Free DJ Software

• Mixxx: fully free and open source, with four decks, loops and effects. It’s where I’d start a new DJ.
• Rekordbox: the free plan handles library prep and cue points. It’s essential if venues have CDJs. I’ve used it since the mid-2000s.
• Serato DJ Lite: free with supported Serato hardware.
• VirtualDJ: the free Home version isn’t licensed for paid gigs. So buy a licence if you earn money from it. I’ve used the touchscreen version for 16 years.
• PulseDJ: an AI track-suggestion companion, free in beta when I tested it.

Mobile DJ Business Tools for Bookings and Clients

• Google Calendar: colour-code events and set reminders at two weeks, one week and 48 hours. It prevents double bookings.
• Notion: a client database with dates, venues, requests and notes. After ten years, mine is priceless.
• Calendly: lets clients book a call without the back-and-forth.
• Google Forms: a music questionnaire with must-plays, do-not-plays and special moments.
• DocuSign: a free starter tier for signed contracts. Every booking needs one.

Today my clients use a full online booking portal instead. Still, these free tools are a great start.

Money and Tax

First, register as a sole trader with HMRC if you take money for gigs. Do that before anything else.

• Wave: free invoicing and expense tracking. Check it supports UK accounts when you sign up.
• Google Sheets: a simple tracker for date, client, fee and costs. I still log mileage in one.
• Stripe: I take card payments through Stripe. There’s no monthly fee, just a fee per payment.
• Mileage: record every journey, because it’s an allowable business expense.

Free Marketing Tools

• Google Business Profile: the most important free step. Fill in every section, then ask every client for a review.
• Canva: branded graphics and flyers on the free tier.
• Meta Business Suite: I schedule a month of Facebook and Instagram posts in one Sunday session.
• Mailchimp: a free plan for small lists. A short update to past clients each quarter works well.
• Linktree: one bio link to your website, reviews and enquiry page.

I also use a paid all-in-one platform for content. You can read about it in my AI marketing toolbox guide.

Music and Track Management

• Soundiiz: converts a client’s Spotify playlist so you can check it against your library.
• Shazam: identifies a track in seconds, so you can add it later.
• TuneMyMusic: moves playlists between platforms and exports setlists.
• A BPM analyser: build a tempo database once, then keep it up to date.
• TagScanner: renames files and fixes artist and title tags. I’ve used it free for over a decade.

Getting Found Online

• Google Search Console: shows which searches bring visitors. Check it monthly.
• Yoast SEO: the free WordPress plugin I use on every blog post, including this one.
• Ubersuggest: a few free searches a day, enough to plan your next topics.
• Google Analytics 4: shows where visitors leave your contact page.

The Habit That Matters Most

Anyone can download Mixxx. However, not everyone logs every mile, asks for every review and sends a contract for every booking.

That discipline is what clients notice. For example, it helped me become Trading Standards Approved. It also earned a 4.9 out of 5 rating from more than 250 reviews. Plus, I’ve won 22 regional and national awards.