10 Tips For Booking A Successful First Tour For Your Band

As a band, going on tour can be an incredibly exciting and rewarding experience. It’s a chance to connect with new audiences, build your fanbase, and gain exposure. However, booking a successful first tour requires a lot of planning, hard work, and dedication.

To help you plan and execute a successful tour, we’ve compiled a list of 10 tips to keep in mind.

Plan Ahead
Set Realistic Goals
Know Your Budget
Research & Book Venues
Promote Your Shows
Network with Other Bands
Book Accommodations
Prepare for the Road
Be Professional
Have Fun

In this blog post, we’ll dive into each of these tips in more detail to help you plan and execute a successful first tour for your band. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for a while, these tips will help you make the most of your time on the road and build your fanbase. So let’s get started!

PLAN AHEAD

When it comes to booking a successful first tour for your band, planning ahead is key. By planning, you can ensure that everything is organized and prepared for your tour, which can help you avoid any last-minute issues or problems. Planning ahead can also help you stay on budget, as you’ll have a better idea of how much money you’ll need for travel, accommodations, and other expenses.

Ideally, you should start planning your tour at least 3-6 months in advance. This will give you enough time to secure venues, book accommodations, and promote your shows. Keep in mind that some venues may have long waiting lists, so it’s important to start early to secure the best dates and locations.

There are several benefits to planning ahead for your tour. It allows you to create a realistic schedule that takes into account your budget and availability. By planning ahead, you can avoid overbooking or underbooking your tour, which can help you maximize your time on the road and reach the most audiences.

Planning ahead also gives you the opportunity to research and select the best venues for your band. By researching venues in advance, you can choose locations that fit your style and budget and avoid venues that may not be suitable for your music or audience.

Another benefit of planning ahead is that it allows you to create a comprehensive budget for your tour. By estimating the costs of travel, accommodations, and other expenses, you can create a budget that fits within your financial constraints. This can help you stay on track with your spending and avoid unexpected costs that can arise when planning a tour.

Overall, planning ahead is essential to booking a successful first tour for your band. By starting early, setting realistic goals, and creating a comprehensive budget, you can ensure that your tour is organized, successful, and enjoyable for everyone involved.

SET REALISTIC GOALS

When it comes to booking your band’s first tour, setting realistic goals is essential for success. One of the first things you’ll need to decide is the number of shows you can really play based on your budget and availability. This will help you avoid overbooking or underbooking your tour and ensure that you have enough time to travel between venues and rest.

To determine the number of shows to play, consider factors such as your budget, the distance between venues, and the time you’ll need to travel between shows. For example, if you have a limited budget and need to drive between venues, you may need to play fewer shows to allow for rest and travel time. On the other hand, if you have a larger budget and are flying between cities, you may be able to play more shows in a shorter period.

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Another way to avoid overbooking or underbooking is to consider your band’s schedule and availability. If some members have work or other commitments, you may need to schedule shows around their availability. Additionally, if you’re booking a tour during a busy season, such as the summer or holiday season, you may need to book shows further in advance to ensure availability.

Setting achievable goals is also important when booking your first tour. While it’s important to aim high and dream big, being realistic about what you can accomplish with your first tour is important. Setting goals that are too ambitious can lead to disappointment and frustration if you’re not able to achieve them.

To set achievable goals, consider your band’s experience level, your budget, and your available resources. For example, if your band is starting out, it may be more realistic to aim for smaller venues with a more intimate atmosphere. Additionally, if you have a limited budget, you may need to focus on local or regional shows rather than trying to book a national tour.

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By determining the number of shows to play, avoiding overbooking or underbooking, and setting achievable goals, you can increase your chances of booking a successful first tour for your band. Remember to be flexible and adaptable as you plan your tour and be willing to adjust your goals and expectations as needed. With careful planning and a positive attitude, you can make your first tour a memorable and successful experience.

