Musicians and Marketing
There are so many musicians out there which means major competition. In order to get the job you need to be the best at what you do and that means that you have to have passion, ambition and you need to know what you are doing.
Singing is not a talent everyone possesses and if you do have the talent then you need to know that there are many more out there just like you.
Having the right equipment is a must and marketing yourself needs to be done in a smart way for you to stand out.
The first thing that you need to do is to establish who you are as an artist and where you want to head. Once you have established this than you will know what type of business cards to print and what your c.d cover and posters will look like.
It will also give you an idea of where you would like to play even though sometimes the options are not available.
Establish what your rate will be per hour for the gig and keep with that to maintain a standard.
Marketing Socially
The first step to marketing yourself is letting people know who you are by getting your name out there.
It is easy to do this if you have time by using social networks and the internet.
Facebook, linkedin, branchout, twitter and my space are good marketing tools.
Once you have created a profile with a good picture of yourself, you need to write down a biography that is interesting.
Work experience and a gig guide for fans to follow will be a smart move.
You can even add a clip of one of your songs!
Getting a fan base is difficult but you need to just friend request everyone that you can and ask them to spread the word for you.
Once you have enough friends you will eventually start a following at gigs that you are at which will help with places that need a turnover.
The point is to get your name and music known so that everyone will eventually ask about you.
Canvas Door to Door
Getting into your car and driving to every single venue that you can find is a good way to get gigs. Meeting with venue owners face to face is alsways a good way for them to hire you.
Let them know what you do and always tell them that you have a huge following that will bring people to their venue in order for them to think big.
Don't forget about the venue's that you have been to and make sure that you go there often enough for them to eventually hire you because by them seeing you often it will refresh their memory and you will become familiar to them.
Support other artists too because creating a network helps not only yourself but others too and if you are in the right circle at the right time than you might get lucky.
Business Cards and Demo's
Having a business card is important so that if people ask for your number you look professional by having them. Have eyecatching cards done so that it will be remembered and it can stand out from the rest of the ones that people collect.
A good idea is to have a demo disc with your biography and contact details on it for potential employers to take a listen to.
It must sound professional and almost the way that you would be at their venue. Make sure that the sound is good!
Advertise Yourself.
Soundcloud, reverbnation and youtube are also good ways to expand yourself and get your name heard.
Get someone to film your session at a venue or do it in a studio so that it looks good and sounds clear for your youtube video.
Once the video has been uploaded, you can then buy youtube views to boost it and then possibly make it viral.
Soundcloud will add your music to your page and you can even sell your songs online.
Having a website is also very important and if you can't afford one then try a blog site that is free but get someone who knows what to do to help you as it must look professional and it has to be eye catching.
Ensure that you add your music to your site and that you have all the information about yourself and what you do and why you do it on there for people to notice.
If you have a car then a good way to advertise yourself is to place your email and a description of what you do on the sides of your vehicle so that when you drive around, you are giving yourself free advertising.
Make Money
Having a c.d to sell at your gigs will make you money if you are good at what you do. The c.d must be professionally done and to advertise it at your gigs you should have a nice stand made with your image on it and a place to put the c.d's which should be sold cheaper than you would find it in a store.
Have a reasonable amount of songs on the c.d as people do not want to pay for 4 tracks when they expecting 10 - 12.
Give some away to friends so that people can hear what you sound like and they will talk about the c.d and who the artist is.
Sell your music online and have a look at cd baby because, why not make money while you are waiting for your next gig.
If you cannot afford studio time than gather a few musicians together and ask them if they will help you out or alternatively get your computer ready, mic up and soundproof a room with egg boxes to create a "studio" sound room.
Will.i.am's tips on how to make money
Get Out There!
Get yourself onto everything you can on the internet.
Go to every venue you can think of
Email everyone you can
Get your name out there by marketing yourself with friends, family and anyone that will listen!
It also helps to have an agent that can do all of this for you! Find ones that don't overcharge on commission and ensure that you let them know what you will work for and where you are prepared to work.
They are usually very helpful but they are very busy with so many people to choose. Keep in constant contact with the agent to ensure that you always get work.