Solo and Duo Acts

[Potts]

I posted this on BSWTB but nobody responded so we'll see if we can get some ideas moving here. If not I give up  

I'm putting myself "out there" by posting all these, but hopefully we can all gain something and get some ideas flowing. I use photoshop, but there are a number of free programs that are available that will accomplish the same tasks. The attachments are just simple and creative ways that I've found that generate likes and comments on Facebook. I don't have time to find out if they actually work or not.

• I usually don't post any promo on Monday but I like to throw out a quick blurb about the past weekend's gigs and issue a heart-felt thanks to those that came out. I'll occassionally tag the venue and they seem to like that once in awhile. Not too often though because it can come across cheesy if it's more than a few times a year.
• I'll normally keep the promo stuff at a minimum until Wednesday. Sometimes I'll post a monthly calendar, a recorded original or a video or something on Tuesday.
• I'll hit it pretty hard on Thursday and Friday and post a few updates with an attached image throughout the day on Thursday.  
• Friday- I'll normally add a video, poster or one of the othe things on the venue's Facebook page. And "share" Thursday's image (for consistancy) on my own page.
• I've found that new pictures on these promo images usually get a lot of likes.

New Facebook Banner I made today

Half-assed Calendar for mid-week

Another half-assed Calendar for mid-week

Basic "Facebook" Poster

Business Card Facebook Promo

[Shaster]

All I can say is you're way beyond me when it comes to promo. I only visit Facebook once a month or so, and my page is next to useless.

I did hear one comment from someone who said that if you are on Facebook just to promo, it could turn some people off.  This person (or article, can't remember) suggested that in additon to promo, you also visit Facebook to participate. Become more involved....  then when you post promo and updates people have a vested interest in checking you out.  I don't know if I agree with this, and I certainly don't have time to be posting jokes, and app suggestions but I thought I would pass it on.

[Potts]

I'm on Facebook all the time. I only have a personal page and normally accept any and all invites or requests.

[daddymack]

I agree that if you plan to use a social media outlet (including HC) for promotional purposes, you can't use it strictly as a spam device, you need to spend some time participating.

Potts, do you change the calendar pic every time you post one?

[Potts]

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daddymack wrote:

I agree that if you plan to use a social media outlet (including HC) for promotional purposes, you can't use it strictly as a spam device, you need to spend some time participating.

Potts, do you change the calendar pic every time you post one?

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I try to because as I said in the previous post most people seem to like whatever the "new" pic is. The issue is that I'm running out of photos. I actually changed shirts during a gig the other day and had my wife snap some pics. Out of about 20 I ended up with 1.

[Bob Dey]

I just posted an audio recording on Fandalism which also goes on facebook. I've done the same with videos in the past. I'm not working as much as you Darrell, but when I get a gig I "create an event" and invite everyone that's in the area. That was working really good last year, and so so this year so far. It's really good to just post other stuff that isn't all you too. Links to youtube vids you like or anything with a photo is good.

[Potts]

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Bob Dey wrote:

I just posted an audio recording on Fandalism which also goes on facebook. I've done the same with videos in the past. I'm not working as much as you Darrell, but when I get a gig I "create an event" and invite everyone that's in the area. That was working really good last year, and so so this year so far. It's really good to just post other stuff that isn't all you too. Links to youtube vids you like or anything with a photo is good.

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I agree Bob! I also try and promte others that have gigs if I'm playing out of town or I'm off that night.

[steve mac]

I used FB a lot when I was running my photography business and whilst it only brought in a few jobs, it certainly made it easy to stay in touch with past clients, for me totally worth it.
D have sent you a request be my friend

[Shaster]

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Potts wrote:
I'm on Facebook all the time. I only have a personal page and normally accept any and all invites or requests.

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Wow, if that is what's on your personal page, then you've really put me to shame. 

In the past,I've been somewhat reluctant to accept all invitations. but In reality I guess that's kind of silly since you don't want to preach just to the converted. Might have to change my policy.

Hmmmm it seems like I'm getting more out of this than you are. But hey, thanks.

[Potts]

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Shaster wrote:

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Potts wrote:
I'm on Facebook all the time. I only have a personal page and normally accept any and all invites or requests.

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Wow, if that is what's on your personal page, then you've really put me to shame. 

In the past,I've been somewhat reluctant to accept all invitations. but In reality I guess that's kind of silly since you don't want to preach just to the converted. Might have to change my policy.

Hmmmm it seems like I'm getting more out of this than you are. But hey, thanks.

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Yeah I don't care...Now that doesn't mean I'm not deleting people that drive me nuts all the time  

[Boosha]

I'm a Secondary Teacher, so keeping my own profile private was a priority for me.  That being said, I'm happy for anyone to like my music page!  The one thing that infuriates me about having a musician page is the inability to initiate a private message with another person or page.  Anyway, your promo pics look fantastic Darrell. 

Luke

[Potts]

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Boosha wrote:

I'm a Secondary Teacher, so keeping my own profile private was a priority for me.  That being said, I'm happy for anyone to like my music page!  The one thing that infuriates me about having a musician page is the inability to initiate a private message with another person or page.  Anyway, your promo pics look fantastic Darrell. 

Luke

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Yeah I toatally understand why you'd want a personal page being a teacher. Thanks for the compliments and welcome to the board!!! Where are you from?

[Boosha]

I'm from Australia.  I live in a rural area so I have plenty of work with private functions/parties etc.  There aren't many venues around here, so you have to keep a good relationship with them or else everyone will know you're a scumbag!  Haha.

On my faceybooky page, I totally agree with the 'images get more impressions' idea.  I usually add an image when I want my post to be noticed.

Luke

[pogo97]

some useful info about self-promotion online here.

[andyburr]

I play mostly private gigs, so I don't spend much time doing FB promo.

I try to hit it once or twice prior to a public appearance: sometimes when I first book a gig, then again just before. I rarely do 'Invite' -- does it work for you?  A couple times I bought a small number of closely targeted ads, but it didn't seem to gain me many 'likes,' so I quit doing it.  If I have a decent photo or if something out-of-the-ordinary happens, I'll do a follow-up.  When I have an upcoming, I'll usually befriend the venue or organization and post on their page about how I'm looking forward to being there on whatever date. Meanwhile, I interact, 'like,' and comment often, just to be in touch with friends and acquaintances.

Re your photo, Darrell -- why don't you smile?

Best wishes to all!

[toober]

My wife is also a teacher but uses a psudonym on facebook and all her friends know it. Makes life easier that way.