly asked for them. But I also don’t lay em out in eye sight for people to want to take one.

I’m speaking strictly weddings… it’s 80%+ of my clientele so I’m speaking 25-35yr olds. Most don’t even have Facebook under 30. Instagram is their main source of info, with Tik tok being more a source for inspiration and trends. Almost every time someone starts a sentence with “I saw this thing on…” it’s always Tik tok. But whenever they say I’m working with xyz photography or this is my planner or florist… they always share their instagram. In addition when I work with planners, they always ask vendors for their instagram for the purpose of content sharing. Facebook is a relic at this point.
I still have 3 FB pages. I know people who still use FB. What you're talking about are the people I'll say are 35 and under. Those are the ones that go to the latest trends. In can be hot one day and not the next day. That's like a lot of their music they listen to. Here today and forgotten tomorrow.
 
I still have 3 FB pages. I know people who still use FB. What you're talking about are the people I'll say are 35 and under. Those are the ones that go to the latest trends. In can be hot one day and not the next day. That's like a lot of their music they listen to. Here today and forgotten tomorrow.
The latest trends? Instagram has been popular since 2014, and from a business perspective that's where we should want to be as instagram is all visual and audio based, which ties right in with what we do. In addition, when you say "those are the ones that go to the latest trends"... are you admitting that you're not looking to be where people are searching? And yes, it can be hot one day and not the next... which is why you realistically need to be everywhere. I have an active presence on insta, fb, tik tok, youtube, weddingwire, zola, etc etc etc to get as many eyes on me as possible... but again, I'm very strategic in where I ultimately lead them.

Now why you have 3 pages is beyond me. You're just creating confusion if anything. And yes, you're in your 60's, of course you know people who use fb... i know plenty that do too, especially with over 3000 friends there. However, as a business owner if you want to be getting noticed you can't limit your presence there.
 
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I still have 3 FB pages. I know people who still use FB. What you're talking about are the people I'll say are 35 and under. Those are the ones that go to the latest trends. In can be hot one day and not the next day. That's like a lot of their music they listen to. Here today and forgotten tomorrow.
Those are also the people who will spend big money on a wedding or other event
 
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The majority of my inquiries come through my site. NO wedding inquiries come through my facebook. The only inquiries I get from there, is from some 50+ year old planning a birthday party or a smaller event. That generation is VERY into facebook and are completely comfortable messaging all their friends and family on there, and as such view messaging my business no different. I also rarely get inquiries on my instagram other than for a quick date inquiry before they do a formal inquiry. Why... bc my instagram says to go to my site for inquiries and pricing... which means I know it's working and they're reading that... as well as the inquiry source on my sites contact form says instagram.

But let's put this further into perspective.

Is facebook the largest point of contact because that is the preferred method of your customers... or is it because that's where they find you easiest and the quickest way to get in touch with you? This is a test any of you can do with your own business.

For example... if you search "DJ Taso NJ", my website will come up first, as will my google page. Both direct you of course to my website. From there, my instagram will be the next result... which of course if you go there, it will showcase my most recent work (which is a good thing), but will also direct you to my website. Next is my facebook... which if you try to dm me... before you hit send it will automatically pop up and say to go to my website for pricing and info. Again, all designed to get you to my website. I want them to see my pricing, I want them to see the level of my work and what I bring to the table. I want to make sure that is what they seek before even contacting me. 90% of the time if I were to get a call or an inquiry outside of my website, the lead is not qualified.

Now, if I search Romard Sound or Jeff Romard DJ Nova Scotia, there is a notable difference in the experience. The first result is your facebook. There is no website listed, nor is there any instagram. A google page with only a number listed and a weddingwire listing which you direct clients to call or email you can be found. The only way I found your website, is bc under your personal fb profile you had it listed, which then directed me to a page that is under construction or not fully functioning. So clearly thats not a method of contact or information gathering for a perspective client. And in no instance did I find an instagram page, so if brides were looking there, you wouldn't be exposed to them.

So realistically, from that observation it's obvious FB is your main lead source, simply bc you made it that way... and that's fine if that's what you prefer and get enough of the kind of quality leads you seek.

