Website Structure - The purpose of a website

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TJS

TJS

GetSomeJuJu
Nov 8, 2018
350
372
58
Ankeny, IA
www.jujulab.rocks
Getting some input...As I'm in the process of developing and tweaking my website, I thought I'd ask for some input. Of course, if there is already a thread somewhere on the forum addressing this topic just direct me there. The question is in regards to the purpose of a website. I've seen some DJ's use their website to not only give their unique approach or philosophy to events, highlight examples, give packages but also to advertise package pricing. Some seem to use tools such as what is advertised on DJ Intelligence that people incorporate into their website that creates a quote generator etc. The purpose of this website approach (advertising pricing) seems to be to give folks all the info they're looking for right away. The downside that I see? As a DJ, you're completely left out of the sales part of it. You don't get a chance to talk to them if they don't contact you. So you could get traffic to the site with no contact and be left with no understanding as to WHY you're not getting contacted or booking results. If you don't already have amazing video/photo examples that automatically justify (in their mind) your pricing, they simply leave the site. You don't get an opportunity to "sell yourself" to them because they grab the info and go. Then I see DJ's who simply detail out their packages but do not give pricing on their website. It's more of a "contact us to get pricing' kind of approach. So the purpose here seems to give them enough info but to get them to call so you can sell yourself, hopefully connect with your potential client and personally overcome any perceived objections. What do you do or recommend? Have you started off with one approach and eventually switched to another? If so, why? Also, do any of you use/incorporate the tools offered by DJ Intelligence? I went through the trial period (60 days) and the tools seem pretty slick but, of course, that's $200/yr to incorporate them into a website. Thx for the input!
-Tom
 
I think you'll find differing opinions.

Many use a website just as a landing page from advertising (WW,TK, Facebook etc.) or links from event writeups/videos. Then you want pricing, and other details to minimize the tire kickers, but give them a way to contact you.

Others use their website for the advertising itself, though that seems to have less impact than the other methods.

Personally I don't use one, but if I did it would be relatively simple, would stay away from the "here's why a good DJ/etc. is important" fluff that's too prevalent, get people the info they want (pricing, options), showcase your strengths, and hype them with great pictures/videos.
 
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Welcome aboard Tom. Whether or not to show prices on your website or have a quote generator is one for the ages. It's right up there with the great sit vs. stand, tip jar, and Bose debates. Stick around you'll see what I mean. :monsmile:

As a consumer when a website hides their pricing behind a contact/lead generator form I'm gone. I'm gone even faster if the site is worded in such a way I thought I'd get pricing after submitting my info only to see we'll call you.

For DJs personality matters more than any other vendor. It's hard to convey personality without speaking. I think a few performance video clips takes care of that.

If I'm hiring another artsy type say a graphic artist all I need to see is a few samples to objectively say "Okay this one knows what she's doing". It's not much different for a DJ. My .02 is for Millennials we're used to having information at the snap of a finger. Not posting prices = no information. I'd just move on to the next DJ -- but that's just me.
 
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It's a pretty wide open question and there undoubtedly will be a multitude of opinions/suggestions. Here's mine. A website is used to make a prospect aware of your service and to start a conversation. Now in my case I work a FT job and do DJing as a sideline business. In my case, I chose to make my prices somewhat budget-friendly and I posted all packages and pricing online. The idea was to use the website to do the selling, eliminate the tire-kickers from wasting my time and to get people ready to book my service(s). In this situation, posting prices saved my bacon. I only got emails/calls from people who had made up their minds (mostly) and were ready to book.

Now if you're pushing a more premium-level service, and trying to charge at the top-tier of your industry, then I think you don't post prices but concentrate on material/videos/pics that invoke emotion and make the reader want your services. In that case, the goal is to get them to fill out a contact form or call you and to start a conversation, usually in-person. From there, you make your pitch and present your prices and try to close deals.

Either way you go, and I'm assuming you're pitching weddings to 20-something females, you're trying to come up with something, anything that is "shiney and sparkly". If you can manage to gain this fickle demographic's attention, you're most of the way home on landing the business. I hope this helps.
 
