We all dread showing up to perform to an empty venue. So how do we crack the code on getting people there to laugh at our genius joke slinging?
Just randomly posting content can become time consuming and often feels like screaming into a pillow. So let’s talk about a few key things that can help you get laser focused so you can get better results.
First, let’s review some basics on messaging.
Every post, email, and invite must include:
Date & Time- - Include time zones - remember this is online so people are everywhere!
- Location
- - website link, and any additional instructions needed
- - TEST the links, make sure you spelled the website correctly
- Name of host/comedians
- - If links to those are shared, then bios should be informative and compelling for someone to want to see you
- About
- - Tell us a little bit about what the show is about. Set expectations! Is this a clean show? Is it a game show? Is there something special about the theme? Create FOMO (fear of missing out). If you aren’t excited about it, chances are your fans won’t be either.
Promoting a show is a process. Be sure to allow yourself ample time to promote a show properly.
Now, let’s dive in.
1. Create and use your strong online presence on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok. Even if you have a handful of followers, the following information will help you.
- Consistency. Post regularly with a mix of promotional content, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and engaging posts. Each should include the same call to action - come to my show - and appropriate links/instructions so they can purchase tickets. People typically need to be reminded of your event 7 to 12 times before they take action. Post often and regularly. Posting only once or twice about a show will get you nowhere.
- Clear and Necessary Details. Include the what, when, where, who, and how to get tickets. Just saying you’re doing a show is vague and not very compelling. Share the juicy details of what it’s about and who else is in it. Also, be sure to include all ticketing information. Clarity is King! Refer back to the first few points we shared in this article about what to include.
- Hashtags. Use relevant and trending hashtags to increase discoverability. Hashtags help your posts become discoverable in more people’s feeds whether they directly follow you or not. Here’s a few you can use all the time:
- #comedy #comedian #standupcomedy #standupcomedian #onlinecomedy #plauzzable
- Tagging. Tag all the performers and Pluazzable. This makes it easy for them to like, comment, and most importantly, reshare your post. This is extremely important, yet it’s amazing how many times people skip this step.
- Engagement. Respond to comments, ask questions, and encourage followers to share. If someone else promotes your show, be sure to comment, thank them, like, repost, etc.
- Create stories. Use your posts to create stories on each platform that allows it. This gives your posts additional views. AND tag your fellow performers and Plauzzable so they can like, comment, and repost.
2. Utilize Plauzzable’s past show library and YouTube:
- Create teaser reels. Release short, funny teasers on Plauzzable and YouTube to generate interest. Here’s a tutorial video on how to record on Plauzzable. Yes, you can schedule an event on Plauzzable to record your teaser reel!
- Collaborate. Partner with other comedians or influencers for collaborative content. The more people involved in your online show, the more people spreading the word and promoting it. If you’ve booked comedians on your show, share the details, graphics, and links to teaser videos so they can promote to their friends.
3. Email Marketing:
Never underestimate the power of your email list - no matter the size. This is one of the MOST effective ways to convert your fans into your audience.
- - Send emails to your friends and family. Include all the show details so it’s easy for them to say “yes, I’ll come support you!”
- - Build a Mailing List: Collect email addresses through your website or social media to send newsletters and exclusive updates.
- - Pre-sale Tickets: Offer early access or discounted tickets to those on the mailing list. Hey, did you know you can add discount codes to your tickets on Plauzzable? Yes, you can!
No matter the size of your list, the following is vital:
- Consistency. Send regularly with a mix of promotional content, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and engaging posts. Each email should include the same call to action - come to my show - and appropriate links/instructions so they can purchase tickets. People typically need to be reminded of your event 7 to 12 times before they take action. Send regularly - find a schedule that suits your audience whether it’s every month, every other week, or every week. Emailing people randomly and only once or twice about a show will get you nowhere.
- Clear and Necessary Details. Include the what, when, where, who, and how to get tickets. Just saying you’re doing a show is vague and not very compelling. Share the juicy details of what it’s about and who else is in it. Also, be sure to include all ticketing information. Clarity is King! Refer back to the first few points we shared in this article about what to include.
4. Website:
- - If you have a website, be sure to update your upcoming performances section with details and links.
- - Don’t have a website? Share your Plauzzable comedian profile page! Make sure you’ve updated your comedian profile. Here’s another helpful tutorial video on how to do that.
- - You can list your online comedy shows and your in-person shows on your comedian profile page.
6. Collaborations and Cross-Promotions:
- Podcasts. Guest appearances on comedy podcasts to reach new audiences.
- Influencers. Partner with influencers to promote the show to their followers.
- Comedians. Share details with the comics that are performing on your show so they can promote! Everyone in your show should be sharing about the show –their fans want to know!
7. Live Q&A Sessions:
- Engagement. Host live Q&A sessions on social media to interact directly with the audience and share the details about your upcoming show.
- Promotions. Use these sessions to announce exclusive promotions or behind-the-scenes insights.
- Free listings. Many event and comedy sites offer free listings. Use them!
8. Traditional PR:
If you’re hosting a special event such as a fundraiser, you might want to try these.
- Press Releases. Distribute press releases to entertainment-focused media outlets.
- Interviews. Offer interviews to online magazines, blogs, and local newspapers.
9. Analytics and Feedback:
- Analytics Tools: Plauzzable currently provides basic data to hosts. Hosts can see how many people registered and attended their shows. If host increases promotional efforts, they’ll begin to see results over time.
- Feedback: Encourage attendees to provide feedback, testimonials, and share their experiences online. Plauzzable automatically asks for feedback after each show which then appears on each performer's profile page.
- Please note: Host is encouraged to inform fans to do this after the show. Host must also close the show by leaving the show with the hang up button on their bottom toolbar to deploy the feedback prompt for fans.
10. Post-Show Engagement:
- Highlight Reel. Create a highlight reel from the show and share it across social media. Remember you can record the show on Plauzzable. You can also download it for editing and sharing on social media.
- Thank You Messages. Express gratitude to the audience through social media and email. Kindness goes a long way.
Remember, consistency is key, and starting promotion well in advance of the show will help build anticipation. Adjust the strategies based on your unique style and which techniques achieve the biggest results. Just like working out a good joke, it’s a work in progress.
Written by
Plauzzable