Which to bring it back full circle, even if you gave out business cards... they ultimately will go search your social media, and from there your website. That is the path of 75%+ of brides nowadays (research polls for 2023 have it between 75-90% depending on the poll). Instagram is also a source of where they find vendors, most often by searching tagged photos of their venue to see who has worked there. While most of my leads are referrals, the ones that aren't are often because they see content of mine at their venue and know I'm familiar with it. In addition, over 50% of brides now say they will not contact a vendor if they don't know their price point (food for thought to all).

Once again, I do want to be clear, this is primarily for the wedding demographic. Older generations are very different who rely more on phone calls, conversations, and they're comfort level with social media is facebook, as is the future wedding generation as they are more tik tok centric and are looking for quick form content.
Thank you for saying you want potential clients to go to your website so they can see your price list. That keeps tire kickers from contacting you. Once they see what you charge that will make the decision to either contact you or look for a more affordable DJ for the event they're having.
 
Thank you for saying you want potential clients to go to your website so they can see your price list. That keeps tire kickers from contacting you. Once they see what you charge that will make the decision to either contact you or look for a more affordable DJ for the event they're having.
You are completely clueless, almost every time you say something it’s obvious you just don’t get it. It so frustrating to watch you struggle to grasp simple marketing concepts
 
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Not true. People do find visible cards very tacky, especially those that are meticulous about every detail and how things appear.

You give out a business card, I say “just follow my on instagram”. As a business, We should steer people where we want them. If your impulse is to give out a card, you’re not providing them the best tool they want to research you. Remember, most cards end up on the ground or lost amongst other papers.

I think you work a bit in a bubble or maybe some of us do it might be the area or more likely the economics I don't really know but I don't think I have ever dealt with anyone that meticulous that a card on a table would set them off. I do some pretty high end (for this area) and I do middle and low end. The majority want to have a party they care about very little beside that

I agree Insta and FB are much better tools than a card but you are counting on two things. One they will remember talking to you and 2 they will remember who you are. If I was looking to book more I wouldn't leave that to risk or at least lower it and hand them a card with the info I want them to have
 
I think you work a bit in a bubble or maybe some of us do it might be the area or more likely the economics I don't really know but I don't think I have ever dealt with anyone that meticulous that a card on a table would set them off. I do some pretty high end (for this area) and I do middle and low end. The majority want to have a party they care about very little beside that

I agree Insta and FB are much better tools than a card but you are counting on two things. One they will remember talking to you and 2 they will remember who you are. If I was looking to book more I wouldn't leave that to risk or at least lower it and hand them a card with the info I want them to have
So 3 areas to expand on:

- I've worked in 15, soon to be 16 states throughout the country. I feel like I've been exposed to all types of clients, economics, and such... however, in all of those scenarios, one thing remains true... the people that book me and are willing to invest in their event do expect a certain level of appearance. They're not just investing in their party to be taken care of... avg can do that... they expect their party to be taken care of at a higher caliber with a presentation to match. Brides are attracted to beautiful setups and the appearance of their room. This year I've had 5 weddings spend over $50k in florals alone. I have planners get mad if I put a truss tower too close to the cake, no matter how clean I make it. I make sure to bring white gaffer as well as black... and yes I've had planners ask if I have white tape. I have brides rearrange the entire room to make sure I'm centered and not in a corner or off centered to get a perfectly symmetrical look that they saw of mine online. I also have multiple booths, which means a couple is actually invested (not financially but through their time decision making) in what my appearance is going to be for their event, right down to the color of the toe kick of my one booth and if it's gold or white or how their names are displayed for the tv booth. If I had cards out on display, it def would come off as tacky and similar to a stain on an otherwise perfect outfit, and while no one may say it outright, it's at minimum a negative subconscious reaction.

