It may seem old-fashioned in a digital age, but taking the time to meet with fans is an optimal time to connect. We’ll discuss do’s and don’ts of meeting and greeting fans at shows, conventions, and other events.
When you’re first starting your career, your daydreams will likely drift towards visions of crowds of adoring fans screaming your name and demanding an encore. Having adoring fans means you’ve arrived, you’ve made it. As you start to play small gigs, your fanbase will grow, especially if you nurture your fans with memorable in-person interactions. Let’s discuss how you can optimize your in-person interactions on your way to stardom.
Attitude Matters
Live events can be stressful for you as a performer. However, presenting a positive attitude, including body language and facial expression, can go a long way in making you seem approachable to your fans. At the beginning phases of your career, fostering these relationships with fans who take time out of their busy lives to see you in person will go a long way. Every fan is equally important, don’t ignore people you wouldn’t consider dating. Bottom line, have a positive attitude towards all fans and don’t play favorites.
Schedule Time For Fans Before or After Your Shows
When you’re at a live event, you likely have a lot of responsibilities. Between packing up your equipment carefully and wrapping up loose ends with the venue owner, you might not have time to talk to your fans. Before you go on, scope out safe, well-lit and somewhat quiet areas in and around the venue. If fans approach you while you’re busy, let them know where they can find you and at what time. Alternately, announce a time on your social media profiles before your performance. Hopefully, word will spread and you’ll have a healthy crowd of fans.
Schedule Time Between Shows
If your fanbase gets big enough, you may not be able to personally greet your fans after shows. Congratulations! Your fanbase is healthy and robust. Scheduling a meet and greet outside of a performance date is a great way to focus on your fans. Make yourself available for photo ops and autographs for maximum benefit. An event like this would also be a great way to announce upcoming new releases. By giving your fans the exclusive news first, you build a community.
Take Selfies With Fans – And Tag Them on Social Media
If a fan asks for a picture, it can be a good idea to take it! And, you can take it one step further by finding them on social media and following them or tagging them in the picture. It’s a two for one, not only do you make the impression that you’re grateful for the fan’s support and that you’re approachable, but you can potentially help your social media numbers.
Have Merchandise and Upcoming Performance Schedules On Hand
If you get the chance to spend time with fans in real life, it can be the perfect opportunity to extend a personal invitation to your next performance. If fans feel welcomed and that you’re thrilled to see them at a performance, you’ve strengthed your connection and just made it more likely that fan will tell their social circle about your work. If you distribute a flyer, it can also link to your social media profiles, streaming sites or online stores. However, if you have your merchandise on hand, you may be more likely to move merchandise to your fans. An in-person sale creates more of a memory for your fan and helps you save on shipping costs.
In the digital age, the chance to create relationships in-person is priceless. Follow these tips to create a community of like-minded fans who will support you throughout your career.