{"id":3457,"date":"2014-09-18T18:24:04","date_gmt":"2014-09-18T23:24:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/polkaconcerts.com\/?page_id=3457"},"modified":"2014-09-18T18:24:04","modified_gmt":"2014-09-18T23:24:04","slug":"promotions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/polkaconcerts.com\/?page_id=3457","title":{"rendered":"Promoting Your Band or Events"},"content":{"rendered":"

Today, there are a multitude of promotional devices available to bands and promoters. Unfortunately, many don\u2019t know how or are unwilling to put in the time to promote themselves. \u00a0Our suggestions are not the only possibilities, but are intended to bring awareness of some of the free marketing vehicles available.<\/p>\n

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  1. Web Site<\/strong> \u2013 A web site is probably the easiest way to find a band or promoter. While Facebook has its advantages, it is only available to those polka fans who use it. \u00a0Simple and inexpensive web sites can be created at GoDaddy.com, Bravenet.com, FatCow.com or Seanic.net. Polka Concerts is hosted on GoDaddy and we installed the free WordPress application for our setup and management tool. Using WordPress allows for online web site setup, without any software packages to purchase or having to upload to the site.\u00a0While there is a cost, web hosting starts as low as $50.00 per year. \u00a0The single most important thing to add to your web site is your schedule of dances and events. \u00a0This allows your fans to easily see when and where your next event is held. \u00a0Don\u2019t forget to exchange links with other web sites.<\/li>\n
  2. Facebook<\/strong> \u2013 Awesome tool for a variety of reasons. \u00a0First of all it\u2019s FREE. \u00a0If you already have a personal Facebook account you SHOULD create a Facebook Page for your\u00a0band or promotional company. People and Groups CAN\u2019T be \u201cLiked\u201d on Facebook, but Pages can. \u00a0Use the \u201cEvents\u201d feature in Facebook. \u00a0This is a FREE band\/dance schedule. \u00a0It is astounding how few businesses use this important marketing feature. \u00a0Once you\u2019ve established a following, your fans will instantly know when you\u2019ve created a new event and can reference your page for upcoming activities. Don’t forget to upload photos of the band and fans enjoying the event. If you are so inclined, you can utilize Facebook\u2019s paid demographic advertising feature. \u00a0For a controlled price, you can boost the visibility of a certain post to reach new potential fans.<\/li>\n
  3. Other Promoters<\/strong> \u2013 There are a number of promoters who have been offering to list dances and events for free. \u00a0Felix & Stella Sobecki have been publishing band schedules for many years at PolkaUSA.com. Another page is PolkasUnited.com, where you can discuss anything relating to polkas. \u00a0You are welcome to use PolkaConcerts.com with a free searchable dance listing and our Facebook Group<\/a> for your advertising, as well.<\/li>\n
  4. DJ\u2019s & IJ\u2019s<\/strong> \u2013 Seems simple enough, but how many bands or promoters are using the radio to advertise dances? \u00a0It is important to get the information to the DL\/IJ in a timely fashion. \u00a0Contacting them weeks or months ahead of the dance is prudent. \u00a0Sending the information, to be broadcast the day of the event, isn\u2019t very practical.<\/li>\n
  5. Media Releases<\/strong> \u2013 There are a number of possible news writers in the polka field, but none as generous towards bands and promotion, as Steve Litwin (polamjournal.com\/polka). \u00a0Steve has always been willing to write a press release for a new album or CD or to announce an upcoming event. \u00a0But if you want professional results, you must get the information to him in a timely manner and have complete details of your offering.<\/li>\n
  6. Creating and Marketing Your Brand<\/strong> – Here is an interesting blog about creating a “brand” for your band:\u00a0How To \u201cMake It\u201d In Music, Just like I Never Did<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    We hope you find these ideas informative and helpful. \u00a0Good luck in the promotion of your organization.<\/p>\n