Marketing Your Act

It’s time to start digging for gold in your contact list. I was recently reminded how valuable our contact lists and mailing lists are. It also occurred to me how often we under use our mailing lists. Sure, you collect names at every concert or event. Then you enter them into your list and manipulate the names to send out your newsletter or email or tweet. But when was the last time you really took a good look at those names, studied them, researched the individuals to discover who they are and what they do? The people who have followed your career and who have become long-time fans have lives,…

Do you have fun performing? After all, if you are not enjoying every moment on stage, why are you doing this? When you enjoy yourself onstage, your audience enjoys your performance.   The more exciting your performance is, the more connected you are to your art, your music, the more fun you have presenting your art to your audience, the easier it will be to get future gigs and loyal fans.   I am always sold by a performer when I see them totally enjoying themselves as they present their performance. I go to events to be entertained as most audience members do. I always love seeing them again when…

Are your communications focused for your various audiences? With so many ways of reaching your various audiences; fans, bookers and media, you must wonder whether each of your methods of communication has a focus. Is your website and social media expressing a unified message or are your communications scattered and haphazard? Can one read your information and get a clear picture of who you are and what you do and how to work with you? If not, then this is probably a great aspect of your business to examine more closely. This may just be one of the main reasons that your business and career are stalled or even more…

I'm picking up from the last Biz Booster to continue with my eight steps for writing great introductory emails or cover letters. As a review, I've covered steps one through four that included,  Step One: Know who you are writing to and what they represent; Step Two: write individualized emails rather than sending large bulk emails; Step Three: demonstrate you know something about them before you talk about you, your act or what you want; and Step Four: pitch them something they can sell. Step number five: Now you are ready to make your request for a gig. In doing so, be very specific. Even if you do not have…

Just what should be included when writing great introductory emails or cover letters that will help get the booker's attention. I thought I would share some useful copy-writing strategies with you in a two-part series. So often I receive emails that are supposed to introduce me to a potential new client or someone wanting advice or even a referral to some industry professional. Unfortunately, most of the emails I receive tend to leave out any enticing information to get me to read on. Worst of all, many are bulk emails sent out to everyone on their mailing list, and they don't even apply to me. Step number one for writing…

  How to present focused communications is something every performer, agent, publicist, manager and business owner needs to know. With so many ways of reaching your various audiences, fans, bookers and media, you have to wonder whether each of your methods of communication has a focus. Is your website and social media expressing a unified message or are your communications scattered and haphazard? Can one read your information and get a clear picture of who you are and what you do and how to work with you? If not, then this is probably a great aspect of your business to examine more closely. Those who do not present focused communications…

How important is your local media to your growing career? You may not have considered the impact that local media can have on your career. I’m sure you’ve sent your gig info to the weekly calendar listings in the arts paper and perhaps the weekend edition of the daily paper. Great! Perhaps you’ve sent the local reviewer your CDs and even invited them to some of your shows. If you haven’t, then you may want to start with your very next show. Why? Developing a relationship with your local media writers, reviewers, DJs and TV personalities changes your perceived value in your market and beyond. The media can move your…

  Remember to access college radio during your upcoming fall tours. School's soon back in session. I know you're  just finishing up your summer tours and it will be time to get back on the road for the fall. So while you are doing that, I have a marketing idea that might help you on those upcoming tour dates. Whether or not you are playing any gigs on college campuses, college radio stations are one media outlet that you should be accessing. First take a look at your upcoming dates. Are there any colleges in or near the cities and towns you are playing? If there are, then you are…

Here's a tip on how to maximize your email campaigns to media contacts. I hope you have separated your media list from your fan and venue booker lists. One great way to build your media contact list is to simply ask each venue booker for your newly contracted gigs, to refer you to 3 print, radio and TV contacts they deal with, appropriate for your act. I used to collect these contacts on my Information Form which was sent with my contract. When the contract came back, I had the start of my media list for that venue in plenty of advance time to make early contact. Once you have…