This topic has probably been discussed before, so I apologise in advance if it has. I don't want other jocks to see this as pinching their ideas, It's more of a debate than anything. I'm finding it hard to get my name around the town. Do you think it's important to advertise your disco be it on a frontage or starcloth or whatever you use. It's only I've been to quite a few gigs in town and they are all owned by the same guy and he is very busy. Ok there might be "reasons" as to why this is, but thats nothing to do with me so how does he get the work if no-one knows who he is? I would like to do away the frontage thing, and maybe use a message board fastened to some trussing above me or something. Do any of you have printed t-shirts or any promotional items or is that a bit naff!! I don't know what do you lot think???

A nice Black t'shirt with yellow writing on.

Hi Paula, That's what the lady at the printing shop suggested. A black shirt with yellow writing but now my son has said why don't we have the disco name on the front and a number and our name on the back, like a footy shirt!

T-Shirts are a good idea as they promote and get the name out there.

A website is also a good way...

Failing that cheap prezzies are good - ie if doing a wedding, getthe bride and groom a small prezzy.. They remember that and WILL tell other people....

Business cards on the "Tesco"'s notice boards....

But you'll be restricted in the type of functions that you can wear a t-shirt like that, i.e. pubs/bars will be OK, but it probably wouldn't be too suitable for many weddings at nice venues.
Someone else on another thread mentioned the request slips that they leave on tables with the name and contact details of the mobile on them. They put them on every table at the start of the gig. I'd imagine that would be a cheap way of going about it?

My friend is also a dj and has lots of t-shirts with his name and number on, he gives them out free and to people who have won games as a prize etc...

Not bad if your loaded (sadly i'm not )

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Failing that cheap prezzies are good - ie if doing a wedding, getthe bride and groom a small prezzy.. They remember that and WILL tell other people....

what kind of cheap prezzy can you buy that ain't tacky?

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Someone else on another thread mentioned the request slips that they leave on tables with the name and contact details of the mobile on them.

Yes, it was mikee. I took this advice, and the first night I used them I had a lot of people with request's and at the end of the night lots of people said that the slips were a very good idea!!!

Cheers Mikee

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what kind of cheap prezzy can you buy that ain't tacky?

Macro's (cash and carry) did an "Engagement" and a "Wedding" Champagne Flutes pack.

Cost was around £7ish... Small price to pay for the amount of promotion it does...

Some professionally printed business cards are a must. Hand them out to anyone who is likely to help get you the bookings.

I made 2 small magnetic signs with my web address on them and stick them to the front grills of my top speakers when setting up. If you use a black background & white lettering the UV lights make them glow.

You can also have pens and all sorts of other small gifts printed with your name/number. I'll dig out the info in the next couple of days for you. I had some pens done which I handed to events staff at hotels & agents.

Whatever you decide make sure it looks professional.

Paul S

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but now my son has said why don't we have the disco name on the front and a number and our name on the back, like a footy shirt!

how about your phone number on the back, your discos name on the front,
But be warned you'll get the odd funny bugger trying to ring you on the night especially if its a mobile you use.

At most non formal and younger age group functions the "Request By Text" feature is a good idea, whereby people request their tracks by text message. Obviously it usually only works with the younger generation who spend most of the night texting their mates anyway!, but the philosophy behind it, means that when the guest's go away at the end of the night, most will take your contact number with them .

A collague of mine spends a great deal of money on "Gifts and novelties" with his details on, here are some of his current idea's:-

Beer Mats - Not as daft as it sounds. Most village halls do not have these in place, and the majority of mobile bars don't go to the expense of taking them with them, at least not around here!. Before anybody arrives, put them in place - often 4 - 6 per table. He prints them with "Tonights Entertainment provided by...." then all of his contact details etc. They look very effective and literally under everybodies nose all night. Neither are they as expensive as you may think. He has them printed on stiff card and laminated, so they can be cleaned and used again and again.

Book Matches - How many times have you been asked "Got a light Mate?" during a gig?, even if you are a non smoker Keep a supply of printed book matches, and just hand them over. Batches of 50 cost very little.

Request Slips - A must!, when you use them in conjunction with the beer mat idea you have 100% advertising in front of each punter. You get the best of both worlds, Request slips will be read, but often get handed back to you. Beer Mats stay put, unless the client takes them in order to get your details.

Clothing - I once had some printed T-Shirts and Baseball Caps done. One of the most expensive forms of advertising and again one that really only appeals to the younger generation. Maybe worth considering if you are doing a large outside event for the public. However, clothing for you and anyone associated with your show is quite inexpensive. Embroidered Polo shirts are quite effective and smart enough when worn with casual trousers for most non formal family events.

Business Cards - Mentioned before, and quite obvious. Ask if you can leave a small pile of these on the Bar during the function. Also pin these up on village hall notice boards, Leisure Centres, etc.

Balloons - Printed Balloons are quite inexpensive. Don't bother with helium types unless you have plenty to spend. Again the advantage of this is that you will find them going home (along with your details) with the younger guests at the end of the function.

Glowsticks - If you use these already - ever thought of having them overprinted with your details?

