| There are tons of people who write about "how to | | | | cash. However, many bands just starting out have |
| promote your band" on this social network or that | | | | young fans who don't have an income of their own, |
| social network. While social networks are an important | | | | and can't afford to spend $15 on a t-shirt. While this |
| part of culture now, there are other tried and true | | | | might not seem like such a big deal since clothing |
| methods that work, no matter if you're a metal band in | | | | doesn't spoil, the band misses an opportunity to have |
| 2010, or a sock hop trio stuck in 1960. | | | | their name and logo floating around out in the world |
| Getting people to shows: One this that many bands fail | | | | where it's likely that it will be seen by other music fans. |
| way short on is interaction with potential fans outside | | | | Bands should NEVER send away a fan |
| of a gig or their inner circle of friends. If someone is | | | | empty-handed. You can have full-color stickers made |
| trying to truly make it as a serious musician, it's | | | | for as little as $0.05 each, of 1" buttons made for |
| imperative that you get out there and sell yourself. This | | | | around $0.25 each. These are great to give away. |
| could be through something as simple as dragging out | | | | You should also consider having some sort of music |
| the old acoustic and playing on the street corner one | | | | that you can give away, be it online or a simple CD in |
| afternoon, or gathering the rest of the band up to hand | | | | a paper sleeve. It's difficult enough to get people to |
| out a ton of free demo CDs and telling people about | | | | promote you, but even more impossible without |
| your show later that evening. Don't underestimate the | | | | anything to promote with. |
| value and power of face-to-face interaction. It's easy | | | | These are two easy areas where even the most |
| to dismiss a Facebook event request, but a personal | | | | inexperienced and green indie band can make huge |
| plea to come watch you play is difficult to turn down. | | | | headway with their fanbase. Remember that |
| Merchandise: Many indie bands get merchandise when | | | | succeeding as an artist has little to do with your music, |
| they start playing out. It's a good way to make extra | | | | and a lot to do with how you promote it. |