Build a Standout Profile

Photos are the single biggest driver of profile clicks. Customers decide in seconds whether you look like the right fit for their event, so lead with imagery that shows you in action.

The shots to prioritise:

• A clear hero shot - you (or the full band) looking confident, well-lit, ideally performing or in your performance outfit.
• Live action - on stage, behind the decks, mid-song. Movement and energy sell.
• The crowd reacting - dance floors full, hands up, smiling faces. Social proof in a single frame.
• Your setup - decks, lighting, PA, stage. Planners want to see what they are paying for.
• Real events - weddings, corporates, festivals, private parties. Variety shows range.
• Branded detail shots - your logo on the booth, monogrammed lights, signage. Looks polished and professional.

For bands and solo musicians especially, audio and video samples are make-or-break. Link to your strongest live recordings on YouTube, SoundCloud, Spotify or Bandcamp.

• Lead with a 60-90 second live highlight reel rather than a 6-minute full song.
• Include a genre mix if you cover multiple styles - one acoustic, one upbeat, one dance-floor filler.
• Make sure the audio is clean - planners forgive shaky video, but not bad sound.
• Label each sample clearly: "Wedding ceremony - acoustic", "Corporate function - upbeat covers".

A great bio is short, specific and answers the question customers are actually asking: "Are you the right fit for my event?"

A simple structure that works:

1. One-line hook - who you are and what you do. e.g. "Auckland-based wedding DJ specialising in open-format sets that keep every generation dancing."
2. What you are known for - signature style, genres, vibe.
3. Experience and credentials - years in the game, notable venues, festivals or clients (no name-dropping NDAs).
4. Who you serve best - weddings, corporates, 21sts, school balls, festivals, private functions.
5. What is included - sound, lighting, MC services, song requests, travel.
6. A line of personality - what makes you, you.
7. A clear call to action - "Send an enquiry to check my availability".

Customers search Beat Exchange and search engines using natural phrases. The more relevant terms you weave naturally into your bio and profile, the more likely you are to appear in the right results.

Keywords worth including (where true):

• Location - city, region, suburbs you cover. "Wellington wedding DJ", "Queenstown function band", "Auckland and Waikato".
• Event types - wedding, corporate function, 21st, school ball, engagement party, anniversary, festival, conference, gala dinner.
• Genres and styles - house, top 40, RnB, country, jazz, acoustic, Pacific reggae, te ao Māori waiata, classic rock.
• Services - MC, ceremony PA, lighting hire, karaoke, live vocals, DJ + sax, roaming musician.
• Cultural fit - bilingual MC, te reo Māori, Pasifika, Indian weddings, Chinese weddings, Pride-friendly.
• Format clues - open-format, set-and-forget, request-friendly, no-cheese, family-friendly.

Use these words in sentences, not as a keyword dump. Search engines and customers both prefer language that reads naturally.

Planners love specifics. Bands and solo musicians should publish a sample setlist or repertoire. DJs should give a sense of go-to tracks and genres for different event types.

• Group songs by mood: cocktail / dinner / dance floor.
• Show range - a couple of classics, current hits and crowd-pleasers.
• Note what you can and cannot accommodate (e.g. "Happy to learn first-dance song with 4 weeks notice").
• List your stage and technical requirements clearly so venues know what to plan for.

Reviews build trust faster than any bio can. After every event, ask the customer to leave a short review on your Beat Exchange profile.

• Make it easy - send the direct link the day after the event while it is fresh.
• Prompt them gently: "What did your guests enjoy most?"
• Respond to reviews graciously - future customers read those replies too.
• Quote a one-line testimonial in your bio if you have a stand-out one.

A profile is not set-and-forget. The performers who get the most enquiries treat their profile like a living shopfront.

• Update photos and videos at least every 6 months.
• Refresh your bio when you add new services, regions or genres.
• Keep your availability calendar accurate - it speeds up bookings.
• Respond to enquiries quickly. Most customers book whoever replies first with confidence.