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All I’ll say is this... there was a weddingwire or knit survey recently that had a question about pricing when couples are researching... and about 80% of them responded that they want to see pricing on sites (at least starting), and that over half only contacted those that they knew their pricing fell within their budget ahead of time.

Times are changing. Some may want the traditional “sales” process... but if clients don’t, then that means adjust.
 
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I am a much better salesperson IN person, thru email, or at least on the phone.
I am on the side of NOT putting prices on my site.
I completely understand those who want to avoid "tire kickers" who don't pan out to be actual clients.
But I am a part time Mobile DJ, and I don't a LOT of inquiries, don't get a lot of jobs...
so to me....chasing away tire kickers is like chasing away a potential client.
Also, I depend heavily on referrals, past clients, and word of mouth....
so if people are looking for me, they are looking for ME...and not just shopping.
So not listing my prices makes them contact me, before they decide.
Once I have them talking (as it were) I have a very good closing rate.

I make radio ads for a living...and the basic theory applies here.
You can't describe EVERYTHING you do in 30-seconds.
So you only give them a tease. Just enough to get them to contact you.
Like we say in radio...just give them enough info to wet their appetite.
If you spill all the beans, they have no questions to ask you.

I also don't post packages on my site, mostly because I don't offer different equipment.
I have my sound show, which can handle most of the rooms I play.
If the job turns out to be bigger, I can add gear and alter the price to match.
Dance floor lighting is included...but uplights, gobos, or other stuff can be added and charged accordingly.

Just another opinion for you to think about.
Welcome Tom...hope you stick around!
 
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Great input! Thanks everyone! I knew I'd get different opinions, which is fine. Everyone gave a number of reasons behind what you've chosen to do and that's really helpful. It does seem that folks nowadays are so used to getting "all" of their answers by going to a website. They're aimed at getting the most info in the least amount of time so I get that. I think my big challenge at this beginning stage is showing enough value on a website to get them to contact. When you have well done video or pics of a number of events to demo on the website, it seems easier to build value to a website visitor. They then can weigh what they see against the price they see and then choose whether or not to contact. When you have relatively few examples to show (like I do at this point), it becomes a little more challenging to demonstrate value on the website alone. And like Mike mentioned, it seems easier to depend on yourself to do the selling. BUT ya gotta get 'em to contact you!! .. Haa! Any recommendations as to what to include on a website (besides pricing and what is included in the packages) if you have relatively few pics or video at this point? I've thought of including the remixes I've done via my DAW to give examples of mixing/music samples.
-Tom
 
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TJS said:
Great input! Thanks everyone! I knew I'd get different opinions, which is fine. Everyone gave a number of reasons behind what you've chosen to do and that's really helpful. It does seem that folks nowadays are so used to getting "all" of their answers by going to a website. They're aimed at getting the most info in the least amount of time so I get that. I think my big challenge at this beginning stage is showing enough value on a website to get them to contact. When you have well done video or pics of a number of events to demo on the website, it seems easier to build value to a website visitor. They then can weigh what they see against the price they see and then choose whether or not to contact. When you have relatively few examples to show (like I do at this point), it becomes a little more challenging to demonstrate value on the website alone. And like Mike mentioned, it seems easier to depend on yourself to do the selling. BUT ya gotta get 'em to contact you!! .. Haa! Any recommendations as to what to include on a website (besides pricing and what is included in the packages) if you have relatively few pics or video at this point? I've thought of including the remixes I've done via my DAW to give examples of mixing/music samples.
-Tom
Click to expand...
It seems that some really good pictures (of your setup or parties) or nice videos are kind of key for the demographics you'd want. That might mean paying someone to take some (or bargaining with one of the photographers/videographers you've worked with.
 
