Promoting an online show on social media is an art and a bit of a science—with some light juggling of jokes, hashtags, and direct appeals to your mom (she’ll definitely buy a ticket, right?). Marketing requires strategic planning and audience engagement. This guide breaks down what comedians can expect and offers top marketing tips to maximize ticket sales.
Follower Conversion Rates: In-Person vs. Online Shows
In-Person Shows:
- - Conversion rates range between 1% to 5%.
- - Factors influencing attendance: location, ticket price, scheduling conflicts. People are busy—they have dogs to walk, Netflix to binge, and sweatpants that don’t travel well. Honestly, these numbers may be lower depending on the quality of your followers.
Online Shows:
- - Conversion rates are slightly higher, typically 5% to 10%, due to ease of access. Also, because nobody has to put on shoes or fight for parking.
- - Success depends on follower quality and promotional strategy. Are your followers comedy fans, or just other comedians who are secretly waiting for you to bomb? (Oh, that’s dark…)
Takeaway: Conversion rates aren’t magic. They’re math—powered by good promotion and genuine engagement.
How Many Followers Do You Need to Sell Comedy Show Tickets?
- Ideal Audience Size:
- 2,000-5,000 engaged followers across platforms provide a solid base for conversions. - - Engagement matters more than raw numbers—look for followers who comment, share, and tag others. Remember: 10 die-hard fans > 10,000 “meh” ones.
Engagement Matters More Than Number of Followers:
- - The algorithm doesn’t care if your follower count is high but your posts get crickets. Focus on those who comment, tag friends, and share.
- - Fun fact: Engagement is the social media version of applause—if they’re not clapping, did the joke even land?
Step-by-Step Comedy Show Promotion Plan
3 Weeks Before the Show:
✅ Announce the show & drop teaser content. Tease your show like a Netflix docuseries.
✅ Post 3–5 times per week in varied formats (images, videos, stories, reels).
✅ Start engaging in comments & DMs—build hype early!
2 Weeks Before the Show:
✅ Share behind-the-scenes content & audience testimonials.
✅ Start a countdown and introduce special offers or discount codes.
1 Week Before the Show:
✅ Increase posting to daily reminders.
✅ Share testimonials, past performance clips, and interactive polls. And... maybe a video of you yelling, “BUY TICKETS!” (You’re funny, remember?)
✅ Post behind-the-scenes content for added excitement.
Day of the Show:
✅ Post a final hype message with the ticket link.
✅ Go live on social media to engage last-minute buyers.
Post-Show Strategy:
✅ Share highlights & audience reactions to build FOMO (fear of missing out). FOMO is real, and people will think, “Dang, I should’ve been there.”
✅ Thank attendees and encourage word-of-mouth promotion for future events.
✅ Ask for audience feedback & testimonials for future marketing.
Content Strategy: How to Sell More Comedy Tickets Online
Leverage Personal Branding
✔️ Share behind-the-scenes clips to make followers feel included.
✔️ Post short Reels or TikToks with trending sounds to reach new audiences.
✔️ Highlight personal stories—audiences connect more with authenticity.
Optimize Your Call-to-Actions (CTAs)
✔️ Example: "Tickets are selling fast! Grab yours now: [link]."
✔️ Highlight urgency: "Only 20 spots left—get your ticket today!"
✔️ Use humor: "Come for the laughs, stay for my questionable dance moves! Tickets here: [link]."
Partner with Influencers & Comedy Pages
✔️ Collaborate with fellow comedians & content creators to expand reach.
✔️ Engage in comedy forums, Facebook groups, and Reddit threads.
Use Algorithm-Boosting Strategies
✔️ Post at peak times (evenings & weekends perform best).
✔️ Engage with comments within the first hour of posting.
✔️ Use high-performing hashtags (#OnlineComedy, #LiveComedy, #ComedyShow).
What If You Have Fewer Than 2,000 Followers?
Smaller accounts can still sell out online shows by focusing on creativity and engagement.
Maximize Engagement
✅ Reply to every comment & DM—make it personal!
✅ Ask followers directly if they’d attend & send them a link.
