How To Book Live Gigs Consistently Pt 3/3
Here’s Part 3/3 from my series on how to find, book and sell out your shows consistently. Head here for Part 1 and Part 2!
7 INSPIRING STRATEGIES TO SELL OUT SHOWS CONSISTENTLY
Are you ready to attract new fans to your shows? Sell out bigger venues? Once you’ve secured your show date, you want to make sure every possible chair is filled! It’s time to promote, promote, promote!
1. Turn It Into A Event:
Nothing makes a show more desirable than turning it into an EVENT! Make each show a unique and irresistibly fun event! Which show would you rather attend? Option A: Come wine and shine with me at a chic, pop-up venue for Set The Stage 2020, an unforgettable singer’s showcase & soiree OR Option B: I’m playing a show, wanna come? Option A wins all the way. Collabing with other bands is another a great way turn your show into an event and 10x your results!
2. Create A Poster
Send show posters to the venue, post at local coffee shops and rehearsal spaces, and blast it all over social media! Don’t spend 5-10 hours trying to create it yourself. Instead work on your craft and promote. Hire a pro graphic designer/artist who can make it eye-catching for $50!! Then autograph the extra posters at the show and make it back!
3. Create A Video
A short video--no more than a minute--is all I have time for these days. Keep it short and sweet, highlighting the most magical clips or photos from previous shows. For example: a shot of the crowd on their feet singing along or dancing with you, or a high note, tear-jerking moment.
4. Pre-Sell Tickets
Selling tickets from day 1 makes your event legit! This confirm’s fan attendance and creates a sense of urgency to buy now before you sell out. Tell fans you will sell out and promote until you do! If you are not charging at the door, make it a guestlist-only event and use the same strategy.
5. Get Superfan Savvy
So maybe you don’t have 1000 Superfans just yet...but do you have 10? Get your TOP 10 fans together in one room and have a promo party!! Things you can do together include: email blast, Facebook event, DM group chat on IG, calling & texting. Give a prize to the person who sells the most tix. Give a prize to a lucky fan at the show as well!
6. Contact Local Media
Write a press release about your event and blast it out to all local publications! Because it's an event, you've got something interesting for local press to write about!! Your email won’t get opened if your subject isn’t good, so find a newsworthy angle with a hook. Google it for more ideas!
7. Get Sponsors
If you’re selling out shows, companies/individuals who share brand similarities to you will be excited to have their products promoted at your event and to your fans! Partner up with like-minded sponsors who see your big vision and it’s a win-win for everyone. You can simply get paid or trade sponsorship for printing services and ad space to wine and crackers!
BONUS: Space It Out!!
Even if your favorite band played in your city every week you wouldn't go see them every time. Play a show every month or bi-monthly so your fans absolutely cannot wait to see you play again!