Google analytics is a must. A lot of people seem to miss how important it is to know your traffic statistics and learn how to interpret them. It’s free. it’s very usefull. Everyone should have Google Analytics, or an equivalent, such as clicky.me (which has some cool features that GA doesn’t).

The great thing about playing in a band at this point in time is that there are so many creative and fun ways to reach people. The important thing though is to understand the overall principles of business and marketing. It’s not so much about knowing that it’s a good thing to use twitter, or facebook or artistdata as it is about knowing how to use those tools in a way that will sell you more music and get more people to your shows. I highly, highly recommend reading some books about marketing and branding that were written by non-musicians. A lot of these books are actually really enjoyable to read.

A few recommendations:

Startup Guide to Guerilla Marketing
by Jay and Jeannie Levinson

22 Immutable Laws of Marketing
Jack Trout and Al Reiss

22 Immutable Laws of Branding
Al and Laura Reiss

1. A business plan is so, so, SO important. Running around with no goal or direction gets you nowhere . . quickly! Also of note is the importance of manageable, realistic goals. “Getting signed” is too vast a statement. Increase in show attendance, plays/downloads, merch sales are all good examples. Remember to state how much of an increase you want to achieve. Set a number.

2. Fans are like your teeth – ignore them and they’ll go away. Hence, they won’t be there when you need them.

3. As far as being (or NOT being) a graphic artist – try bartering to get flyers/banners made. Maybe you’re not an accomplished graphic artist but perhaps you have another marketable skill to trade. And remember to let ppl know somewhere on your site who did the work for you. That little extra effort will be much apprieciated.

~Leemo
Blazin’ Bands