✅ Use short-form video (Reels, TikToks) for maximum reach.
✅ Get creative with polls & interactive content to drive interest.
Leverage Personal & Local Networks
✅ Ask friends & family to buy tickets and share your event.
✅ Partner with local influencers or small creators for cross-promotion.
✅ Share your show in local event groups & comedy communities.
✅ Offer early bird discounts to encourage ticket sales.
Make the Most of Free Tools
✅ Plauzzable Features: Use discount codes & shareable links.
✅ Email Marketing: Send a funny, engaging invite. (Plauzzable helps with this!)
✅ Small Social Media Ads: Even a $20 ad can boost visibility.
Remember: You’re not small—you’re exclusive. Here’s how to work it:
- - Get Personal: Slide into those DMs (but respectfully). A simple “Hey! I’d love for you to come to my show!” can go a long way.
- - Leverage Your Network: Friends, family, coworkers—basically anyone who owes you a favor or has ever laughed at your jokes.
- - Go Viral (or try to): Post a killer Reel or TikTok. Even if it doesn’t go viral, at least your mom will share it.
Fact: Small Followings Can Work
- - Loyal Fans Are Gold: They’ll laugh harder, share more, and maybe even bake you cookies (hint, hint).
- - Referrals Are Powerful: One excited fan can bring a crowd.
- - Intimacy Sells: Market your show as a personal, can’t-miss experience
The Importance of Tone: Get People Excited!
Your tone matters! Excitement is contagious—people respond when they feel the energy. If you’re pumped, your audience will feel it too. Let your posts radiate enthusiasm, humor, and just the right amount of FOMO. Because at the end of the day, comedy isn’t just about making people laugh—it’s about creating moments they’ll want to share.
❌ "Hey, I’m doing a show. Come if you want."
✅ "This show is gonna be 🔥! You don’t wanna miss it—grab your ticket now!"
✅ "Clear your schedule, cancel your plans, and get ready for a night of belly laughs! Tickets here: [link]."
Use humor, urgency, and enthusiasm to make your event irresistible.
Content Tips for Promotion
- - Be Funny: You’re a comedian—act like it! Share bloopers, bad puns, or a “behind-the-scenes” look at your coffee-stained setlist.
- - Use CTAs (Call-to-Actions): “Tickets are hotter than my last relationship—get yours now!”
- - Highlight Scarcity: “Only 10 tickets left! (Mom, this is your cue to buy.)”
- - Check Your Links: Nothing kills momentum like a broken link.
- - Offer Incentives: Giveaways or discounts can make your show feel like a deal.
- - Tag Collaborators and Venues: It’s like networking, but without the awkward handshakes.
- - Exercise caution with over posting (over 2xs a day). Beware of exhausting your followers or overflowing their feed and prompting them to scroll past or eventually mute you from their feed entirely.
FAQs: Answering Common Promotion Concerns
Q: What if no one buys a ticket?
A: Engage directly with your audience! Reach out via DMs, create a sense of urgency, and offer incentives like limited-time discounts.
Q: How do I price my online show?
A: Start with an affordable price ($5-$15) and adjust based on demand. You can also offer a VIP experience at a higher rate!
Q: Should I livestream free content to promote my paid show?
A: Yes! Going live to share jokes, answer questions, or give a teaser helps convert interest into ticket sales.
Too Long? Here’s Your Quick Promo Checklist
✅ Announce your show 3 weeks in advance.
✅ Post 3-5x per week, increasing to daily the final week.
✅ Use videos, countdowns, and behind-the-scenes clips.
✅ Engage with every comment and DM—personal connections sell tickets!
✅ Collaborate with other creators to extend your reach.
✅ Go live before your show for last-minute hype.
✅ Post audience reactions after the event to build FOMO.
Boost Your Comedy Career with Smart Promotions
Even with a small following, consistent engagement & smart marketing can turn passive followers into ticket-buying fans. Use Plauzzable’s built-in tools to streamline ticket sales and maximize your audience.
Ready to sell out your next show? Sign up on Plauzzable and start promoting today!
Now, go forth and promote like the comedy rockstar you are.
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