Tip #81 Add yourself to trip advisor and get reviews…

At the time of writing this I need to do a little more research on this topic, but it appears you can get your band listed on trip advisor to start getting those all-important reviews from genuine people!

Take a look at this example:
Example

Will post an update on this topic soon…


Tip #80 Sign up for a discounted listing!

Sign up for a 12 month enhanced listing in our UK Entertainment Directory during January and we will give you 6 months absolutely free! Click here to register. Enhanced listings show up above standard listings as well as offering audio samples and availability calenders etc. If you want to get gigs at weddings, functions and corporate events in 2012 then we strongly suggest that you register yourself!


Tip #79 Promote your band online

Want to get more gigs in 2012? Then you definitely need to get to work on promoting your band as decisions are already being made on gigs for next summer. Some festivals have already announced some acts for 2012 and if you want to be doing any gigs at that time then you really need to get on it. Promote your band as much as you can online as well as with traditional methods. Speak to concert bookers now about dates for the summer and don’t delay! One thing you could do right now is to register for a listing with an entertainment directory. Check this out: Promote Band, and sign up for a listing today.


Tip #78 Support your local music scene!

Supporting your local music scene and attending local gigs is very important when trying to find more gigs for your band. Make an effort to go to gigs and talk to the bands playing. Try and strike up a conversation with the promoter and even the sound man to see if you can make new friends. It’s important to be as open minded as you can and not be afraid of taking new opportunities. You need to make yourself and your band known to the right people, so that when a promoter is looking for bands – they think of you first!

Tip #77 Add your music to Google +

Google have recently released Google +, a social network where you can create various circles and include your friends, acquaintances and business partners. You can now add a profile for your music, it’s quick and easy and we highly recommend that you do it! Google + could be the next big social network, just as Facebook is today. Creating a Google + music page can up your SEO with google and promote your music. This will get you more gigs and increase your fan base!

Tip #76 Choose your audience!

It’s important to choose your audience when asking for gigs and to look into the details when deciding if you will play the ones you have been offered. Unfortunately Promoters aren’t always the brightest of people and can sometimes put bands of different genres on one bill, meaning the gig may not turn out the way you think it will! There have been many stories where Metal bands have been added to a Hip Hop gig and even punk bands added to Jazz gigs?!

Tip #75 CouchSurfing!

Today, I’m writing this from Croatia! I’m here, funnily enough because I’m playing a gig – booked through Couch-Surfing. On Couch-Surfing there are various different groups where users post messages to find new friends and places to stay. It can be a useful tool for musicians and bands as there are also groups for finding gigs all across the world.

Whether it be a house concert, or a gig in a local venue the gigs are often DIY, organized by other musicians or music lovers. It gives any band the opportunity to branch out of their home town and play all across the world.

Tip #74 Battle Of The Bands, get involved!

The Battle of the bands is a competition where many bands can enter (usually rock bands) and compete to be the ‘best band’. Usually judged by a panel of judges, the prize is often a day in a recording studio or a sought after support slot for a big band. Battle of the bands are a great way of getting involved with your local music scene.

Tip #73 Open Mic Nights

Have you tried playing open mic night? Not only is it a great way to try out new material to an audience, it can also be a great way to get new gigs and even try out new band members! Some nights are for acoustic based music only, but it’s not uncommon for a pub to have a drum kit and some amplifiers where a band can plug in and play!

There are usually a few open mic nights in each city (very popular in Brighton and London) but if there isn’t one near – why not start your own! Open mic night’s are very popular in pubs because of the music lovers they draw in. The pub will probably pay you to run it too!


Tip #72 Create a Database of Useful Contacts!

When you are an up and coming band or musician looking to get gigs and trying to promote your profile, it is very useful to keep a Database or list of useful contacts that you may acquire. This way you could have a big collection of email addresses and phones numbers of promoters, bloggers, journalists and other music professionals all in one place.

This means that when you are looking for gigs all of the contacts you would need will be easily accessible and in one place!