Featured Article - Mobile Beat Magazine

- I see from your bio on the SFM you have a background in event planning, specifically weddings. How do you think that has helped you design for the wedding industry?

As a designer, knowing from experience what brides and corporate clients were looking for in vendors help us ensure during the planning, design and strategic marketing phases that we captured their attention in various ways.  This includes tailoring websites to the desired demographic, geographic area if applicable (destination or big city, etc.), ads for publications and other media - all with the express purpose of compelling them to want to call.  Clients for weddings and special events are very diverse, and often I find that existing websites for industry professionals are only catering to one very specific demographic.

 

- When we talked the first time, you've seen a lot of bad DJ websites. What do you see on DJ websites that makes you cringe?

 

This is an easy question - bad headshots; self-made websites that contain miles and miles of poorly written verbiage and little or poor quality photos; logos with entirely too many effects and colors and non complimentary fonts.  Those are the big cringes.

 

- What is the biggest reason you think someone should hire a professional to design their website over doing it themselves?

 

We have seen countless companies approach us completely mistified how they offer better, more experienced and quality products or services than their competitors but get virtually no leads.  When I research websites/branding of whom they are competing against, the reason for this becomes clear quickly.  All consumers want to buy from a company that exudes stability, strength, trust and professionalism - self included.  The first and often only impression a potential client has to judge you on is your online branding or marketing materials.  They are always, always going to want to purchase from a company that has invested in a quality website, that has the appearance that it is more than one person working out of their basement, and that draws them in emotionally.  A professionally designed, customized website that is search engine optimized and designed to reflect what the business WANTS and STRIVES to be often helps them get there quickly.

 

- If someone isn't sure if they want a flash website or an HTML website, which do you recommend & why?

 

The decision to opt for Flash vs. HTML is often based on a few factors:

• Budget - Flash-Lite websites are slightly more expensive than HTML due to the advanced design capabilities, fluidity and functionality. (Note: we build only SEO based websites, that have many Flash components but are quicker and able to be self maintained as compared to true Flash based websites)
• Content - If a client has the need or desire to have over 10 pages, I would primarily recommend HTML.  Creating a very heavy and loaded Flash-Lite site would prove to be slower to navigate and thus have a higher initial bounce rate (bounce rate being the percentage of viewers who leave the site after visiting only the home page)
• Image - Mobile Entertainers and other wedding and event professionals who want to be considered higher end would be ideal Flash-Lite candidates.  A business looking for a very visually appealing site, with music playing while browsing, video and audio samples, enhanced gallery options, etc. are going to experience limitations with HTML in some of these areas.
• Compatibility - Flash-Lite websites do have viewing limitations on ipads and iphones, and for those customers who want the best of both worlds we partner with a mobile website creator, and also utilize Wordpress platforms to create a version of their website which is compatible for those devices.

 

- The DJ industry is pretty male dominated, while their main clients are the brides. Do you find that's a factor in why some DJs aren't achieving the level of results they want from their marketing (because they aren't properly marketing to their female clientele)?

 

Yes and No.  It is not as much the alienation of female clientele but of the primary demographic of the client who seeks out the mobile entertainer, which is primarily young women.  Based on my experience and in many conversations with brides and clients as test groups more often than not, it is the appearance of the DJ or their company being outdated that causes them to move on to the next company.  Young women aren't necessarily looking for club DJs right out of college, but they don't want their parents' DJ either.  The age of the DJ plays much less of a role than their appearance on the website does.  Outdated head shots with apparel including vests, cummerbunds, bow ties, and fashion from the 80's and 90's is an instant turn off.  When our test group viewed pictures of DJs wearing updated suits vs. tuxes, or more edgy/modern photography pics of the DJ vs. dated studio style shots, it resulted in immediate positive response with high consideration in contacting those vendors.  They want someone who can appreciate the traditions and play appropriate music, but who appears to be current on updated music and trends and can cater to a wide range of clientele.

 

- What should a DJ company expect to pay to have their website redesigned (in general, to give them an idea of what a pro charges for design)

 

It depends on the number of pages, and the type of site. For a complete redesign, our websites run anywhere from $699 to $1,799 for E-commerce enabled and customized Social Media pages to coordinate with their brand.

 

- About how often do you think a company should have their website completely redesigned?

 

I think once a good brand is established, the need to completely redesign goes down substantially.  Keeping content fresh is more important, ensuring that pricing and information is kept up to date, adding photography into the gallery, etc.  What I see more often, is the creation and focus on blogs, Twitter, Facebook and other social media sites to connect with vendors and brides. There is a highly noticeable difference in the success of wedding and event professionals who are utilizing those free tools to their benefit to connect with clients and build referrals from area partners. 

 

- How important are the pictures on a DJ website?

 

Vital, I can't stress that enough.  A good DJ sets the tone and mood for the entire event, often from the ceremony on.  Their website should reflect the tears, laughs, traditions and party elements of events.  Most clients admitted to only skimming text on websites, so your images and the audio and/or video examples are what is going to capture them. 

 

- Any other tips or advice?