Finding Your Fans

As performers, we all jump at the opportunity to be up front, center stage and doing what we do best. Unfortunately, if you aren't choosing your venues correctly, you are not doing much to help your cause. Before you put your six string across your back and head to the next open mic night, there are a few things to consider.

The first thing you have to realize is the audience composition is important. If you are going to the local nursing home to play punk rock, you are making a few major mistakes. A) You're not taking into account what your audience wants, B) You're not performing for your target audience and C) You're not thinking about your merchandising.

Instead of committing these major follies, arrange gigs that are appropriate for your band's style and genre. Set up performances in the places where your target audience can be found and make sure your chosen target audience is a group that has the cash to back you. Knowing who your target audience is and what they want to hear makes it possible for you to find your fans in their environment and collect a profit for taking the time to do so.

Let the other bands in town keep playing the open mic night at the local musicians hang outs. These little talent shows are just not profitable or a good place to find new fans. Why? The event is usually an audience of fellow musicians who are waiting for their chance to perform. They aren't there to buy CD's. They are there to play their songs for the audience that we all crave. Instead of wasting your time practicing in front of an audience of fellow musicians, spend your time learning who your target audience is and finding your fans