- Instagram is as simple as responding to someone's "oh, do you have a card" with "I just use my instagram, it's djtaso". Simple. They do it right there on the spot most of the time. Here's the real beauty of it though... hypothetically say they forget to do it. No big deal. They're gonna see me anyways... why? Because after each event I do a series of posts from that night, including photos and videos of the wedding and tagging the couple and often the venue. 95% of the time the couple reshares the content, and when they do, all their friends and family will see that content with djtaso displayed... and almost every event I get new followers as a result. Just from last weekends events I have 7 or 8 new followers.

- When you say will they remember who I am... I am not sure if you mean for the purpose of following me or if you mean long term. If you mean to follow me... refer to my previous paragraph. If you mean long term, once they add me on social media, they'll remember me for life. I post content practically on a daily basis. But that also ties into my business philosophy which by now will sound redundant. DON'T BE AVERAGE... average is quickly forgotten. Be exceptional and you'll never be forgotten. Even if they never thought to follow me or forgot my name, they'll go to the couple and ask who was your dj, he was the best I've seen or your wedding was the funnest I've had, I'm thinking about seeing if he's available for our wedding.

I personally feel that giving someone a card is actually putting things at risk and that the card will likely get thrown in a pocket or lost, and never acted upon.
 
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So 3 areas to expand on:

- I've worked in 15, soon to be 16 states throughout the country. I feel like I've been exposed to all types of clients, economics, and such... however, in all of those scenarios, one thing remains true... the people that book me and are willing to invest in their event do expect a certain level of appearance. They're not just investing in their party to be taken care of... avg can do that... they expect their party to be taken care of at a higher caliber with a presentation to match. Brides are attracted to beautiful setups and the appearance of their room. This year I've had 5 weddings spend over $50k in florals alone. I have planners get mad if I put a truss tower too close to the cake, no matter how clean I make it. I make sure to bring white gaffer as well as black... and yes I've had planners ask if I have white tape. I have brides rearrange the entire room to make sure I'm centered and not in a corner or off centered to get a perfectly symmetrical look that they saw of mine online. I also have multiple booths, which means a couple is actually invested (not financially but through their time decision making) in what my appearance is going to be for their event, right down to the color of the toe kick of my one booth and if it's gold or white or how their names are displayed for the tv booth. If I had cards out on display, it def would come off as tacky and similar to a stain on an otherwise perfect outfit, and while no one may say it outright, it's at minimum a negative subconscious reaction.

- Instagram is as simple as responding to someone's "oh, do you have a card" with "I just use my instagram, it's djtaso". Simple. They do it right there on the spot most of the time. Here's the real beauty of it though... hypothetically say they forget to do it. No big deal. They're gonna see me anyways... why? Because after each event I do a series of posts from that night, including photos and videos of the wedding and tagging the couple and often the venue. 95% of the time the couple reshares the content, and when they do, all their friends and family will see that content with djtaso displayed... and almost every event I get new followers as a result. Just from last weekends events I have 7 or 8 new followers.

- When you say will they remember who I am... I am not sure if you mean for the purpose of following me or if you mean long term. If you mean to follow me... refer to my previous paragraph. If you mean long term, once they add me on social media, they'll remember me for life. I post content practically on a daily basis. But that also ties into my business philosophy which by now will sound redundant. DON'T BE AVERAGE... average is quickly forgotten. Be exceptional and you'll never be forgotten. Even if they never thought to follow me or forgot my name, they'll go to the couple and ask who was your dj, he was the best I've seen or your wedding was the funnest I've had, I'm thinking about seeing if he's available for our wedding.

I personally feel that giving someone a card is actually putting things at risk and that the card will likely get thrown in a pocket or lost, and never acted upon.
 
A very proformance style response, not everyone has the same type of clients or business practices that you do.
I’m a bit surprised by your unusually staunch responses on this post
I dk what I said that is harsh or putting down... I'm simply addressing the three points that I viewed as the focal points of his response, and providing my experiences. In just about every post I'm stating that these experiences are based strictly on weddings, as that is where 80%+ of my business is. I'm not putting anyone down, and only reference others to compare from an outside perspective. I've always said, if you're getting results you want and you're directing clients where you think is best, so be it.

It's totally fine that people want to rely on business cards. I'm discussing why that is not the best practice, not only in my opinion, but the opinion of the majority of surveys out there strongly suggesting couples do their research on social media. Again, specifically speaking about weddings.

