A good show needs people in the room. Promotion does not need a budget, but it does need a plan. This four-week checklist covers what to do and when, so you are not scrambling the night before.
Week 4: set up
- Confirm the details with the venue: date, set time, set length, load-in, who else is on the bill and whether there is a ticket link or a cover.
- Add the show to your page. Put the date, venue, city, time and ticket link in your shows list. On Dream Big Artists, shows appear on your artist page and on the Live Shows calendar, with an Add to calendar button.
- Gather your assets: a flyer, a short video clip and a good photo.
- Write the announcement in one or two sentences and keep it.
Week 3: announce
- Post the flyer with the date, venue and ticket link on your main accounts.
- Email your list. People who signed up for your list want to know. See how to build an email list.
- Put your link-in-bio page to work: make sure the show is at the top.
- Ask the venue to share the show and tag you.
- Submit the show to local event calendars and any community listings that are free.
Week 2: build momentum
- Post a short video of a song you will play. Fans like a preview.
- Message people directly, one at a time. A personal “I would love to see you there” works better than a broadcast.
- Invite the other acts on the bill to cross-post.
- Tell friends, family, coworkers and classmates early so they can plan.
Week 1: remind
- Post a countdown with the day, time and place.
- Email your list a reminder with the ticket link.
- Confirm the setup, sound check time and your set list with the venue.
- Prepare a sign-up sheet or QR code for your fan list, and bring merch if you have it.
Show day
- Post “tonight” on every account in the morning.
- Arrive early. Be easy to work with.
- Take photos and clips. Ask someone to film a song or two.
- Thank the crowd, say when you play next and invite them to join your list.
After the show
- Thank the venue and the other acts within a day, in a short message.
- Post a recap with your best photos and tag people.
- Add the new fans to your list and send a short thank-you email.
- Note what worked: how many people came, what you posted, and what to do next time.
- Ask the venue about another date while you are fresh in their mind.
Make it easy for fans to find you
Fans and bookers should be able to see your upcoming shows in one place. Add your page and list each show once. It appears on your artist page and the shows calendar. If you are also looking for new venues, use our booking email template.