Connecting People as a Product

The Product I am writing about isn't something you hold in your hands, but something that you connect with mind, body and spirit. It is music and how the marketing has changed since the arrival and use of the Internet

If you are a touring, professional musician, one of the most important aspects of your career is getting folks to come out to your shows. Back in time it was the sole responsibility of the venue owner to get the word out, post flyers around town and in the venue, to alert people of who would be coming to town to do a show.

Granted, the artist could tell friends where he was gong next and they could call their family and friends and alert them of an upcoming performance, but that has all changed, as the Internet and Social Media has grown.

For a touring musician, this is THE most effective way to get the word out about performances and CD sales. First it was with email and the web page that performers gained a forum to share their music and schedules. At concerts there would be a paper out on the CD table and fans could sign it, add their email, to get updates about the when/where/how of the music. 

It no longer became just the responsibility of the Venue to get the word out, but the Musicians began letting fans know when they would be in town. The target market could get an email the next time the performer was coming through town and ticket sales increased.

This quickly became a very effective practice. By example - where the Old Town School of Folk Music used to have weekly ads in the Sunday Chicago Tribune, that slowed down and today has all but stopped. The rise of social media and web pages make getting the information to fans in a new and better way...and less expensive.

Today, you can go to Facebook or Twitter or any Social Media site and you will find links to the performers and the venues. You can LIKE a page and then get posts when shows are happening and be on top of who is coming and setting your calendar so as not to miss them. One of my favorites is blues musician Keb Mo. Below is a link to his Facebook page, check it out. His web team uses social media very well and is very responsive to the fans, answering questions and keeping us up-to-date on his tours. And while a touring musician still may need a manger, that job description has changed and knowing how to use Social Media is at the top of the list of requirements. 

And, if Keb Mo is coming to town, DO NOT MISS HIM! 

Bryn, the music junkie and writing fool 

https://www.facebook.com/kebmo/