How to Promote a Gig
A practical 5-step plan to fill the room at your next show \u2014 whether it's a bar, a festival, or a house concert.
Start 4 Weeks Out
The biggest mistake bands make is waiting until the week of the show to start promoting. By then, most people have already made plans.
Four weeks out, announce the show on all your channels. Create the event on your website, post it to social media, and add it to any local event calendars.
Week 4 goal: Make sure everyone who follows you knows the show exists.
Build a Social Media Plan
Don't just post once and forget it. Plan a series of posts that build momentum:
- Week 4: Announce the show with date, venue, and a strong image
- Week 3: Share a behind-the-scenes rehearsal clip or setlist tease
- Week 2: Post a countdown, share the event link, tag the venue
- Week 1: Final push — stories, reminders, day-of posts
Send Emails to Your List
Email consistently outperforms social media for driving attendance. Your mailing list subscribers are your most engaged fans \u2014 they opted in because they want to hear from you.
Send two emails: one announcement 2\u20133 weeks out, and one reminder 2\u20133 days before the show. Keep them short, include the details, and link to your website for more info.
Don't have a mailing list yet? Start building one today \u2014 even 50 subscribers can make a difference.
Update Your Website
Your website is where all your promotional efforts converge. Make sure the gig is front and center:
- Add the show to your gig calendar
- Include venue details, time, and ticket links
- Feature the show on your homepage if it's a big one
GigPro syncs your gig calendar across your entire site \u2014 update once, and it shows everywhere.
Follow Up After the Show
Promotion doesn't end when the show does. The day after is your best chance to convert attendees into long-term fans:
- Post photos and videos from the show
- Thank the venue, sound engineer, and other acts
- Send a follow-up email with photos and your next show
- Update your website with photos from the event
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far in advance should I start promoting a gig?
- Start at least 4 weeks before the show. This gives you time to build awareness, send reminders, and drive ticket sales or RSVPs.
- What’s the most effective way to promote a gig?
- A combination of social media, email marketing, and an updated website works best. Email has the highest conversion rate, but social media builds awareness.
- Should I pay for ads to promote a gig?
- Only if you have a clear budget and target audience. For most local shows, organic promotion through social media, email, and word of mouth is more effective.
Plan Your Next Gig Campaign
Gig management, mailing lists, and a professional website \u2014 all in one place.