So you show up at your gig, setup & proceed to play a powerhouse set as the audience goes wild!!!
You pack up, load up the van, go home & sit in front of your computer waiting for the total number of downloads to go up. I mean…..you just rocked the house didn’t you? Surely the audience members couldn’t wait to get home to own your music right?
So you wait…..and wait….and wait some more.
Relying on a fan to go home & click on the “buy this album” button can sometimes be the most depressing part of the artist/fan give & take. You just gave them your heart & soul & you hope they repay you by going home & buying your music.
How about continuing to “rock the house” after your awesome set by offering them a little piece of you to take home? Maybe some pictures? Some lyrics? Possibly even a signature?
A band/artist should never miss an opportunity to reach their fans & what better time than when they are front & center. Don’t let them go home & hope they remember you. Let them know you have something for them. SELL THEM YOUR CD. You are offering pictures, lyrics, maybe even a signature. Most importantly, you have your music for them to take home. You have your CD for them to own RIGHT NOW!
Tips for selling your CD’s at gigs
Mention it!!! Start the 2nd song of your set off with “This is the first single off our new CD”. Between the fifth and sixth song you can say “ This is a song we’ve never played live off our new CD”. Don’t be afraid to mention it. If you rocked the set, they will want a piece of you!
Where they can get it! Do you have a table setup? Will you be walking around after the set with them? Will you be standing in the corner with them? Is your car or van out front with the trunk open?
Bundle up! Have special prices for 2 different cds. Or maybe a CD AND a t-shirt. CD & Stickers? Merch is your friend!
Giveaways! Maybe you can add the cost of the CD to the price of admission. Maybe you can raffle a copy off during the show (possibly for the fan who yells the bands name the loudest) and see how everyone else gets the “I’ve got to have one too” disease!!!
Make them want it….BAD!!! Add some outtakes or fan messages to the CD. Give your fans stuff they can ONLY get by buying the cd. Maybe an acoustic version? A hidden track of goodies?
Make it easy!!! Take cash, checks even credit cards that you can process thru your smartphones. Remember…cha-ching is music too!!!!
Connect!! Set up meet & greets after the show. Sign a disc for them if they buy it. Take a selfie with them. They are your fans….show them the love & they will love you back with a sale!!!