Does Your Website Have A Gig Magnet?

While most artists have a website, many overlook the portion which actually assists them in getting gigs. The booking section. Here we cover the key aspects of the booking section of an artist's website and look at what's necessary to take it to the next level and make it a gig magnet.

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Guest post by Bobby Owsinski of Music 3.0

If you’re an artist or band, hopefully you have a website. If you do, you’re probably wondering if it actually helps you to get gigs. By itself, a good artist website can be an excellent introduction to any promoters checking you out, but there’s one section that’s more important than all others that’s usually overlooked by more artists – the booking section. Here are the essential parts of a booking section of an artist website that gives it that extra punch to make it a gig magnet.

The idea is to make sure that if an agent or promoter does check out your band that you have all  the pertinent information available on your website for them to both want to book you, and help promote you. Create a “Bookings,” “Book Me,” or “Book My Band” section on your website, which can be similar to an online press kit, but instead includes specific additions like:

• Statistics about the number of newsletter subscribers, Facebook fans and Twitter followers you have. Remember that your social media presence is now taken into consideration by most bookers and promoters, as it’s a vital part of their marketing too.

• Average attendance for your shows. Are you regularly selling out 50 ,100, or 500-seat venues? Make sure to include it.

• The markets and venues that you play in.

• A photo gallery with lots of quality live photos, including any that include crowds in packed venues.

• Good quality live videos which means videos  that look good, have good audio quality, show packed rooms, and have minimal audience interference. Audience sing-a-longs are always worth including as well.

• A stage plot of how your gear is normally set up.

• A typical set list, if you’re a cover band.

• Quotes from the media that mention your live show.

• Quotes from venue bookers.

• Quotes from fans about your live shows.

Of course, you should always blog and tweet about your live shows as well. Post about the turnout, the crowd reaction, and post plenty of pics and live video whenever you can. All of this will help create the impression that you’re a hard-working band that takes their live shows seriously. Including the details on your website can turn it into the gig magnet that every artist wants and needs.

You can read more from my Music 4.1 Internet Music Guidebook and my other books on the excerpt section of bobbyowsinski.com.