D-Jam

Save your money.

The first question to ask is IF you need an iPhone app. I’ve seen many try to crank out what seemingly are just mobile versions of their websites, and they sit there collecting dust.

If you want to make an app, make something useful and creative that will have your brand attached to it. The Krafty Kuts sound sample app was a smart one, as was Paul Van Dyk’s app that had the various gadgets a club DJ could use.

For DJs, going mobile is iffy. Until one can download mixes directly into the phone and save it without any kind of an “iTunes” program, it seems pointless to put mixes on mobile unless it’s through a popular service like MixCloud.

I’m currently going to make a mobile version of my site, but it’s because I use my site to show my skills for potential web design gigs. Plus if you have an active blog, then it’s ideal to be mobile. Lord knows how much I’ll read entries here and even this forum on my iPhone.

Always think about your end user. I recently wrote an article about promoting a brand on Facebook, and one girl seemed shocked I would dare to suggest that some businesses should not make Facebook a priority. My reasoning was sound IMHO. A big company whose client base is NOT on Facebook doesn’t need to use it as much as let’s say a DJ.

Always think about the end user and how they behave.

A “promoting on Facebook for DJs” article will be posted soon. Phil?

Not bad…just make sure you’re not putting so much stuff in that others do not have the screen resolution to see it all. Look at it on a laptop and desktop if you can. If it’s all good, then go with it.

I still think you should also try doing the things I suggested before. That central area is still not being utilized to your benefit.

Great usage of social media though!

My thoughts (from an Interactive Media Designer/Developer standpoint). Please don’t be insulted…just trying to help.

1. Lose the splash page or utilize it. Splash pages are very pointless unless it’s for some short-term thing, like a micro-site for a movie or event. Most people will quickly move on to the main page. For my site I use my first page as a news section, with five items that recently happened and a “feature” spot for a new mix or even event.
2. Lose the noise. Immediately I pressed the mute button on my laptop. Noisy websites aren’t good anymore. You should instead have “noise” from mixes people can download or videos you post.
3. Your site looks like it’s hosted on a free space. If so, think about investing in a full web hosting so you’re free of ad banners and other limits those free guys put. You might not think it’s much, but others will find it annoying.
4. Lose the counter. It’s old thinking and no one cares anymore. I use analytics usually included with the host or from Google to track how a site is doing in greater detail.
5. Your home page is a cluttered mess. The photos and video are good to have, but you should toss them into sections, like a gallery, to keep things organized. Home page should have what you’re up to. Upcoming events, new mixes, etc.
6. You should find a means to post mixes…even if you’re just uploading them on MixCloud and MixCrate and posting links.
7. For services, think about the consumer. If you do mobile/wedding, then take a picture of your setup and show you bring it all to the event. You don’t need the list because most people won’t know or won’t care. Talk in terms of what a customer wants.

Some things I liked:

1. The layout in itself. It pushes excitement and even abides with the green branding you want.
2. The use of event photos. Shows you rock the party.
3. The testimonials. It’s especially helpful for mobile jocks.
4. The social media connections at the top. Push it.

Hope this helps. 🙂

I’m still working on an article for this site on better using facebook. It’s been an insane two weeks here at the office.

When I talked about promoting yourself online, I mentioned to use a FACEBOOK PAGE and not a profile. The main reason is you aren’t limited to how many people can be on you. I know it sounds easier to get a profile and friend request the 5000 person limit, but part of pushing a brand is making people WILLINGLY LIKE YOU. Friend Requesting 5000 people IMHO is no better than stealing a mass email list. You might end up able to spam messages and walls, but if no one’s listening…then it’s pointless.

A group isn’t ideal for promotions. The main reason is that a group is more for those having a similar like/purpose and the means to communicate with one another. So if you’re doing a group of people who love Industrial Music in your neck of the woods…then a group is the idea.

Stick with a Facebook Page. I’ll finish the article tomorrow and send it to Phil (I’ll finally have a moment to breathe). In the article I’m going to tell in detail how to ENGAGE people and thus keep your fans. I’ll also share any ideas on how to gain fans.

They just announced that Windows 8 will make PCs able to play XBox 360 games.

A DAW