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TJS said:
Great input! Thanks everyone! I knew I'd get different opinions, which is fine. Everyone gave a number of reasons behind what you've chosen to do and that's really helpful. It does seem that folks nowadays are so used to getting "all" of their answers by going to a website. They're aimed at getting the most info in the least amount of time so I get that. I think my big challenge at this beginning stage is showing enough value on a website to get them to contact. When you have well done video or pics of a number of events to demo on the website, it seems easier to build value to a website visitor. They then can weigh what they see against the price they see and then choose whether or not to contact. When you have relatively few examples to show (like I do at this point), it becomes a little more challenging to demonstrate value on the website alone. And like Mike mentioned, it seems easier to depend on yourself to do the selling. BUT ya gotta get 'em to contact you!! .. Haa! Any recommendations as to what to include on a website (besides pricing and what is included in the packages) if you have relatively few pics or video at this point? I've thought of including the remixes I've done via my DAW to give examples of mixing/music samples.
-Tom
Click to expand...
DO you have upcoming events? If so, I suggest as steve mentioned, hire an amateur photo/videog to capture it and make highlight recaps and capture photos to put online. What price range are you trying to capture at the current moment?
 
Tom,

Both of my websites are linked in my footer, but the Bela Sono Music site is my primary one. I tried to optimize that site to generate inquiries. There are two different forms that are built in all over the site as a pop up, or a separate page to gather prospect information. All I really need/want is "Date, e-mail, and name". The main contact form also has a spot to add notes about the event and a non-required phone number.

The rest of the site is designed to showcase the types of events that I want to attract. My focus is weddings, and that's all I show. Testimonials, photos, videos... they all showcase that work I want more of.

I do have a pricing page, but there is no direct link unless you know where it is. I simply decided that if you're not interested enough to inquire about my availability... then you're not my client. I'm sure I have bounces that COULD do business with me. But if you see my site and aren't compelled enough to reach out, you're probably not a great prospect.

My close rate once you fill out one of my web forms is quite good, so I'm happy with that process. I'd rather have fewer leads that close at higher rates, rather than chasing more leads that are junk. But that's just me.
 
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When I built mine , I spent some looking at other local DJ's websites to see how they went about things , and to get some ideas. I am planning on doing a new website this year sometime and I am going to scale it way back and keep it more simple , streamlined if you well. I do have pricing listed on my page, on the home page I have starting at and then on event type page I have the pricing window listed .

Pricing, yes, I really think you should have pricing listed on your website, and dont make it hard to find, the current gen are way more price conscious than I think any of the previous generations are, and you will be shooting yourself in the foot I think if you dont have it listed, they dont play games when it comes to this stuff. My best advice I can give you is when you build your site, put yourself in the shows if you will of the customer/client, use that presperstive to build it, you want it to be engaiging and have all the info they are after easy to find, and make easy to contact you.
 
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Part of the selling cycle is to separate prospects from suspects. Whether or not to list prices depends on where you're at with our business IMO. If you need more experience talking to prospects on the phone or thru email, (and don't have many events lined up yet) either don't list prices or advertise a low starting price. In this case, the purpose of the website is to get prospects to contact you.

OTOH, if you're at the point of getting bugged with too many calls, asking what your prices are, maybe shouldn't list prices.

A website is just a marketing tool, but times have changed as far as selling to millennials. Most don't wanna take the time for an in person sales meeting.
 
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djtaso said:
DO you have upcoming events? If so, I suggest as steve mentioned, hire an amateur photo/videog to capture it and make highlight recaps and capture photos to put online. What price range are you trying to capture at the current moment?
Click to expand...

So far, I've been focusing on getting the site set up so I can have something to refer folks to so no weddings or events set up just now. I've had a couple of inquiries from word of mouth but no results just yet. For now, I have my price for a 6 hr wedding at $500. I have 4 wireless up lights (haa) , 4 Chauvet Q12's, 2 Swarms, and a nice backdrop/table cover printed with logo. I'm in the Midwest. To be honest, I'm not exactly sure about where I'm landing with a price point when you consider just starting out experience-wise, fairly limited equipment (in terms of up lighting and no moving heads) etc. I am trying to make sure that if my set up has to be rather humble to start off, the presentation of that is still done well in the details. I like the suggestions at photo/video capturing at the next event I book and build from there!
 
