Build plan · DJ Platform

From EPK to marketplace

A phased build for a DJ profiles + booking platform — starting lean, scaling to a real SaaS asset.

Phase 1

MVP (Minimum Viable Project)

Ship something real people can use

Weeks 1–4

Artist profiles

Bio, links, embedded mixes — a better EPK, nothing more

Booking form

Request routed to talent or manager email on submit

Basic payments

$20–50/mo per artist via Stripe subscriptions

Stack Next.js Supabase Vercel Stripe

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Phase 2

Operator layer

Sell to venues, not just artists

Weeks 5–8

Venue accounts

Browse and save talent, locked to their market

Analytics dashboard

Profile views, booking requests, conversion rate

Request management

Status tracking, history, notes per inquiry

Venue pricing: $99–299/mo — unlocks browse, bulk requests, and saved talent lists.

10% booking fee as optional upsell — validate demand before building the flow.

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Phase 3

Expand + automate

Turn it into a real asset, not a side project

Weeks 9–16

Multi-city

Markets table in DB — new city is just a new row

Automations

Onboarding drips, booking reminders, renewal nudges

Referral program

Artists invite artists — organic supply growth

Target after this phase: 5 hrs/week maintenance. Growth and partnerships only — everything else delegated or automated.

Key discipline rules

01 Don't launch as a marketplace. Start as a better EPK + booking link. Evolve once usage exists.

02 No custom work for individuals. Build the product, not a service. Customization kills your hours.

03 Get 3 paying artists before building venue accounts. Validate supply before opening to demand.

04 VA or Zapier before a developer. Automate admin tasks before adding headcount.