If you are like most independent recording artists, one thing that you
can always use is more CD sales. Below, are ten alternative unique
actions that you can take now to begin tripling your CD sales overnight.
A. CD Gig Sale Co-Op
I've mentioned this one in a previous issue, but it bears reiterating. Basically it works this way:
Arrange a cooperative agreement between your band and
similar bands, say 2-3, whereby you each agree to promote and sell each
other's CDs at each other's respective gigs. You also stipulate a sales
price and an agreed upon number of units.
B. Distribute Samples At Genre Nightclubs
Here, you will contact club managers in your area whose deejays either
play your genre of music or host live bands in your genre. This works
best in clubs that specifically have deejays and do not have live bands.
You ask the club manager for permission to distribute your samplers to
club patrons. Even better, is if you agree to pay the club a small fee
for allowing you to do so.
On the sampler, simply include approximately 2 minutes
of each song. Naturally, these sampler discs are CDs
that you will "burn" in your computer or you may choose to have your
samplers manufactured. You also want to be sure to leave your website
address on the sampler's cover, as a file within the compact disc, and
on the sampler's label itself.
C. Distribute Samples At Football Games
What a perfect opportunity to get some free exposure than by
distributing your sampler at football games. However, be sure to obtain
permission from the school prior to doing so. If this feat works, you
can also distribute at other school sports as well.
D. Distribute Samplers at Colleges and their Dances
Not only are colleges great territories to distribute your free
samplers, but they have several opportunities to do so that include;
games, dances and other school and social functions, as well as by
simply walking around the campus and handing samplers out to students.
Again, be sure to obtain permission from the college administration or
student activities office beforehand.
E. Tee Shirts
If your budget will allow, you could make an investment in an order of
tee shirts that promote your band name, logo and website address.
F. College Radio Interviews
Contact area colleges and offer to interview with them as a part of
their content. If agreed, be sure to provide the host or producer a
copy of your complete CD in advance.
G. College Television Interviews
Same as above. Contact college television stations and offer to be an
interview subject. If you also have a video, this is a perfect time to
have it aired during your interview. In fact, if you have a
professional video, this may be the only calling card you need to get
the interview.
H. Interview with College Newspapers
College newspapers are a boon for exposure because they can feature both
interviews and music reviews. Hence, you should strongly consider them
as an interview possibility as well as consider them for low-cost
advertising of your new music release.
I. Flea Markets
There are some incredibly large flea markets that are open to the
general public on weekends. And, there is the likely chance that, at
least, one exists in your area. Contact the management and offer to
play for free as entertainment in exchange for management allowing you
to sell your CDs. I have been to many large flea markets but I cannot
recall ever seeing a band performing. This could be a great start in
exposure and sales for you and fellow bands.
J. Customized ID Checks
Offer radio stations a free customized station ID check for them to air.
If you have a fairly good area following, this will work even better.
Station ID checks sound something to the effect of...
"Hi, this is John Thomas from The Stinging Lizards.
Whenever I awake in the morning, my alarm clock is always set to KTAV 103 FM."
With these ten steps, you can easily see how implementing only several
of them regularly and consistently, could, indeed, quickly and easily
triple your CD sales.
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