Promoting your band.

Promotion is one of my areas of expertise. Over the 3 or so years in my first band, I developed into a pretty decent salesman promoting our shows. It seemed like every month we had another show coming up that was bigger than the last. Now, I am blessed to have a very large group of friends who loved to drink and come watch us play, but nevertheless, I learned many important things about promoting a show.

First, your friends are your lifeline. Get them on board with your music. Try to get some of them to promote for you. When you have shows, offer friends free tickets if they can bring 2 or 3 other people that you don't know. This way you help them help you and you start getting your name out there.

Second, play anywhere and everywhere. BUT, if your friends are the only ones coming and they have to pay every time, then limit those shows to about one a month because nobody ever has any money. In the mean time, play open mics and smaller freebees to keep you playing chops up.

Third, use the internet. This is the best thing for any new band. Now, every band has a myspace. But does every band have a Myspace, Facebook, Tweeter, Reverbnation, Sonic Bids, Pure Volume and Youtube accounts all linked together on your own website? If you don't, then get on it.

Fourth, DON'T abuse the internet. Every day people get a bunch of spam email and messages that they don't even bother looking at because they see so many of them. Set up all your internet accounts and update people on what your doing about every two weeks. Also, send out those updates in the middle of the week, Tuesday through Thursday, because people are more likely to read them.

Fifth, have something to promote. Always be working on new material. Have demos ready for sale at shows. Mention anything interesting that you have been working on lately or any big shows coming up. And don't let people forget about you.

Finally, love your friends. Love your friends and your audience. If people like what your playing and are giving you compliments on the way out. Come back and hang out with them for a little. Get to know them. These are your fans. You want to love them, so they will love you.