1st Gig in a Little While

[doncolga]

Hi all,

Haven't posted in a little while, but tonight is my first gig in about six weeks...yikes. Thought I'd forgotten how to hook it all up! Next gig not for another month, then the next in another month. I guess some gigs are better than no gigs.

Donny

[Chris_Allen]

Did it all go well?

[doncolga]

Went very well with really good comments from the guests. I only used the pair of OT12's and the pair of 18" T30's clustered, with no loading available. Maybe things will pick up some soon.

[Chris_Allen]

We all know the economies globally are slow and I think some people are seeing DJ's as an expensive luxury. I think it will drive down prices but I also think it will drive out the cowboys who are just out to rip people off. That, of course, is good for everyone.

Keep your chin up, doing a good job can take time for the word to get round again. Just make sure you have business cards - I used to write thank you messages on mine and a note hoping that had a good time. Makes it a little more personal so they are less likely to dispose of the card.

You could also try printing occasion cards with your details at the bottom so people can write best wishes to whomever the event is for. I know most weddings have those already but other events might not be so organised and it's more free advertising. Just need to watch that line between being a transparent professional who helps everyone enjoy their evening to that in your face pointless individual who is more interested in making more money!

[Titanium Hand]

Glad to hear you got a few gigs on Donny.

The localised economy in Sydney isn't the greatest at present either. I generally only work for seriously wealthy people in my day job, my boss said this winter is the quietest he's encountered in over 15 years in business, when even the elite hold on to their coin it tells me things are not well.

It is picking up though

Hopefully you get a good run of corporate (big spending) christmas parties!

[doncolga]

A dj friend of mine went through a really dry streak about a year ago, to the point that he was in process of selling his gear. At the time I had decent bookings, so I guess it's getting around to me now.

[doncolga]

I just updated my web page. A small business development person suggested I have a way for visitors to get to the DJ section quicker, so I've done that, while still giving access to the musician side. Before, the musician stuff was the only thing on the first page. Critiques, comments and suggestions are welcome. http://www.docmusiconline.net It will be interesting to see if this has any effect.

[Bas Gooiker]

Donny, a few things about your site...

The overal impression is realy clean and simple... In a few seconds its clear who you are and what you do. But...

1. If i google for Big Time Events i get all kinds of event & dj services, just not yours. Its not easy to get high ranking with search engines without paying but its possible. So in order to find your site you'd have to hand out cards to people. I dont know if you made the site yourself but the "keywords" Big time events, DJ, etc. seem to be missing. I am at work at the moment but i will try at home and analize your site some more.

2. If i google for your name, your site is on n1 wich is good, but the description in google is

"Thank you, Lord, what a difference in my life" and "Lord, bring me close to You"—these simple lines summarize the message in the music of Donny Oliver ...

Wich makes it look like a more religious site then a website for a DJ / Artist. I know the religious thing is a big part of your bussiness but might confuse wedding/dance organisers when looking for your DJ bussiness.

[doncolga]

Thanks very much man. Yes, the description and keywords are in progress. I sure appreciate you having a look.

[James R]

Maybe some performance photo's and youtube videos of your dj service in action

[doncolga]

Maybe some performance photo's and youtube videos of your dj service in action

Hey James,

That's in the works too. Thanks for looking!

Donny

[kekani]

I'll add some to what's been stated.

At first glance, I didn't know what the company name was. There's a logo, but no business name.

Okay, there's you're name, so it looks like a personal website with a "hey, this is what I do so check it out". Not sure if that's the intent.

Right off the bat, I'd have two different sites, linked to each other if needed. I agree with Bas. . . On the religious aspect. I have faith as well, and its up to you how you incorporate that into business, so nuff said about that.

When selling on eBay, I'm a single man operation, but the descriptions refer to "we" as a company, rather than "me" as a,person to make "us" seem bigger, which I want. . . You may or may not agree. This also goes with the description of your work, which is a long read and hintsmto a company, but reverts back to you, the person.
The client feedback should be under, and secondary to the meat.

