Gig success tip #8 - Repeat and stir your social media

In my previous tips on social media as part of this series, you may have noticed that I focused almost exclusively on Facebook and not other valuable channels like Instagram and Tiktok.

This is because while those channels are an important part of the promotional mix, they lack both of the critical Event Page functionality and Groups features of Facebook, both of which multiply the visibility or reach of your post significantly as well as valuable 'reminder' capabilities.

But once you have performed your initial facebook event setup and shares, these social channels become more important as you seek to increase awareness of your gig and remind those who are already aware that its coming soon.

Social horses for courses

Remember too that Insta and Tiktok also command a much younger audience, so if the average age of your act is also say under 30, these should be prioritised in the same way as I have for Facebook for over 30s.

But as you get closer to the gig, you enter a second and even third phase of your social media promotion.

Your social media goals

Ideally you should be posting a minimum of three times before a gig;

1 - As soon as the gig is confirmed

2 - About 10 days out from the gig

3 - The day before the gig

Some even like to post from the soundcheck or stage setup to capture last minute punters.

Obviously you can do more than this but its important to add a different slant on your post or graphic when doing so to prevent exposure fatigue to the same post.

Mix up your media

One popular way to complement your initial posts is to offer subsequent posts in a different medium like video or animation.

A number of popular venues suggest creating a short video piece to camera reminding your followers of the gig and expressing enthusiasm for it at the same time - something all social media should do.

As an adjunct to promoting shows individually, its a great idea to create a 'Gigs on this month' post. Better still, create a version to make it your Facebook page header so that everyone that visits your page can clearly see your upcoming gigs.

Other useful tactics

Don't forget that even a modest 'boost' (paid ad) of your post will multiply its impact significantly. Even as little as $20 can mean thousands more 'prospects' will see your post and ideally act on it.

You should also be creating a post following the show with some pix and a thank you to the venue and attendees. This will create 'FOMO' among those who missed out and will encourage them to get to your next gig.

All of this will ensure you get a healthy turnout to your show and that in turn will get you an all important return gig or better still gigs at that venue.

Need professional, yet affordable help with your marketing? Reach out to Craig today.