KNOW YOUR BUDGET

Knowing your budget is one of the most important factors in booking a successful first tour for your band. Creating a budget will help you determine how much money you have to work with, and it will ensure that you are able to cover all of your expenses while on the road.

Creating a budget is crucial for any tour. It allows you to plan ahead and anticipate costs, which can help you avoid overspending and running out of money mid-tour. Additionally, a budget can help you determine how much you need to charge for your shows to make a profit. Knowing if your tour is financially feasible can be difficult without a budget.

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR BUDGET

When creating your budget, there are several things you need to consider. You should include all of your travel expenses, such as gas, rental cars, or flights. You also need to budget for accommodations, food, and any equipment rentals you may need. If you plan to promote your shows, you must include those costs. Don’t forget to budget for unexpected expenses, such as vehicle repairs or medical expenses.

Check out our comprehensive guide of The Ins & Outs Of Touring In A Van & Making It A Comfortable Experience.

It’s important to be as thorough as possible when creating your budget. You don’t want to underestimate your expenses and end up in debt or unable to complete your tour. By including all of your anticipated costs, you can ensure that you have the funds to cover everything you need while on the road.

HOW TO STICK TO YOUR BUDGET

Once you’ve created your budget, it’s important to stick to it as closely as possible. This can be challenging, as unexpected expenses may arise, and it can be tempting to overspend on certain aspects of the tour. Consider using budgeting tools or apps to track your expenses to stick to your budget.

Another way to stick to your budget is to be mindful of your spending. Look for ways to save money, such as staying in cheaper accommodations or cooking your own meals instead of eating out. You may also need to adjust your budget mid-tour if unexpected expenses arise, but try to do so without overspending.

Creating and sticking to a budget is critical to booking a successful first tour for your band. By knowing how much money you have to work with and budgeting for all of your expenses, you can ensure that your tour is financially feasible and avoid overspending. With careful planning and budgeting, you can make your first tour a success.

RESEARCH & BOOK VENUES

Researching and booking venues is one of the most important steps in planning a successful tour for your band. The right venue can make all the difference in attracting an audience, making money, and building your reputation as a band.

Here are some tips on how to research and book venues:

HOW TO RESEARCH VENUES

Before you start reaching out to venues, it’s important to do your research. Look for venues that fit your style of music and are located in areas where you want to play. Consider the size of the venue and the audience capacity, as well as the venue’s reputation and history of hosting successful shows.

One way to research venues is to use online resources such as Google Maps, Yelp, and Facebook. These platforms can give you an idea of what the venue looks like, how many people it can accommodate, and what other bands have played there. You can also use local directories or music scene websites to find venues in specific areas.

CONTACTING VENUES DIRECTLY

Once you have identified potential venues, the next step is to contact them directly. The best way to do this is to send an email or make a phone call to the venue’s booking manager. Introduce yourself and your band, and explain why you would like to play at their venue. Be prepared to provide some basic information, such as your band’s genre, the number of members, and the dates you are available to play.

Check out our guide on Showcasing Your Sound: How to Book Live Shows & Build a Following (6 Steps).

When reaching out to venues, being professional and courteous is important. Remember that you are competing with other bands for booking slots, so make sure to put your best foot forward.

USE BOOKING PLATFORMS

Another option for booking venues is to use booking platforms such as Sonicbids or GigSalad. These platforms allow you to create a profile and submit your band’s information to multiple venues at once. They also provide tools for managing your bookings, including invoicing and contract management.

While booking platforms can be a convenient option, keep in mind that they often charge a fee for their services. Make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully before signing up.

CONSIDER STYLE & BUDGET

When researching and booking venues, it’s important to find venues that fit your style of music and budget. If you are a new band, it may be easier to start by playing in smaller venues that are more affordable and easier to book. As you gain more experience and a larger following, you can start playing larger venues with higher audience capacities.

When considering the budget for each venue, consider all the costs associated with playing the show, such as travel, accommodations, and promotion. It’s also important to negotiate the terms of your performance, such as the guarantee and the percentage of the door or merchandise sales.

