Book gigs in 3 easy steps. These steps are very easy. Anyone can do this. It’s easy work but it can be very tedious.
These are the same 3 steps I used to book major gigs with Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Gary Hoey, Joan Jett, Fuel and many others.
Be forewarned, it takes persistence. It’s easy to book gigs if you’re persistent. Again, the work is easy but you can’t quit.
Three Easy Steps to Book Gigs
1. Make a List of Venues
Before getting started with booking gigs you need to have the venue information for the places you want to play at.
Make a list of venues that you want to play. Gather all of their information including the email address of the person that books gigs for the venue.
You can use BandsInTown.com to find venues. Follow the bands you like and may be similar in style. BandsInTown will email you when the artist is playing at a venue near you. This will help you build up your venue list.
2. Send a Introduction Welcome Email
Send the venue contact a short welcome email. Include who, when and what.
Who: Who are you looking to open up for (if you’re looking to open for another band)
When: Be specific – what date/time are you hoping to play? Don’t make the booking agent work. Make their job easy. They’re very busy.
What: Again, be specific – what do you want? For example, you could say something like this: “Just wondering if you’d have any interest in an opening band for this show.”
3. Follow Up, Follow Up, Follow Up
This is the secret to getting pretty much anything you want. You need to follow up. Send anywhere from 2-5 additional follow up emails. Give it a few days between the first 2 emails and even longer between the additional emails. You don’t want to come across as a pest.
You probably won’t get a response to your first email. Realistically, there is a 99% chance you won’t get any reply. That is why you need to follow up.
Follow up as a reply to the same email that you already sent. Keep all messages intact so that the person booking the gigs can look back at the email chain.
Don’t give up. Keep following up.
Beware: Don’t SPAM or you’ll get blacklisted!
When To Stop Following Up
If you have sent 5 emails and have not received a response then chances are you won’t. At this point move on to the next venue. You can come back to this one in 6 months.
There is a big difference between being a pest and sending friendly follow ups. Be sure to do it right!
You will get tons of “no”. That’s normal. Be persistent and keep trying. You will eventually get a “yes”.
Most people quit.
Be different. Never give up!
How GigFaster Can Help
We understand — making great music is your passion. It’s all about getting your music out there and sharing it with the world. However, trying to promote your music, find a label, or even just finding a place to play a gig can be daunting.
With GigFaster, you can get help booking gigs and promoting your music. GigFaster’s database has thousands of contacts across over one hundred music genres. It’s easy for you to get connected with a venue or promoter. We have low monthly rates and even offer a free trial. Start yours today.
Work hard, be focused and use your time wisely!
Most importantly, never quit!
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