In this month’s member spotlight, we chatted with the dynamic and successful wedding DJ, Queendoq. A quick look at Queendoq’s glowing client reviews and vibrant social media interactions shows just how delighted her clients are — and for good reason.
Specializing in weddings, Queendoq has mastered the art of client satisfaction, ensuring every guest has an unforgettable time. Join us as we delve into her success story, strategies, and insights, uncovering the secrets behind her thriving DJ business and the joy she brings to every celebration.
Becoming a Wedding DJ
Queendoq is passionate about DJing and creating special moments for people through music. “I’ve always been a musician and a recording engineer, and I just kind of decided to go to the other side because I thought maybe I can make a little bit more consistent money…so I decided to do a couple of gigs, and I had fun. It kind of took off from there.”
Her first DJ gig was at Christmas parties, but when a guest asked her to DJ at a wedding, she discovered her passion for weddings. “After that, I was like, oh man, this is actually easier. You’re not playing a four-hour set straight through. There are many concepts, stoppages, and understanding the moments that are happening, you know? And so I became exclusively a wedding DJ.” Not only is the format more enjoyable, but the event itself brings a lot of joy. “At the wedding, it’s family and friends, and they’re dressed up really nice, and they wanna be well-behaved. It’s also a blessing to be able to be there. It’s someone’s special moment, and you get to enjoy it with them.”
In addition to being a DJ, Queendoq also offers videography, photography, and photo booth services at weddings, providing a comprehensive entertainment experience. Looking ahead, she hopes to expand her offerings to include full wedding services, ensuring every couple’s special day is as perfect and stress-free as possible.
Queendoq’s GigSalad Journey
Since joining GigSalad in 2022, Queendoq has quickly become a glowing success story for our platform, with numerous bookings and positive reviews. She graciously shared with us insights on the source of her success on GigSalad and numerous tips on creating a professional profile, becoming a wedding DJ, and communicating with clients.
Using GigSalad
GS: How did you discover GigSalad, and what made you decide to join the platform?
QD: Once I started doing gigs, I learned about lead sites and Googled all the top 10 lead sites. I put myself on all of them. That’s really how it all started with GigSalad.
GS: Is there a specific response method that has led you to more bookings and success?
QD: Definitely, being the first to contact somebody is crucial. Whether it’s a text message, phone call, or email, you have to be the first. Once somebody gets two or three messages, they get annoyed because they’re just like, “Oh, all these people keep contacting me.” So, trying to be the first responder, the first phone call, is important.
📈 Read this: 12 Proven Strategies for How to Book More Gigs
Meeting Client Needs
GS: How do you ensure that clients understand what you do? Do you follow any specific tactics?
QD: Every single text message has a link to my Instagram. Every single email has a link. It’s literally in the first sentence. Before you even say what the price is or anything, that first sentence says, “I would love to be your DJ. Have you checked out my work? Here’s a link.”
I do not think one method works the best because I believe we’re dealing with different types of people. Some people are younger, and they’re good with text messages. So I think you have to use all three methods: responding in the app, text message, phone call, and, if you have an email address, email.
😶 No responses? Check out these tips: How to Deal with Unresponsive Clients
GS: How do you ensure a client gets exactly what they envision? Do you have any specific questions that you ask?
QD: I actually do Zoom meetings. I definitely have a list of questions that I ask, but I like the face-to-face interaction. We’re on a Zoom, I’m getting to know them, and they’re getting to know me. I ask all my questions and transcribe everything from there.
We discuss everything from the first dance, the grand entrance, and how big the bridal party is. I ask, “Do we want to give everybody in the bridal party a moment? How many people do you think are going to give speeches? What type of music do we want to play during cocktail hour, pre-ceremony, etc.?” We go through the whole nine. When you have those Zoom meetings, more things come out than if I were just to send a piece of paper with questions.
Standing Out
GS: DJing is a competitive field. What sets you apart from the competition?
QD: So, with me, it’s understanding that the couple and the family are more important than you as a DJ. Most DJs have an ego. They think they’re the entertainment; they think they’re the face. Take yourself out of it, and realize that this is the couple’s biggest party ever, the biggest celebration ever, and make it all about them.
I think that’s what I do best: being able to make this day all about the client, all about the family. And I enjoy that. I really, truly, sincerely enjoy it. I’m on the floor sometimes, dancing with kids, dancing with grandmothers, and just really enjoying the fact that someone is celebrating the love that they have for each other, and I think it’s special. I mean, it really is!
GS: Do you have any tips for putting together great promotional materials that will attract clients while also communicating your personality?
QD: I think pictures say a lot more than video because it’s an image that’s just captured. Very good pictures that show action are very important. As you throw parties, you begin to know what entices people, and you want to put those things in the profile. For example, I know that people love to see me show them dance moves, so I put that I teach dance moves sometimes in my profile and photos. Whatever you’re good at…make sure you put that in your profile.
🌟 Looking for more tips on creating an awesome online profile? Read this: Create a Media Kit That Will Get You Gigs
Wedding DJ Tips
GS: What would you suggest to someone who is just starting out as a DJ?
QD: Find a local venue and take some pictures. Most halls and venues allow people to come in and do it. Take some pictures so you can have something to put on your profile. Also, talk to the venue owners and let them know who you are. Introduce yourself as a new DJ on the scene and give them your business cards. Many venues have preferred vendor lists, and while it takes time to get on them, showing your face consistently helps.
GS: What advice do you have for DJs who want to start working weddings?
QD: I think for a DJ that really wants to do weddings, you have to shed your ego. It’s actually something I had to learn the first year. Naturally, DJs are entertainers; they are in the spotlight, and they get a lot of attention. At a wedding, if you can relinquish the idea of how great of a DJ you are and remember that it’s about how great of a memory this couple has, then it’s for you. If you’re the club DJ who wants a million followers and millions of dollars, then weddings are not for you.
💒 Get hired for weddings with these tips: How to Get Booked for Wedding Gigs
Words of Wisdom
GS: If you could give ONE piece of advice to someone considering joining GigSalad, what would it be?
QD: I think being ready. More than being a DJ is being ready for the leads as they come in. Make sure your profile is set up, your Instagram is set up, and you know how much you want to charge so that once those leads come in, you are prepared to respond. People will ask, “How can I see your work?” They will want to know how many weddings you have done, if you have experience with specific types of weddings like Jewish weddings, and if you travel. Knowing all your specifics before someone calls you is very important. Having your profile ready is key.
🌟 Looking for more inspirational success stories? Check out last month’s talent spotlight: Meet Jazz Musician James Apollo
We extend our sincere gratitude to Queendoq for sharing her insights and experiences with us for this month’s member spotlight. Her enthusiasm for creating unforgettable moments through music shines brightly and illuminates the joy of following your passions and doing what you love. We eagerly anticipate her ongoing success as she elevates the wedding entertainment industry with expertise and unwavering commitment to creating remarkable experiences for every couple she works with. ??
Matt Holland is a Customer Happiness Agent at GigSalad. With 10+ years of experience performing as a jazz drummer, he has gained insights into the life of a gigging musician as well as what makes an event go off without a hitch. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, cooking, and watching the newest TV shows with his wife.