We started producing band banners, posters and gig handouts for friends, and soon realised there are loads of local bands in the Leicester and Midlands area who could use help with producing promotional material.
Bands are expected to do quite a lot of their own publicity. They need to build their own fan base and hopefully take along their own group of supporters to a gig. Unknown bands can’t rely on finding a ready made audience. Venues will do their bit to promote an event, but the band has to work hard to make sure people know about them, get to like their music, and find out where they’re playing.
As a first step it pays to produce some band posters that the venue can use to promote your upcoming gig. If it’s a pub, club or local hall it’ll probably pay you to spend some time putting up posters yourselves in the local area. A3 posters are plenty big enough for most places, often space will only allow for A4 size. If it’s a big gig you may want to produce a load of posters with the venue and date printed on them – if you’re doing a lot of smaller events then print a batch of posters with a blank space for the time, date and location to be written in afterward in felt tip.
If you’ve got a series of dates planned then why not hand out fliers at all your gigs promoting the dates and venues? If people like your set they’ll be pleased to take away a reminder of where you’re playing next.
Use stage banners if you can. If your performing as part of a festival or with a collection of other bands it may be difficult to dress the stage with your own display material, but if the opportunity allows then stage banners and your own backdrop will make sure people remember who you are. It also makes you look professional and ensures that your band name gets featured in any photographs.
If your looking for new bookings, make sure too that you have booking cards or business cards available in the audience area for people pick up.
Merchandising materials help to get your band recognised and remembered. T-shirts, caps and car stickers can be sold alongside you CDs, and try to make sure your supporters, roadies and hangers on are wearing branded shirts or hats to help spread the word.
