How to Build a Fan Base in the Real World

The music industry is a competitive market filled with numerous bands, which are trying to make their way to the top. Part of hitting the big time is building a fan base that will pay to listen to your music. Fans, who like your music, will not only want to hear more of it, but will also tell other people about it. This form of free advertising does not come cheap though. It is only achieved after you have put in the initial work to build a fan base through a real world marketing campaign.

How do you go about building a fan base in the real world? If you are already hosting gigs for local bars and clubs, then you have got your foot in the door. People, who frequent these places, will have an opportunity to hear your music for the first time, and it is a great chance for you to make an awesome first impression on potential fans. Gigging also has other benefits, when it comes to building a fan base through real world marketing. Maybe you have a newsletter, but you want to build a bigger subscription base. Getting people to leave their e-mail address to receive your newsletter or touring schedule is a great way to communicate with fans. Make it easy for people to do this on their way in and out of a gig. A great way to accomplish this is by recruiting friends to promote your band, while you are playing. These individuals can mill around in the lobby pushing band merchandise and CDs, while encouraging people to sign up to receive a tour schedule or newsletter. Band stickers can be used to publicize your band all over the country. You can persuade people to give their email address by providing them with a band sticker for free. This will not only get your hooks in them, but will also broadcast the name of your band wherever the person travels. This real world marketing strategy is a good way to advertise your band and obtain the necessary information to send out newsletters for further acceptance.

If you are not gigging, then you will need to make your rounds in public and strategize an effective marketing campaign. You can hang up flyers for a free concert in your yard and promote your music, while you get people’s e-mail addresses, so you can send out a future dates notice. Hosting a free show offers an invitation to curious people, who are looking for something new and different. Try teaming up with a nonprofit organization and offering to play at no charge at their next fundraiser. It gives people the opportunity to listen to your music and pass the word on to others, who were not able to attend.

Don’t be afraid to go out into public either. Even if you are not currently gigging at bars and clubs you can still go into these places and talk with the owner, as well as patrons about, who you are. Whenever you visit a club have demo recordings available to leave with management. Countless bands approach club owners, and the more professional you appear the better your chances of receiving a call. Your demo should include all of your contact information, as well as the title of the songs and the band’s name. Playing at local venues is a great way to get started since you never know who may be around at that particular moment. Many bands that have become famous have had their lives change on the turn of a dime. Either a big time promoter goes to your gig or a copy of your music lands in their lap. That’s why it is so important to work your rounds at the bars and meet as many people as you can.

Don’t overlook radio! You may be thinking that this is out of your league, however, a local Public Broadcasting Station or late night venue is a great place to get the word out about your band. Most area stations are very supportive of the local music scene and will dedicate late night playtime to new or up and coming bands. Typically, the DJ will announce any upcoming venues your band may have after any airtime. You can also ask to be placed on any event calendar that the station might offer. Regardless, success will require tenacity and tons of leg work, but the results can be phenomenal!

© Hothouse Music Group, All rights reserved. To use this article on your site please contact us at studio@hothousestudios.com.

Contact Hothouse Studios today.
562.945.1300

Join us at our Yahoo group called the Hothouse Music Group by submitting your email address below.  You can post your questions or ideas for topics there and we’ll work on incorporating them into the column.
Join us at our Yahoo Group called hothousemusic

Hothouse content is the intellectual property of Hothouse. Any copying, republication or redistribution of Hothouse content, including by caching, framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Hothouse. Hothouse shall not be liable for any errors or delays in content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Hothouse and the Hothouse Logo are trademarks and registered trademarks of the Hothouse Group of companies around the world.