___________________________
Guest post by Bobby Owsinski of Music 3.0Promotion doesn’t have to cost money to be effective and it doesn’t have to be only online either. Here are some ideas that can be powerful tools that don’t even involve a computer.1. Don’t underestimate the value of something free. Fans love free items, either as part of a package (for example, buy a CD and get a T-shirt free), part of a contest, or just being one of the first ten fans to email. Sometimes items of seemingly little value have a wide appeal. Backstage passes, seat upgrades, seats on stage, tickets to the sound check, invites to a meet and greet, and downloads of live songs are all prized by a real fan.2. Park a van or truck that has a banner on it across from a show by a similar act. It’s surprising that this isn’t done more since it works so well. Every fan entering or exiting the venue will be aware of you.3. Free or low-cost entry to show “after parties” extends the show experience and rewards the true fan. These can be promoted along with the show, and even offered as a part of the ticket package.4. Instead of sending a “thank you” email to a promoter, writer, interviewer, or just someone who’s done you a good turn, send a handwritten thank-you note by snail mail. You’ll be shocked how well this works. It’s unusual, it’s sincere, and it’s remembered. It’s also very likely to be seen, since we’re all getting fewer and fewer snail-mail items these days.5. Consider asking your fans to help you with promo. Ask them to put up flyers or send out emails. Put a PDF of a poster or flyer online for fans to download.You can read more from the Music 4.0 Online Music Guidebook and my other books on the excerpt section of bobbyowsinski.com.
