A sold-out musical event is every artist’s dream. After putting in so much effort to make everything perfect, it can be really disappointing if only a few attendees show up. However, leveraging various marketing and promotional strategies can help you attract more attendees. As indie artists or bands, we shouldn’t rely on just one technique but rather use different strategies to achieve the highest exposure ever. Here are eight easy steps to help you sell out your music show.
1. Timing is Everything
Do not attempt to sell your tickets right before the event. Instead, try selling the tickets well in advance. This allows time for exposure and news circulation about your event.
Benefits of Early Ticket Sales
- Increased Awareness: Gives more time for word-of-mouth promotion.
- Financial Security: Provides early revenue to cover event costs.
- Builds Hype: Creates anticipation and excitement among potential attendees.
2. Mind the Gap Between Events
If your favorite band plays in your city every week, you might not feel compelled to see them every time. Make sure to set up your shows 6–12 weeks apart. This helps prevent fan fatigue and keeps the audience eagerly awaiting your next performance.
Importance of Spacing Events
- Maintains Interest: Prevents overexposure and keeps fans excited.
- Higher Attendance: More likely to draw a crowd if events are spaced out.
- Better Promotion: Allows sufficient time to promote each event properly.
3. Name Your Event
Each event should be unique and memorable. No one is likely to show up to a nameless event. Giving your event a catchy name will turn heads and get people talking about it.
Tips for Naming Your Event
- Make It Memorable: Choose a name that sticks in people’s minds.
- Reflect Your Brand: Ensure the name aligns with your band’s image and style.
- Create Buzz: A unique name can generate more interest and discussion.
4. Go Heavy on Digital
Use appealing graphics with information about the event on your social media pages. Create a Facebook event and a 1–2 minute video for the show, including details about your band and the other bands attending. Upload this video on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter. Don’t forget to use a professional ticketing platform.
Digital Marketing Strategies
- Social Media Campaigns: Regular posts, stories, and updates.
- Video Content: Engaging videos showcasing what attendees can expect.
- Professional Ticketing: Platforms like Eventbrite or Ticketmaster for seamless ticket sales.
5. Get a Team to Hit the Streets and the Walls
Assemble a team willing to hit the streets day and night with a staple gun, tape, and flyers about the event. After plastering the town, start a Facebook party where you all promote the event on your wall and your friends’ walls.
Street Team Strategies
- Flyer Distribution: Hand out and post flyers in high-traffic areas.
- Community Engagement: Interact with local businesses and residents.
- Social Media Blitz: Coordinated online promotion by your team.
6. Run an Online Competition
Run an online competition to encourage people to share news about the event. Offer goodie bags with new merchandise, posters, and other fun items as prizes.
Benefits of Competitions
- Increased Engagement: Encourages fans to interact with your content.
- Wider Reach: Participants share the event with their networks.
- Excitement: Creates buzz and anticipation for the event.
7. Contact the Local Media
Since your gig is an event with multiple bands, you have the right content to grab the local media’s attention. Reach out to newspapers, radio stations, and local blogs to cover your event.
Media Outreach Tips
- Press Releases: Send out well-crafted press releases about your event.
- Media Kits: Provide high-quality images, band bios, and event details.
- Follow-Up: Maintain contact with media representatives for continued coverage.
8. Get Some Sponsors
Find local companies, brands, newspapers, or radio stations interested in supporting your event. Partnerships can provide valuable promotion and resources in exchange for brand visibility.
Finding Sponsors
- Local Businesses: Approach businesses that align with your audience.
- Trade Deals: Offer logo placement and mentions in exchange for advertising.
- Long-Term Partnerships: Build lasting relationships for future events.
Additional Tips to Sell Out Your Music Show
Use Influencer Marketing
Collaborate with local influencers who can promote your event to their followers. Influencers can create buzz and reach audiences you might not be able to.
Create Engaging Content
Regularly post engaging content leading up to the event. This can include rehearsal videos, behind-the-scenes looks, and interviews with the band members.
Utilize Email Marketing
Email your existing fan base with information about the event. Provide exclusive content or early bird tickets to create a sense of exclusivity.
Leverage Fan Communities
Engage with fan communities on social media and forums. Encourage them to spread the word about your event.
Offer Early Bird Discounts
Provide discounted tickets for those who purchase early. This not only incentivizes early sales but also creates a sense of urgency.
Analyze and Optimize
After each event, analyze what worked and what didn’t. Use this data to improve your marketing strategies for future shows.
Conclusion
By following these eight steps and additional tips, you can effectively sell out your music show. Timing, strategic marketing, and engagement are key elements to ensure your event is a success. Remember to keep your promotion efforts diverse and consistent to reach the widest audience possible.
By implementing these strategies and continually adapting to new trends, you can create a successful approach to sell out your music show and keep your audience engaged and excited for your performances.
For additional resources on music marketing and distribution, visit Deliver My Tune.