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TJS said:
So far, I've been focusing on getting the site set up so I can have something to refer folks to so no weddings or events set up just now. I've had a couple of inquiries from word of mouth but no results just yet. For now, I have my price for a 6 hr wedding at $500. I have 4 wireless up lights (haa) , 4 Chauvet Q12's, 2 Swarms, and a nice backdrop/table cover printed with logo. I'm in the Midwest. To be honest, I'm not exactly sure about where I'm landing with a price point when you consider just starting out experience-wise, fairly limited equipment (in terms of up lighting and no moving heads) etc. I am trying to make sure that if my set up has to be rather humble to start off, the presentation of that is still done well in the details. I like the suggestions at photo/video capturing at the next event I book and build from there!
Click to expand...

I don't know your area but everything you said sounds solid and I think $500 is probably an excellent place to start. You might consider posting ads to craigslist. It was really good at turning up gigs, especially at a lower price point like that. What are you doing for sound (speakers, board, etc)? Good luck with it.
 
rickryan.com said:
I don't know your area but everything you said sounds solid and I think $500 is probably an excellent place to start. You might consider posting ads to craigslist. It was really good at turning up gigs, especially at a lower price point like that. What are you doing for sound (speakers, board, etc)? Good luck with it.
Click to expand...

Bose L1 compact Model1s with B2 Bass speaker with Tone Match mixer. Pioneer DDJ-SB3 for dj controller
 
Albatross said:
Tom,

Both of my websites are linked in my footer, but the Bela Sono Music site is my primary one. I tried to optimize that site to generate inquiries. There are two different forms that are built in all over the site as a pop up, or a separate page to gather prospect information. All I really need/want is "Date, e-mail, and name". The main contact form also has a spot to add notes about the event and a non-required phone number.

The rest of the site is designed to showcase the types of events that I want to attract. My focus is weddings, and that's all I show. Testimonials, photos, videos... they all showcase that work I want more of.

I do have a pricing page, but there is no direct link unless you know where it is. I simply decided that if you're not interested enough to inquire about my availability... then you're not my client. I'm sure I have bounces that COULD do business with me. But if you see my site and aren't compelled enough to reach out, you're probably not a great prospect.

My close rate once you fill out one of my web forms is quite good, so I'm happy with that process. I'd rather have fewer leads that close at higher rates, rather than chasing more leads that are junk. But that's just me.
Click to expand...


Awesome input Ross! Thanks for the detailed explanation. I'll probably stalk your websites now to help get an idea of what you're referring to Haaaa...thanks again!
-Tom
 
Jas said:
Part of the selling cycle is to separate prospects from suspects. Whether or not to list prices depends on where you're at with our business IMO. If you need more experience talking to prospects on the phone or thru email, (and don't have many events lined up yet) either don't list prices or advertise a low starting price. In this case, the purpose of the website is to get prospects to contact you.

OTOH, if you're at the point of getting bugged with too many calls, asking what your prices are, maybe shouldn't list prices.

A website is just a marketing tool, but times have changed as far as selling to millennials. Most don't wanna take the time for an in person sales meeting.
[/QUO

This makes a lot sense, especially the piece about folks not wanting to take the time for the in person sales meeting (at least initially)
Click to expand...
 
TJS said:
Bose L1 compact Model1s with B2 Bass speaker with Tone Match mixer. Pioneer DDJ-SB3 for dj controller
Click to expand...

Be sure and pitch that name "Bose" in your marketing materials. That's the only brand of speaker I ever noticed it getting traction with brides.
 
Do what you feel is right FOR YOU!

...I just listed prices again on my website 3 weeks ago. I received ZERO inquires in the time that I put prices up. So I had my web guy take them down, and now we are back to stating a STARTING PRICE for our bottom package again. I essentially give a starting price of $700 for our bottom tier package for 4 hours. I have tried posting prices at least 4 times over the years now, and it always ends up the same way. ...Inquiries stop coming in, or at best I only receive a handful when I should be receiving many more. I don't mind dealing with tire kickers here and there. I feel I am better at closing wedding clients after they have inquired, and I have an oppurtunity to build a raport of sorts with them.

I give lots of info on the site. Typical deposit amounts. Starting Price. I also offer a typical price range broken down by hour. It's a broad range, but it gives them an idea of cost.


*This just in...I had the website reverted back to no pricing just yesterday, and as I was typing up this post, I received a inquiry on the website! ...This just goes to show, that keeping price info off of the site is the way to go for me. *
 
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