{"id":1928,"date":"2014-09-22T23:36:06","date_gmt":"2014-09-22T22:36:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.lastminutemusicians.com\/how_to_get_gigs\/?p=1928"},"modified":"2026-04-11T08:16:34","modified_gmt":"2026-04-11T07:16:34","slug":"3-steps-to-promoting-a-gig","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminutemusicians.com\/how_to_get_gigs\/3-steps-to-promoting-a-gig\/","title":{"rendered":"3 steps to promoting a gig"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Last updated: April 2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Working as a promoter is a tough job – you\u2019ve booked the bands and sorted the venue, your job now is to do the marketing and promote the gig. Hopefully, that will mean that people turn up, enjoy the music and, with a bit of luck, give you the confidence and resources to put on more gigs in the future.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this blog, we’ll discuss a few simple steps to help ensure that your venue is full, and that everyone has a great time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) Promote to a specific audience – don\u2019t blanket promote to everyone<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One common mistake made by first time promoters is to target too wide an audience. Take the time to find your USP as a musician<\/a> or band so you know exactly who you’re promoting to. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is especially relevant for gigs of a certain genre and sub genres, as promoting to the right crowd of people means that the gig is more likely to be attended by those who will enjoy the music. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A good (if a little cheeky) way of doing this is attending local gigs of the same genre, and politely asking the promoter if it is okay to hand out flyers for the gig you are promoting.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Social media also plays a big role, as it allows you to specifically target your ads at people in a certain location, with specific interests. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your genre is one that could be considered a little niche, then this will be your best friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"band\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2) Invite the press<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Depending on the size of the gig you are promoting and who is performing, there is a chance that journalists may decide to attend the gig. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Convincing a local journalist to cover the gig is a great way of getting free promotion for future gigs, and establishing your pedigree as a quality promotor. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The musicians you are putting on will also be grateful for the coverage! In many cities there are also gig guides in music magazines, so promoters should always aim to get their gigs listed in gig guides and blogs<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Singer Joy Shaw suggests that working closely with owners\/landlords at venues is often a big help:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One great venue I played in put a poster in a picture frame in the entrance, on the bar, even on the inside of the toilet door and then they wrote our names and when we were appearing on the chalk board outside. The landlord knew how to promote events well. <\/span><\/p>Singer Joy Shaw<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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Simple top tips for promoting<\/h4>\n