The Guitar Player's Resource
The Internet offers a greater opportunity for exposure but thousands of artists will
never sell one CD or download through it this year because they do not understand
how to promote themselves effectively online. Live shows offer the opportunity of
exposure but most artists will only sell a handle of CDs at them.
The plain and simple truth is that most artists only sell a few CDs at their shows
because they draw a limited number of fans. One of the reasons is that fans do not
want to come to a show and watch someone stand there and play for 45 minutes. They want more. If you are not getting as many people coming to your shows as you would like, try the following.
First, understand you are competing with television, the Internet, the phone and
just plain burn out and stress that your fans have from their job. That means you
can't just get up and play the same kind of shows you have been. You have to
make your next show something your fans want to come to. An event.
So how do you make your next show an event? One way would be to
schedule a pre-show function like a cocktail party or dinner where you fans would
get a chance to come meet and hang out with you.
I know you are wondering if they will come to something before your show. Sporting
events are great examples. At football games thousands of people tailgate before the game. As soon as it is over they go home!
Keep this thought in mind. Would you be interested in hanging out with your favorite
artist before their next show? Your fans want to connect with you. Give them the
chance to get to know you and more importantly for you, a chance to start building a
relationship with them. Building relationships at these kinds of functions can sell
you more CDs before your shows than afterward!
To learn how you can sell a substantial amount of CDs and downloads and how the
artists I am working with are making $18 profit on each sale, join me at Advanced
Music Strategies. It's time to learn how to make more money with your music!
Author Tim Sweeney is head of Tim Sweeney & Associates, who are entering their 18th year of being, "the only true artist development company in the world."
Tim is one of the music industry's most sought after experts and consultants, and has written several influential books including "Tim Sweeney's Guide To Releasing Independent Records".
