If you want to earn money as a singer, you will have to find a good promotion that opens more jobs and greater knowledge. This includes advertising you both on and off the Internet. Actively finding concerts and performing at them will increase your exposure. If you have to audition for a concert, preparing your strongest marketing materials can increase your chances of success. Soon, you will find your reputation as a singer growing.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Marketing Yourself on Social Media
Step 1. Make your own website
A good website is the first step in establishing yourself as a singer. A website allows you to connect with your customers, advertise your services, offer demos, and sell recorded discs. On your website you must include:
- the type of music you sing;
- contact information, such as your phone number and email;
- an event calendar showing your most recent presentations;
- demo and video links;
- your resume;
- a photograph of you.
Step 2. Upload demonstration videos of your work
Using a streaming website like YouTube, Dailymotion, or Vimeo, create a channel for your music. Post videos of yourself singing. If you have a concert, ask a friend to record it so you can upload it online. This will give potential clients a chance to see how well you are doing and what kind of audience you can attract.
Step 3. Maintain multiple social media pages
There are many different social media platforms, each with its own audiences, tools, and quirks. You must create multiple social media pages to expand your presence on the Internet. Some sites you can consider include:
- Facebook;
- Twitter;
- Soundcloud;
- Bandcamp;
- Google Plus.
Step 4. Post links frequently
Posting interesting links not only helps to advertise your work, but it also increases the chances that your work will be shared by other people. Post at least once a week and no more than 2-3 times. Some things you can post are:
- videos of your presentations;
- notifications of your recent concerts;
- interesting news regarding music events;
- videos of other musicians that you want to help promote.
Step 5. Add other musicians
A good way to gain a following is to follow other musicians, music venues, and producers. If you follow them, they may return the courtesy and follow you back. Once they follow you, they may share the links to your posts, generating even more publicity for you.
Method 2 of 4: Advertise yourself locally
Step 1. Advertise in local newspapers
Newspapers, both online and in print, can be a valuable source of business. Find your local classifieds and buy a space to advertise your singing services.
If you offer a particular type of song, you can look for a specialized magazine. For example, if you are a wedding singer, you can advertise in bridal magazines. If you sing nursery rhymes, you can advertise through a parenting magazine
Step 2. Put up brochures
Locate local clubs, coffee shops, stadiums, and other areas where potential clients can gather. Ask these companies if you can put up a brochure advertising their services. Your brochures should identify you as a singer and provide your contact information, such as your phone number, email, and website.
Step 3. Make business cards
Create your own business cards that contain your name, contact information, and services. Have them with you always. If you run into someone who might be interested in your services, give them a card.
Step 4. Introduce yourself in public
The best way to gain visibility is to present yourself in public. Many singers are hired based on these performances. There are many ways you can perform for free without going through an audition. These include:
- free mic nights;
- singing competitions;
- presentations on the street.
Method 3 of 4: Find Concerts
Step 1. Record a demo
Either an audio or video demo can help clients remember you as a singer. It also gives you a chance to show off your singing skills outside of an audition. You should save these demos in a variety of formats, including MP3, CD, and online streaming.
Step 2. Contact local venues
Locate different places in your area that may be interested in singers. This includes showrooms, theaters, wedding venues, and clubs. Contact the owner or their promoter to see if they would be willing to allow you to perform. Different types of singers will be lucky in different places.
- If you want to sing in clubs, you should print a list of local bars, clubs, and pubs. Contact each one individually to see if they are interested in hiring a singer.
- If you want to become a wedding singer, you can contact local wedding planners or houses of worship, such as churches. They may be willing to refer to their clients as a wedding singer for their events.
Step 3. Contact promoters and producers
Meeting people who work in the music industry can help you find gigs. Get in touch with local studios, agencies, and production companies via email or phone call. Let them know about your services and ask if they would be willing to listen to one of your demos. Let them know the type of music you specialize in and why they would be interested in you.
For example, you can write an email with the following: “Dear Mr. Smith, my name is Laura K and I am a jazz singer. For 5 years, I have been performing to audiences and many venues in the city, and I am looking to enhance my singing career. I know your studio specializes in jazz performances. The Daily Standard has called them "the revelation of jazz." I am including a link to my demos if it is interesting. Please let me know if you are willing to meet to discuss a possible partnership. Thank you"
Step 4. Respond to the ads
Check your local listings frequently to see what singer jobs show up. Apply for every job you can to increase your chances of success. There are different ads that require different qualifications, but in general, you want to have a resume and demo ready to send out to potential clients.
Step 5. Join a band
While you may want to work as a solo artist, you can increase your exposure by working with other musicians. Joining a band will not only help you gain more experience on stage, but it will also make you more vulnerable to certain clients, who may be looking for backing musicians. Cooperating with other musicians will also help you network within the local music industry. You may know producers, audio engineers, and promoters.
Method 4 of 4: Prepare for an Audition
Step 1. Ask your clients for references
Once you've done a few gigs, you can ask your clients if they'd be willing to give you a referral. List these references on your resume and provide them to your audience at the audition. You may even want to post these recommendations on your website in case producers search for you online.
Step 2. Choose the appropriate ensembles of music
Before an audition, you will have to prepare a repertoire of songs to demonstrate your ability. You should have a wide range of songs that are appropriate for the type of singing you want to do.
- If you want to be a singer-songwriter, you must be able to sing the popular hits of various artists. You should also prepare songs that you wrote to demonstrate your ability as a songwriter.
- If you are a wedding singer, you will want to prepare different types of pop classics, love songs, and ballads, as well as some common religious songs.
- If you are an opera singer, you will want to prepare arias in multiple languages.
- Musical theater performers must perform both classic theater performances and the latest Broadway hits.
Step 3. Provide a picture and a resume
When you get to your audition, you will probably compete with other singers. To make sure you are remembered, you should bring a resume and a photo of your face with you. Give them to the producers before you start your audition. This will help them remember which singer you are and give them a face that they can connect to the song.
Advice
- Once you've done a few gigs, your reputation may grow on people's recommendation.
- Treat your clients well and you will see that they will be more likely to give you a good reference.
- The more active you are to search for concerts and audition, the more people you will meet in the industry. Even if they don't hire you for a job, the producers can remember you.
Warnings
- Don't post too often on your social media, as you could overwhelm your followers.
- It can take a long time to establish a strong customer base. Go ahead and don't give up.