Booked a show? Congratulations! Now, don’t waste the opportunity.
Make sure you make the most of every show you book.
Booking gigs is hard work.
It’s not physical work but it takes a lot of time and effort.
You have to follow up with each venue or you won’t be booked.
Look at each show you book as a gift. Someone trusts you enough to pay you to entertain in their house. That’s an honor.
So, with each gig you book make sure you take full advantage of it by doing these 6 things.
6 Must-Dos Before Every Gig
Make the most of every show by doing these simple things.
1. Reach Out To Your Fans
Keep in touch with your fans. Email them about a show a month out, then a week out and then on the day before and day of the show. Sounds like a lot of emails but you’ll be glad you did. People are forgetful and you probably aren’t on the top of their list of priorities.
2. Get Your Fans Involved
Ask your “fans” to post fliers and spread the word. Maybe offer some VIP bonus for it. Give them a free CD or something. The more people you have promoting your show the better!
3. Prepare Your Setlist
One of the most annoying things I didn’t do was prepare set lists in advance. Instead, before each set I would put the song list together. It was a pain and I lost a lot time that I could have been socializing with fans and more importantly, new fans. Your setlist doesn’t have to be set in stone but having something to start with will be a big time saver. Have your set lists ready in advance. Spend time between sets making new friends.
4. Confirm Your Show
This is something that bands rarely do. I’m guilty of not calling in advance to confirm the gig. Obviously, this isn’t always necessary. If you play a place regularly and it’s local enough then don’t call. But, if you have to travel to a new club it’s a good idea to call and confirm. Gas is expensive.
5. Get Your Ducks In A Row
In other words, after confirming your show is good to go, make sure you have the sound system, lights, etc all good as well.
6. Stock Your Merchandise
Always, I mean, always, make sure you have merchandise to sell. People love buying shirts and CDs. Pretty much anything. If you don’t have any on hand then you are losing a sale. People will rarely remember to go to your website to buy stuff. Get them while they’re hot.
Do these things before every show and you will be sure get the most out of every gig.
How GigFaster Can Help
If you feel like you waste all of your time trying to book gigs then you should consider GigFaster. We have thousands of venues in the US that are looking for artists and bands.
With GigFaster, you 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 also have hundreds of independent record labels to submit to. Start your free trial today.
And when you get your gigs – make the most of them by doing these six simple things above.
Most importantly, never quit!
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