1. No Fear
The idea of promoting or selling your band can be scary. The good news though is that it’s not the foot-in-the-door, pestering kind of selling you need for gig-getting. You just need to let venue managers know you exist, and then give them reasons to book you.

2. Agree your goal
If you're not a solo artist, make sure all band members agree how often you want to be out playing. Otherwise you’ll end up cancelling work and damaging your reputation.Your goal will also give you a target to aim for and keep you focussed and motivated to bring in the bookings.

3. Work out what’s different about your band or act
Understand exactly what it is you’re offering and why people should hire you. Ask friends who’ve seen you play or rehearse for their honest opinions. Research other similar bands gigging in your area. Make an effort to go and watch them and compare yourselves.

4. Create a demo with a difference
Don’t record complete songs. Create a 3-5 minute medley of snatches of around 10 numbers which best showcase your strengths. Only submit your demo when it’s asked for and only to the person who can actually give you the booking. Make sure contact details are included either on the CD or with the email if your sending an mp3

5. Build a long list of target venues
The more venues you approach about gigs, the less uptight you’ll feel when you tackle each one. Selling is a numbers game and the more targets you have the more bull’s-eyes you’ll hit. Add new venues to your list every week.

6. Hit the phones!
Make a set number of phone calls to potential new venues every week. Concentrate on what you can do for the venue – not what it can do for you. Focus on how your act could encourage people to go to their venue and boost their takings.

7. Advertise while you play
Ever wandered into a bar, seen a band on stage and had no idea who they were? Make it easy for other people to book you. Get the band name out there in front of everyone along with a contact number and email or website address.

8. Ask for repeat bookings
Give every venue the opportunity to book you again on gig-night rather than wait until later and call them. If you’ve gone down well they’ll be at their most enthusiastic just after the gig itself. Suggest multiple further bookings for several months ahead.

9. Write and send out press releases
Build the exposure, interest and ultimately demand for your band via the press. Even your regional papers can help you. Make sure you target all publications local to each band member with news of upcoming gigs. Always include a picture with any release.

10. Create your own newsletter
When someone declines a gig and says they’ll keep your details on file, don’t give up on them. Stay in regular contact via your own newsletter. Then, when they do start looking for new bands yours is the one that will spring to mind first.

Adapted from Gig-Getter: How to Get more gigs than you can play Order eBook here

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