Researching and booking venues is crucial in planning a successful tour for your band. By doing your research, contacting venues directly, using booking platforms, and finding venues that fit your style and budget, you can increase your chances of booking successful shows and building your reputation as a band.

PROMOTE YOUR SHOWS

Promoting your shows is crucial to the success of your tour. You need to get the word out to your fans and potential fans in each city you will be playing. You could have the best music in the world, but you won’t get the turnout you need if no one knows about your shows. Effective promotion will drive attendance, which is key to a successful tour.

Here are some ways to effectively promote your shows:

SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media is one of the most powerful tools available for promoting your shows. Create Facebook events for each show and invite all of your fans in the area. Use Instagram and Twitter to post updates about the tour, share photos and videos from the road, and interact with fans. Consider running targeted social media ads to reach potential fans in each city.

For more tips on how to promote your shows with social media, check out The Dos & Don’ts Of Social Media For Bands & Musicians.

OTHER MARKETING CHANNELS

In addition to social media, you should consider other marketing channels. Email marketing is a great way to reach your fans directly. Send regular newsletters with updates about the tour and exclusive content.

Posters and flyers also effectively promote shows, particularly in local venues and record stores. Consider partnering with local businesses to promote your shows. For example, offer discounts to fans visiting a coffee shop or record store before the show.

LOCAL MEDIA & BLOGS

Local media outlets and blogs can help you reach a wider audience in each city. Research local publications and blogs that cover music and reach out to them with a press release or pitch. Offer to interview or perform on a local radio station or podcast. This will help you get more exposure and drive attendance to your shows.

For help contacting local media and blogs, check out The Role Of Music Blogs In Supporting Independent Artists.

Promoting your shows is critical to booking a successful first tour for your band. Use social media, email marketing, posters and flyers, and local media outlets and blogs to get the word out to your fans and potential fans in each city you will be playing. The more people you can reach, the more successful your tour will be.

NETWORK WITH OTHER BANDS

Networking with other bands can be extremely beneficial for a successful tour. By connecting with other musicians, you can tap into their network, gain new fans, and even share resources such as equipment or transportation.

BENEFITS OF NETWORKING WITH OTHER BANDS

EXPAND YOUR AUDIENCE: Playing shows with other bands can introduce your music to new audiences who might not have discovered your music otherwise. This can lead to new fans, increased merch sales, and more.
LEARN FROM OTHERS: Networking with other bands can also allow you to learn from other musicians with more experience or knowledge in the industry. You can gain valuable insights into booking shows, promoting your music, and more.
SHARE RESOURCES: Touring can be expensive, and sharing resources with other bands can help you save money. For example, you can share equipment or transportation costs with other bands to reduce expenses.
BUILD RELATIONSHIPS: Building relationships with other musicians can lead to future opportunities such as collaborating on music projects, touring together in the future, or even getting booked for shows through their connections.

HOW TO FIND BANDS TO CONNECT WITH

ATTEND LOCAL SHOWS: Attending local shows in your area is a great way to meet and connect with other musicians. You can introduce yourself after their set or even offer to help them load in or out to start building a relationship.
USE SOCIAL MEDIA: Social media platforms such as Facebook or Instagram can be a great way to connect with other bands. Join local music groups, follow other bands in your genre, and engage with their content to start building relationships.
REACH OUT TO VENUES: Contacting venues directly and asking if they know of any other bands looking to book shows can also be a great way to connect with other musicians.

JOIN OTHER SHOWS

Once you have connected with other bands, you can work together to build your fanbase and secure gigs in a few different ways. One option is to join other shows that other bands have already booked. This can help you gain exposure to new audiences and build relationships with other musicians.

Another option is to set up co-headlining shows with other bands. This can be a great way to split the costs of a show and draw in larger crowds. When setting up co-headlining shows, be sure to communicate clearly with the other bands about logistics, such as soundcheck times and set lengths.

