Randy Moomaw

So let’s say you have a gig or two coming up. You’ve been busy rehearsing. You’re making sure to take proper care of your voice by warming up every day. You’ve even made a few adjustments to your song set and you feel like you’re ready to hit the stage, knock ‘em dead, and get management, maybe a label deal, but definitely more gigs, right?

You might find this hard to believe but there is one very important element that comes with getting the gig that many singers and band members tend to let slide. They’re just happy to have a place to play. That’s not an end. Frankly, it’s the beginning of making the most out of that chance to shine. Sadly, many singers, singer-songwriters, musicians, and band members do not take full advantage of opportunities to self promote.

Proactive Promotion

Even if you, as the singer, or other band members don’t feel comfortable doing it, you can always appoint a key person or small group of people to get the word out. But you still need to keep your hand and face actively moving up front in the process in some way. Social networking sites such as Facebook are vital in helping to give people a heads up about your upcoming shows. But there’s also a lot of traffic that you’re competing with on FB and similar sites. Sometimes the information gets lost in the scrolling and blocking.

Word Of Mouth

Word of mouth is still one of the best marketing tools for creating a buzz.  Each member of your band or each accompanist associated with a solo act needs to get actively involved in spreading the word about future shows and gigs.  Start with telling your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, fellow church members, health club members, and fellow members of any social, educational, or community organizations.

Circle + Connect

Also contact people, groups, businesses, or organizations that you feel might be interested in the subject matter of your material, causes you believe in, or your style of music.  Encourage and follow up with people that you know will spread the word to their friends, coworkers, family members, and neighbors.  The more you tell and get fired up, the faster the word spreads. As you fill more seats you can increase the chance of getting more gigs.

Post Live + On Line

In addition to online postings on social networking sites, your personal website, and band or artist website, make sure you have fliers printed to promote any upcoming gigs.  This is an economical, easily manageable form of self-promotion.  The fliers should be kept simple with the name of your band or act along with an eye-catching logo or art. Basic information should include: date, time, and location for the gig. In your contact information include the address and number for the venue along with your contact information.

Check It Out

At least one week before your gig, check out the neighborhood of the venue where you’ll be playing. This will give you a feel for the area and possible locations for you to put up or leave a flier. Then, stop by the venue to drop off some fliers. Ask permission to put one up some on site. Ask about any neighboring businesses that might be open to letting you post your fliers. Mention anything you noticed in the neighborhood that you feel might be a good place to contact for leaving a flier or generating interest in your show. Use the venue contact’s name when visiting any of the locations they suggest. Also, look for bulletin boards or posting areas at community gathering spots that are music-friendly such as colleges, music stores. But always respectfully ask for permission before leaving/posting a flier.

Mix It Up With Media

Contact local print media such as newspapers, weekly event calendars, school newspapers, and even local radio to see if they have regular listings or announcements on local entertainment. If there’s a fee, think carefully before committing. Make sure each contact you make gets you in touch with the right decision maker. Many have a specific form or process for gathering information, so make sure you quickly and accurately provide what’s requested. If there’s a cover charge for your show, be sure to include it.

Follow Through

Two or three days before your show, follow up with your family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and others either by email, face to face, or by phone, so you will keep the momentum going. Use Facebook, your website, and related social networking sites to reinforce the word on the street about your upcoming gig.

Train With Confidence

Be proud of your gifts because of the training you receive through product offerings and information available through SingingSuccess.tv. Evaluate your progress every single month – at the very least – and consider investing in something you know will help to further develop your unique voice to its fullest potential. The more tools and training you take advantage of, the better accomplished you’ll be as an artist, and the more confident and comfortable you will be as the greater gigs and bigger opportunities keep on coming.

Build On The Buzz

Once you hit the road, the studio, the neighborhood and beyond, you must keep building on the buzz you’re creating. Do not neglect any opportunity to make personal connections in your self-promotion. Never underestimate the role that building a local following through word of mouth can play in growing your long-term singing success.