As an up-and-coming musician, one of the biggest challenges is motivating people to leave the comfort of their homes and attend your local shows. Your diehard fans will always make the effort, but for casual listeners or newcomers, an extra incentive is often needed to get them through the door.
Think about it this way: Your favorite big-name artist is touring, and tickets are $100+. It's an easy decision to go because the experience is worth the cost. Now, consider a $10 show from a local act you're only vaguely familiar with. Depending on your week and mood, it's much easier to skip.
But what if you offered those potential attendees something extra? Research shows that people are heavily motivated by feelings of exclusivity and getting a good deal. By adding a special perk or exclusive tie-in, you can turn curious listeners into paying showgoers.
Here are a few ideas to spice up your next gig and create a "How can I miss that?" vibe:
Surprise Guest Performer: Nobody wants to be the one who missed an incredible collaboration with a buzzworthy touring act or a favorite local musician.
Special Merch Drop: Cap the first 50 people in the door by offering a free, limited-edition shirt or album they can't get anywhere else. Everyone loves free stuff!
Immersive Experience: Let fans be part of the show by having them click handclaps/tambourines on a song or host a pre-show Q&A. Interactive experiences create lasting memories.
Fan Photo Opportunities: Set up a cool backdrop and props, and print some branded photo strips – you've just created a buzzworthy fan experience.
The key is creating an extra layer of excitement and intrigue that converts passive listeners into enthusiastic attendees. It's not about gimmicks; it's about enhancing your basic live show with enough appealing additions that people feel they're getting more than their money's worth.
I’ve used this method over the course of my career and it works. Trust me. The main idea is that you want to do this consistently so you develop the reputation of always adding an extra element to your shows. This way, people will always assume there’s something extra going on!
Don't sell your fanbase short! With creativity and incentives, you can pack the room – no arena-level status required. Let me know if you need help brainstorming fresh ways to make your shows feel like can't-miss events!
James
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Ready to level up your songwriting and guitar skills?
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