I also dk why many say my clients are not like others. I've been to 15 states... I've been to rural parts, I've been to cities... I've done weddings with $20k budgets and I've done weddings with $200k budgets. But with that said... is the practice of putting out business cards acceptable because some have easy going clients, or should we hold ourselves to a higher standard. Why do we tape down wires and keep them nice and neat (aside from walking paths that are safety hazards)? Same thing in my opinion

As it's evident that many are comfortable in their business practices and there's no use in this convo continuing, at least not from my perspective... I'll offer a final perspective from the person that changed my mind entirely on business cards, and that is Frederik from Million Dollar Listing NY for those who ever watched that show. He has a book where in a section discussing marketing he says he never gave out business cards. He explains that it was the worst way to get people to connect with you because it showcases zero. You want to make an impact on them when they connect with you and impress them from the start... no fancy card will do that effectively. Back then, before instagram, he would get their email and quickly email a hello, it was nice meeting you. But in that email it had all of his listings in his signature and accolades. Why... to wow them.

Hence why I give everyone my instagram and work to drive attention there. To wow them. Pre-2017 that was facebook, but you have to meet clients where they are. I'm building my tik tok portfolio too as I know in 5 years, the next wedding generation will be there.

In the end, isn't the point of this forum to offer better ways to market ourselves? I'm perhaps more matter of fact, but I try very hard not to belittle anyone... and really try hard to keep it centered around my experiences and where they're derived from.
 
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You are completely clueless, almost every time you say something it’s obvious you just don’t get it. It so frustrating to watch you struggle to grasp simple marketing concepts
My point was that having prices for a potential client to see is great. That's if the DJ is serious about the prices they put out there. Meaning not caving in to get a person to book you. Which is also about how successful are you at getting potential clients to book you.

The other thing is delivering a performance that justifies why you charge what you do.
 
I dk what I said that is harsh or putting down... I'm simply addressing the three points that I viewed as the focal points of his response, and providing my experiences. In just about every post I'm stating that these experiences are based strictly on weddings, as that is where 80%+ of my business is. I'm not putting anyone down, and only reference others to compare from an outside perspective. I've always said, if you're getting results you want and you're directing clients where you think is best, so be it.

It's totally fine that people want to rely on business cards. I'm discussing why that is not the best practice, not only in my opinion, but the opinion of the majority of surveys out there strongly suggesting couples do their research on social media. Again, specifically speaking about weddings.

I also dk why many say my clients are not like others. I've been to 15 states... I've been to rural parts, I've been to cities... I've done weddings with $20k budgets and I've done weddings with $200k budgets. But with that said... is the practice of putting out business cards acceptable because some have easy going clients, or should we hold ourselves to a higher standard. Why do we tape down wires and keep them nice and neat (aside from walking paths that are safety hazards)? Same thing in my opinion

As it's evident that many are comfortable in their business practices and there's no use in this convo continuing, at least not from my perspective... I'll offer a final perspective from the person that changed my mind entirely on business cards, and that is Frederik from Million Dollar Listing NY for those who ever watched that show. He has a book where in a section discussing marketing he says he never gave out business cards. He explains that it was the worst way to get people to connect with you because it showcases zero. You want to make an impact on them when they connect with you and impress them from the start... no fancy card will do that effectively. Back then, before instagram, he would get their email and quickly email a hello, it was nice meeting you. But in that email it had all of his listings in his signature and accolades. Why... to wow them.

Hence why I give everyone my instagram and work to drive attention there. To wow them. Pre-2017 that was facebook, but you have to meet clients where they are. I'm building my tik tok portfolio too as I know in 5 years, the next wedding generation will be there.

In the end, isn't the point of this forum to offer better ways to market ourselves? I'm perhaps more matter of fact, but I try very hard not to belittle anyone... and really try hard to keep it centered around my experiences and where they're derived from.
You weren’t necessarily being harsh just very adamant that your way was the right way, anything other than that was wrong, or at least that’s how I perceived it