DJGold

CJ Greiner

I was involved in another discussion where DJs were debating whether or not looking in the local newspaper could get you leads.
I suppose that perhaps the market you're in could affect how well it might work....

But here's my opinion:

I think it's a great idea.

In some cases the engagement announcements are coming out close to the actual wedding so you probably won't be able to book these clients.

But occasionally, the announcements come out soon after the engagement and you should be able to get your marketing materials to them in time.

I think it's worth it if you can pick up another few gigs during the year because you took a few minutes of your time to peruse the weekly listing, figure out what the B&G's addresses are and send them a postcard or flyer.

___________

Your thoughts?

DJ Daddy · Joined: October 20th, 2004 Posts: 185 Location: MO

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CJ,

I feel that a flyer or postcard would be tossed rather quickly. A DJ wouldn't be the first to use this avenue.

I would spend that money on an occasional ad on that page of the newspaper - brides are always checking those pages.

Just my opinion - I've never tried it so I can't honestly say it would work either way.

On a side note. I went to my local barber shop who also has tanning booths and general hairdressers for women. They have a bulletin board with self-made ads pinned to it. I asked him if I could make a page with those little tear-off pieces on the bottom and he said he didn't care. I don't plan on doing it as I'm out of the game now. However, I thought it might work. All types of girls/ladies/women walk in there - I'm sure plenty would be in the right budget class (i.e. is having a real reception and not a cake and nuts one).

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djmc · Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2005 10:26 pm Post subject:

I used to do this back in my "hungrier" days.

Nowadays, there's enough prospects rolling in thru the internet, so this type of activity is no longer necessary.

CJ Greiner · Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2005 12:12 pm Post subject:

You guys are quite right, I don't think it'll work all of the time -- not even much of the time.

BUT, if it works some of the time -- it seems worth it!

It costs very little to send out each letter, flyer or postcard -- and they're going to a very targeted market with very accurate leads -- which is more than I can say for some of the other types of advertising that I've spent tons of money on in the past.

toughguy61 · Joined: December 8th, 2004 Posts: 3 Location: Meadville, PA

I tried this approach with no success...I think the reason is a bride usually first picks her date, then gets the hall and church and the dj is next...so if getting the dj is 4th on the list, putting the engagement in the paper is 10 or 11th...by the time the announcement goes in...they already have the DJ....

Kelly Gribus
webmaster@bluediamonddjs.com

DJ Teddy Bear · Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2005 2:29 pm Post subject:

Kelly, you have that right. In most cases, the DJ is more important than the announcements. However, I call reading somewhere where SHOES are more important than the DJ. Whatever.

Several years back, for everal months, I tried to contact every bride where the announcement was more than 6 months out. Not even a nibble.

Announcements are often intended to be a last minute thing, so that the friends and neighbors that are not invited will know about it, and have the opportunity to provide a gift.

MusicDoctorDJ · Joined: May 30th, 2004 Posts: 476 Location: Denver, CO

I used to do this a long time ago (80's & early 90's) with great success!

However . . . most people don't read the paper anymore!

Heck . . . I used to be a newspaper photographer and I don't even read the paper anymore!

We only get the Sunday paper for the sale flyers and TV guide! :oops:

Anyway, I think the DJ is further down the food chain than #4 . . .

I think we are generally a lot closer to, if not last on the list!

And many times a DJ is an after thought to them!

And after most of their budget is already spent!

Wolfie · Joined: October 8th, 2004 Posts: 219 Location: Hartly, DE

Greets, CJ.

Some years ago I thought the same. So Ol' Wolfster did some research. I watched the weekend editions of the local fishwrappers. I scoured the phone book, called a few numbers and talked with a few people for a few moons.

Here is what I learned:

Wedding and engagement announcements in the papers are free. That's something to consider right there. :D

The majority of newsprint wedding or engagement announcements are simply that -- announcements. They're not solicitations for wedding services.

Of the couples I was able to reach, many were quickie JOP or notary. They were not having a reception that required paid vendors (a few close friends and family in Mom's living room, if that).

Some were doing a small church wedding and leaving for the Poconos afterwards.

Some were simply listed in the paper because one party or the other was a local. The wedding would take place 2500 miles away.

Of the couples who were having large receptions, most had already made arrangements for vendors months before the announcements appeared in the fishwrapper. The rest didn't want a DJ service.

A couple of the announcements I contacted were fakes -- they were listed for the sole purpose of aggravating an ex-boyfriend or spouse or impressing coworkers. There was no wedding being planned.

My conclusion: Save your time and postage for more productive ventures.

I hope it helps.

davidjones@a2zmobilemusic

i agree with most of you. you would be wasting time spinning your wheels. the INTERNET is the answer. invest in a good page and placement. the brides will come to you requesting quotes and availabilty. as a single system dj i find it very rewarding. RESPOND is also working well for me.

CJ Greiner · Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2005 8:46 pm Post subject:

For kicks and giggles, I went ahead and used the internet to look up the info found at the local newspaper's website.

________________________________

For one example, I could look here:
http://www.print2webcorp.com/news/newportnewsva/specialoccasions/20051106/p1.asp
(The Daily Press)

and find this: (Acrobat PDF file)
http://www.SmithfieldEntertainment.com/images/chat/specialoccasion.pdf
(There were more engagements on page 2)

So, here's the info we have:

... using that information, I'm sure I can find several "Shaws" and "Bunzeys" in the phone book or online with applicable listings. I can mail flyers and postcards to the parents as well as the B&G.

Even if I'm not sure... I can still mail the info! (It doesn't hurt!!!)

If I AM sure I have the right address, I can even include a "congratulations on your engagement!" note.

Here's what I found using http://www.AnyWho.com :

Bunzey, Michael D
730 Chatsworth Dr
Newport News, VA 23601 (+phone #)

Shaw, William (Father ???)
9858 Littlerock Ct
Mechanicsville, VA 23116 (+phone #)

Shaw, William S (Son ???)
7380 Penrith Dr
Mechanicsville, VA 23116 (+phone #)

------------------

3 cards/flyers & stamps later... I've spent my advertising $ very wisely by putting my marketing materials directly into the hands of potential clients that probably otherwise wouldn't even know about my service.

Do the same for the other engagements, and I'm done for the day! 8)

Prime Time · Joined: November 23rd, 2005 Posts: 11 Location: Lincoln, NE

I am very interested in hearing how it turns out. Please keep us posted.

CJ Greiner · Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2005 8:30 am Post subject:

Hi Prime Time -- welcome to DJGold! 8)

Very Nice Website -- who's the scary lookin' lady with the tattoos (right side of picture) on your wedding page? :yeah:

Prime Time Music

_____________________________

I'm going to give the newspaper method a try for the next four weeks. I'll only be trying to contact the ones that look like they might be having the wedding in this area on dates we have open. If a few of them inquire about our services then I'll consider extending the "trial" a little longer.

I'll let you know how it goes!

djmc · Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2005 11:59 am Post subject:

Don't knock yerself out.....LOL