Leaflets:- Printed A4 / A3 leaflets are coming down in price all of the time!!. Have 500 - 2000 of these done professionally, and spend one Saturday in town handing them out to people . Better Still, wait until there is a local carnival / event and go around the crowd handing them out.

Newsagents:- Can be your best friend!. If you know your local newsagent and have shopped there for years then why not use the leaflet idea, and ask them if it would be possible for their Paperboy(s) / Girl(s) to deliver your leaflet to every house they deliver the paper to. You may have to make a few "token" purchases but it is very effective advertising. If your Son / Daughter / Nephew / Niece etc has a paper round, then better still!

Christmas Cards:- Again professionally printed with your details. Keep a database on file of your clients from years gone by (You are keeping accounts anyway aren't you! ) then during December send them a Christmas Card!. It reminds them that you are still in business and also that they have to book that Wedding, Party, 40th etc in the New Year.

If you need any Leaflets / Business Cards / Labels / Letterheads printed then I can recommend JDH Labels Ltd on Tel / Fax (01260) 277272

I have polo shirts printed, with my business name, web address and telephone number on them, notice I say polo and not tee, then you can wear them at casual functions where a tee shirt would be a no-go. Cost £15 each. (Artwork set up cost me £95 though as I have alot of detail)
Business cards. GET THEM DONE PROFESSIONALLY. NOT YOUR CARD ON YOUR COMPUTER. Again company logo, identicial to everything else. Cost for 500 about £60 after the set up fee
Van Signwriting. Alot of people don't like the idea but for me the best bit of advertising I do. Cost £300. Very good but expensive, can get cheaper.
Coats, same as polo shirts etc for loading/unloading in winter. Cost £30
Baseball Cap to match. Cost £6
Umbrellas are cheap and walking around town when raining with it up is great advertising. Cost £15
Pens to give away. Again can get cheap one but 'You never get a second chance to make a first impression' so cost about 0.35 each
I don't like the idea of 'forcing' your cards to people, like leaving them on tables etc, seems like I am trying to get the work, so therefore need the work so can't be busy etc..
Give the customer a reciept along with a business card, the card will go in the pocket and the reciept will also have you name on it for furtgher reference.
Christmas cards as stated, get them printed looks 100 times better
Wedding card for the bride and groom, cost as little as 50p each if brought in bulk direct from suppliers, if you think it is a waste of time, forget working for yourself and start stacking shelfs at Tescos in the evenings.
The best bit of advertising is free.......Answer the telphone professionally, ring up your bank/hotel/restuarant and they don't pick the the phone and just say 'hello'They wouln't get much business its more like 'Joe Smiths reastuarant, how can I help' etc. Cost nothing VERY professional. Hope this helps the younger member as for a change it's the older members that know it all !!!!

With regard to Vehicle Signwriting, the magnetic signs are usually a good idea, rather than physical painted signage. Especially if you use you vehicle for social & pleasure as well, or happen to leave it parked in an undesireable area!. The sign can simply be removed from the vehicle!.

Apart from the obvious advantage, the sign can be transfered from vehicle to vehicle, doesn't damage the paintwork etc. If you use a newish van, then it won't affect the resale value of the vehicle if you come to sell it on. Buyers are reluctant to pay the going rate for a vehicle which needs a complete respray

I f you use transfer they come easily, I have just re-done my van, took all the old name logos etc off and put new logos on, in between after a couple of hours of elbow grease was put onto the bodywork, looked great, gleaming white van again.

They are all fantastic ideas

my only problem with getting you van sign written, is it lets every body know exactly what is inside it.

I don't like to advertise to potential thiefs.

I also know of some agents who book the major venues in the city who don't like you arriving in a sign written van

I've just had a quote for two 450x900mm magnetic signs and it was £85 plus a one off fee of £15 for the art work. I was thinking about taking them off once I got to my gig and then incorporating them in my light show somewhere. The reason I metioned t-shirts in my original thread is because we've been asked if we want to do a reopen day at our local park.

with advertising & promotion the phase you should think of is


AS WELL AS

and not

either or

Hi all try advertising on www.hitched.co.uk its free or other advertising is at great prices.

i have advertisied on there for just on a year know and have had 20 confirmed bookings through hitched and only cost me £ 95

I am sometimes on the forum there too Resident DJ

QUOTE (Wesley @ Jun 17 2003, 10:50 PM)

Hi all try advertising on www.hitched.co.uk its free or other advertising is at great prices. i have advertisied on there for just on a year know and have had 20 confirmed bookings through hitched and only cost me £ 95 I am sometimes on the forum there too Resident DJ

Are you on Commission for them also???, since you seem to be mentioning them on every thread - particually as it's a paid service.

Of course you've also given us a mention on their forum, haven't you?

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Hi all try advertising on www.hitched.co.uk its free or other advertising is at great prices. i have advertisied on there for just on a year know and have had 20 confirmed bookings through hitched and only cost me £ 95

I was advertised on hitched for about 4 months and never once even got an enquiry..... Goes to show that different areas like different things......

The main reason i get alot of bookings from hicthed is because i use the forum alot.

[QUOTE] Chris i have mentioned you to some friends and other djs who i know i will let them, know