Hosting a CouchConcert is an exciting and memorable experience, but it does take certain amount of follow through to get people to attend. CouchConcerts does send reminders when people have not responded, but here are some effective strategies to boost attendance and ensure your show is a success:
(Quick reminder you can export a list of invited attendees with their email to help in sending personal emails to all the invitees)
1. Use Personalized Outreach
Talk to People Directly: Tell them about the show in person or through a personal text or email. A friendly, direct invitation often gets more attention than automated emails or messages from unfamiliar sources like [email protected].
Follow Up Personally: If you haven’t heard back, copy their personal invitation link from the CouchConcerts app and send it through a private message or email with a personalized note.
2. Manage Invitations Proactively
Mark Declines: If someone tells you they can’t attend (rather than declining in the system), mark them as not attending in the system yourself. This prevents unnecessary follow-ups and lets you focus on others.
Encourage Plus-Ones: Let your confirmed guests know they can bring friends. It makes the show more social and helps fill your space.
Involve the Artist: Allow the artist to invite their network and encourage them to spread the word to their fans.
3. Amplify the show Through Guests and Cohost
A great way to drive additional attendance is to ask a few friends to be cohosts. There is not a lot of work needed to be a cohost. Essentially they are just inviting their friends to your show.
Send Open Invitations to Confirmed Guests: After a guest confirms, follow up with an email containing the open invitation link. Encourage them to share it with their friends or family who might be interested in attending.
4. Leverage Social Media
Share the show Link: Post the event link on your social media profiles with a short, engaging message about the show. Mention that interested people can reach out to you for more information or to secure an invitation. Alternatively you can post the open invitation link and then people can just accept from there.
Tag the Artist: Tagging the performing artist in your posts can expand visibility, as their fans may be eager to attend.
5. Utilize Printed Invitations
Create QR Code Flyers: Design simple paper invitations with a QR code linking to the open invitation. Hand these out to neighbors, coworkers, or at social gatherings.
Distribute in the Community: Bring flyers to local clubs, community centers, or shows where people might be interested in live music.
6. Engage Local Businesses
Music Shops: Visit local music shops to spread the word about the show. They often serve as hubs for music lovers who might be interested in attending a live performance.
Cafes and Breweries: Ask nearby cafes or breweries if you can leave a flyer or poster promoting the show.
7. Create Urgency
Highlight Limited Spots: Let people know that space is limited and RSVPs are filling up fast. This can encourage earlier commitments.
Send Reminder Messages: As the show date approaches, send personal reminders to unconfirmed guests emphasizing the unique opportunity to see live music in an intimate setting.
8. Build Word-of-Mouth Buzz
Talk About the Experience: Share your excitement about the show with everyone you meet. When people sense your enthusiasm, they’re more likely to want to be a part of it.
Leverage Testimonials: If you’ve hosted or attended a previous CouchConcert, share photos or positive feedback from past guests to show what they can expect.
9. Introduce the Artist
Getting your guests excited about the performer can significantly boost attendance. Share interesting and engaging details about the artist in the weeks leading up to the show:
Share Their Music: Send links to the artist’s music, videos, or streaming platforms so guests can get a taste of their style and talent.
Highlight Their Achievements: Mention awards, notable performances, or collaborations to build credibility and excitement.
Provide a Short Bio: Include details about the artist’s background, inspirations, and journey to make them feel more relatable.
Collaborate with the Artist: Ask the artist to help by sharing promotional content or even sending personalized messages or emails to guests.
Additional Tips for Success
Timing Is Key: Send invitations and start promoting the show a few weeks in advance, with reminders closer to the date.
Follow Up Post-show: After the concert, thank attendees and share follow-up links for upcoming shows.
By combining personalized outreach, strategic promotion, and artist engagement, you’ll create excitement and ensure strong attendance for your CouchConcert. Let the music bring everyone together! 🎶