Networking with other bands can be a valuable tool for building your career as a musician. By connecting with other musicians, you can gain new gigs, grow your fanbase, and learn from others in the industry. Be sure to approach networking with a positive attitude, and always be respectful of other musicians’ time and talent. With a little bit of effort, you can build meaningful connections with other bands and take your career to the next level.

BOOK ACCOMMODATIONS

When it comes to booking a successful tour for your band, finding comfortable and affordable accommodations is a critical part of the planning process. One of the essential things to remember is that even if you plan on sleeping in your car or van for most of the tour, booking accommodations in advance is crucial, especially if you’re traveling during peak seasons or holidays.

The importance of booking accommodations in advance cannot be overstated. Last-minute bookings can be costly and stressful, and you might have to settle for subpar options or even sleep in your vehicle. Therefore, it’s important to start looking for accommodation options as soon as your tour dates are confirmed.

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Hostels are an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers as they provide a cheap and safe place to sleep. You’ll usually have access to shared facilities such as laundry rooms and showers, making it a cost-effective option for touring bands.

Airbnbs are another affordable option to consider, especially if you’re traveling with a group. With Airbnb, you can rent out an entire apartment or house, providing you with more privacy and space than a hostel. You can also save money on food by cooking your meals in the kitchen.

Finally, if you have friends or family living in the areas where you’ll be touring, reach out to them and see if you can stay with them. Staying with friends or family can be a great way to save money, and they can also offer valuable insights into the local music scene.

When looking for accommodations, it’s important to consider factors such as location, safety, and access to transportation. Look for options that are located near the venues you’ll be playing, and make sure they’re in safe neighborhoods. Also, consider whether you’ll need transportation to get to and from your shows and factor this into your decision-making process.

Booking accommodations in advance is crucial when planning a successful tour for your band. Affordable options such as hostels, Airbnbs, and staying with friends or family can help you save money and make your tour more enjoyable.

When looking for accommodations, consider factors such as location, safety, and access to transportation, and don’t be afraid to reach out to your network for help. With a little planning and research, you can find the perfect accommodations for your tour and have an unforgettable experience on the road.

PREPARE FOR THE ROAD

Preparing for a tour is about more than just booking venues and promoting your shows. It’s also important to prepare for life on the road. This means bringing the necessary equipment, packing essentials, and taking steps to stay safe and healthy.

NECESSARY GEAR TO BRING

Before hitting the road, it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary equipment. This includes instruments, amplifiers, cables, and any other gear you may need for your performances. Make a checklist of all the equipment you need and double-check to ensure you haven’t forgotten anything. It’s also a good idea to have backups of key equipment in case anything gets lost, damaged, or stolen on the road.

Here’s a checklist of music gear and equipment needed for a band on tour:

Category	Equipment
Instruments	Guitar(s), Bass guitar, Drum kit, Keyboard(s), Other instruments as needed
Amplifiers	Guitar amp(s), Bass amp, Keyboard amp(s)
PA System	Speakers, Mixer, Microphones, Stands, and cables
Backline Gear	Drum hardware, Drumsticks and other accessories, Guitar and bass pedals, Keyboard stands and accessories, and other accessories as needed
Cables	Instrument cables, Speaker cables, XLR cables, Power cables
Cases and Covers	Instrument cases, Amp covers, Speaker covers, Drum cases
Stage Accessories	Music stands, Mic stands, Drum rugs, Stage lighting
Recording Gear	Portable recording equipment, Laptop or tablet, Audio interface, Microphones, and cables
Miscellaneous	Tuner, Metronome, Batteries and chargers, a tool kit for equipment maintenance and repair

When packing your gear, be sure to consider the space available in your vehicle or accommodations. Labeling your gear and keeping an inventory is important to ensure nothing gets lost or left behind. Bringing backups of key equipment can also help you avoid any unexpected issues on the road.

PACK ESSENTIALS

In addition to your equipment, it’s important to pack essentials for the road. This includes things like snacks, water, and first aid supplies.