Back to the home page, if you're a DJ, I wouldn't know it. Rule of thumb I've learned about we pages is scrolling, or lack thereof. Meaning, you don't want the viewer to scroll to get to see more; everything needs to grab them on the first page (links are for more detailed info from the home page). Your page doesn't grab me, even if I didn't have to scroll, but it MAKES me link if I want to know anything.

Basically, if you're web paging a DJ business, tell me that, loud and clear. Photos of DJ stuff, professionally setup and done: amps, speakers, mixers, lights, dance floor (with dancing), etc etc etc. Have a gallery linked, in addition to your main "selling" pics.

Just some feedback, IMHO.

[doncolga]

Donny, a few things about your site...

The overal impression is realy clean and simple... In a few seconds its clear who you are and what you do. But...

1. If i google for Big Time Events i get all kinds of event & dj services, just not yours. Its not easy to get high ranking with search engines without paying but its possible. So in order to find your site you'd have to hand out cards to people. I dont know if you made the site yourself but the "keywords" Big time events, DJ, etc. seem to be missing. I am at work at the moment but i will try at home and analize your site some more.

2. If i google for your name, your site is on n1 wich is good, but the description in google is

"Thank you, Lord, what a difference in my life" and "Lord, bring me close to You"—these simple lines summarize the message in the music of Donny Oliver ...

Wich makes it look like a more religious site then a website for a DJ / Artist. I know the religious thing is a big part of your bussiness but might confuse wedding/dance organisers when looking for your DJ bussiness.

Do you know how long updated keywords and descriptions take to appear on Google?

Thanks!

Donny

[Bas Gooiker]

Depends on how often the bots crawl your site. Could be every hour on a interactive site like a newssite or a forum till once a week or even less for sites that dont change content very often.

[Bas Gooiker]

I'll add some to what's been stated.

At first glance, I didn't know what the company name was. There's a logo, but no business name.

Okay, there's you're name, so it looks like a personal website with a "hey, this is what I do so check it out". Not sure if that's the intent.

Right off the bat, I'd have two different sites, linked to each other if needed. I agree with Bas. . . On the religious aspect. I have faith as well, and its up to you how you incorporate that into business, so nuff said about that.

When selling on eBay, I'm a single man operation, but the descriptions refer to "we" as a company, rather than "me" as a,person to make "us" seem bigger, which I want. . . You may or may not agree. This also goes with the description of your work, which is a long read and hintsmto a company, but reverts back to you, the person.
The client feedback should be under, and secondary to the meat.

Back to the home page, if you're a DJ, I wouldn't know it. Rule of thumb I've learned about we pages is scrolling, or lack thereof. Meaning, you don't want the viewer to scroll to get to see more; everything needs to grab them on the first page (links are for more detailed info from the home page). Your page doesn't grab me, even if I didn't have to scroll, but it MAKES me link if I want to know anything.

Basically, if you're web paging a DJ business, tell me that, loud and clear. Photos of DJ stuff, professionally setup and done: amps, speakers, mixers, lights, dance floor (with dancing), etc etc etc. Have a gallery linked, in addition to your main "selling" pics.

Just some feedback, IMHO.

All this summarizes it quiet well. 2 sites is a must IMO, so you can keep Big Time Events all about DJing and providing sound. First impression is very important. Talk about what you do first, the weddings, dances etc. even before you talk about your gear. Also be sure to mention you can do both small intimate aswel as ?? person, dont know what your setup can handle events. So try to add a picture with your full rig to impress, aswel as your minimal setup for those who might find a stack of Tubas intimidating.

<meta name="KEYWORDS" id="mKeywords" content="DJ, Statesboro, Georgia, Music, Donny O. Collins, Quote">

These are the keywords on your site... add a few more things you would like to be connected to by search engines, such as Prom dance, wedding, party... you know what i mean. Also i would remove quote from there, no use what so ever.
Try to get some collaboration going... ask wedding planners or event organisers you work with to link to your site, and in return link to theyrs. You will both benefit from that. Every link to your site is easy road to follow for a potential customer.