As a DJ in today’s scene, the need to stand out and brand yourself has become essential. The following are a few key materials you should have at your fingertips – as well as on your website, social media or just readily available for unique situations.

Logo
Your logo is probably the first and most important piece of your brand. Before deciding on a final design, be sure to research and look at a bunch of options! Make sure the design speaks to the message you want to send, is easy to read and looks clean and simple. A professionally done logo will stand the test of time and become a staple in all of your performances.

Press Photos
Before you start snapping selfies at home with your iPhone, really think about what you want the photos to say about you. They will represent a piece of your personality, which you would want to portray that message in a natural and not overdone way. This may sound easier said than done. You might have to work with a few photographers until you find the perfect match, but in the end having a great set of press photos will be worth the work. Try to keep your photos updated, but choosing simple, classic clothing options for photo shoots can help extend the shelf life of your photos.

Artist Biography
While having a bio might seem like an obvious marketing tool, many DJs forget how important this piece can be. For example, if your bio is the first thing a potential booker reads about you, and it hasn’t been updated for 2 years, that’s not going to give a great first impression. Make sure your bio is up to date with your latest gigs, music you’ve released, who you are and why you’re worth their time. Also touch on your musical influences, goals and where you see yourself in the future.

Social Media (Facebook page, Instagram, Twitter, Soundcloud, Mixcloud)
The list of social networks goes on and on. Find which one works best for you to best communicate to an audience. Your focus can be to grow one platform and maintain a few others if that works for you. Social media can be a full-time job, but by putting effort into it for as little as an hour a day, you will see substantial growth. Many bookers look at social media numbers these days, so your efforts will pay off!

Press Kit
Here is where you get to use that bio and all of the headshots that took so long to perfect. Your press kit will be a clean and inviting package encompassing all the important information that a booker is looking for, including tour dates and any press coverage you’ve earned. Also, it should be easy to send to venues and bookers, so creating an electronic version is a must.

Promo and Merch
Merchandise and promotional giveaways are a great way to get your branding into the hands of lots of new fans while also helping to create a memorable and interactive experience. Now this can get pricey, so think hard about what type of item would work best for your audiences and also do your research when looking for vendors to create your custom merchandise.