You’ll also want to pack appropriate clothing for the weather, comfortable shoes, and toiletries. Packing light and bringing only what you need is a good idea, as space may be limited in the vehicle or accommodations.

STAY SAFE & HEALTHY

Touring can be physically and emotionally taxing, so it’s important to take steps to stay safe and healthy on the road. This includes getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and eating well. It’s also important to take breaks and stretch regularly to avoid injury.

When traveling between shows, ensure everyone in the vehicle wears a seatbelt and obeys traffic laws. Additionally, be aware of your surroundings and take steps to protect yourself and your equipment from theft or damage.

Taking care of your mental health on the road is also important. Touring can be stressful, and being away from home for an extended period of time can be emotionally taxing. Make sure to stay connected with friends and family back home, and take time for self-care activities like reading, meditation, or exercise.

Preparing for the road is crucial to planning a successful tour for your band. By bringing the necessary equipment, packing essentials, and taking steps to stay safe and healthy, you’ll be better equipped to handle the challenges and enjoy the experience. Remember to take care of yourself and your bandmates, and have fun on the road!

BE PROFESSIONAL

Being professional is critical to booking a successful first tour for your band. It helps build a positive reputation with venues, other musicians, and fans, leading to future opportunities. Professionalism also demonstrates a level of commitment and dedication to your craft, which can help you stand out in a competitive industry.

One of the most important aspects of professionalism is showing up on time. Being late to a show can throw off the entire schedule and cause problems for the venue, other bands, and fans. Make sure to arrive early enough to set up your equipment, soundcheck, and prepare for your performance. If you encounter any unexpected delays, be sure to communicate with the venue and other bands so they can make any necessary adjustments.

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Another aspect of professionalism is being respectful of the venue and other bands. This includes following any rules or guidelines set by the venue, treating the staff with respect, and leaving the stage and equipment in the same condition as you found it. It also means being courteous to other bands on the bill, whether it’s offering to help them with their equipment or providing positive feedback on their performance.

Promoting your shows to the best of your ability is also a key component of professionalism. This includes using social media, email newsletters, and other marketing channels to promote your shows. It also means creating professional-looking posters and flyers and distributing them in the local area. Remember to tag the venue and other bands on social media and encourage your fans to share the event with their friends.

In addition to these specific behaviors, there are some general tips to help you maintain a professional demeanor. Be polite and courteous to everyone you interact with, and be prepared to handle any unexpected situations that may arise. By demonstrating professionalism at every step of the way, you’ll increase your chances of booking a successful tour and create positive relationships that can last for years to come.

HAVE FUN

Booking a successful first tour for your band can be a challenging and stressful experience, but it can also be incredibly rewarding and fun. Enjoying the experience and making the most of your time on the road is important.

Here are some tips for having fun on your tour:

ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE

One of the most important things to remember when touring is to enjoy the experience. Touring can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and making the most of it is important. Take time to appreciate the new places you’re visiting, the people you’re meeting, and the experiences you’re having. Remember that not everyone gets the chance to tour, so enjoy every moment of it.

Touring can be exhausting, but making the most of your time on the road is important. Take advantage of any downtime you have to explore new cities and meet new people. Visit local landmarks, try new foods, and take in the local culture. Use the opportunity to bond with your bandmates and create new memories you’ll cherish for years.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

Touring can be challenging, and obstacles will inevitably be along the way. Whether it’s a canceled show, a broken-down van, or a difficult crowd, staying positive and pushing forward is important.

Remember that every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. And when you do have successes, no matter how small, take the time to celebrate them. Celebrate each other, celebrate your hard work, and celebrate the fans who support you.

HIT THE ROAD

Booking a successful first tour for your band can be an exciting and challenging experience. By following the tips outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to booking a successful and fun tour.

Remember to plan ahead, set realistic goals, know your budget, research and book venues, promote your shows, network with other bands, book accommodations, prepare for the road, be professional, and most importantly, have fun.

Touring is a unique and special experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life, so enjoy every moment. Good luck, and rock on!

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