We want to talk about ways that you can build your fan base. It is very important to be able to keep in touch with them once you earn a fan. And yes, we earn fans. Not only do you sing and ministry to your audience, but you have to take time and fellowship with them as well. If you make friends with them they will be there for you when you need support. You must work at building those relationships, they do not just happen. The word tells us in Proverbs 18:24, “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly…”(KJV). So we need to be friendly to our listening audience of all ages, race, and mental ability. They all make up our fan base and will support us with their time, money, and invite us to their churches. This will keep us on the road and we will have help wherever we travel.
Start a mailing list if you don’t already have one. To do this all you have to do is place a clipboard on your table and have them put their information on it, like name, address, phone number and email address. Once you make friends of your audience members be sure to get a way to stay in touch with them. The next time you are in the area you can email them or drop a post card in the mail to add a personal touch. They will appreciate the fact that you took the time to notify them.
Start a newsletter and put info about your group to keep your fans informed with what’s going on with their favorite group. Let them know when a new project is coming out and an order form to be able to order it. Place a schedule in it so that they will know when you are going to be close enough for them to come see you. You can send it out quarterly or monthly but always keep it on a regular schedule so they will know when it is coming. The main thing is to keep your name in front of your
fans so they don’t forget you.
If your mailing list gets very large you may want to go to the post office and get information about a bulk mailing permit. Mailing is cheaper this way but you have to have a certain number of pieces to qualify to use bulk mail. And sometimes you can find a mailing house that does bulk mailing for you. Either way you may want to go by your local post office and ask for some information.
Set up an internet web site. Be careful and shop around for a good internet provider. You can find all price ranges so find one that you can afford. Get someone to do your site for you that does those all the time and has some experience. To locate a webmaster you can look at some web sites that you like and there is always the name or a link to the person who designed it. Your web site can say a lot about your ministry so make it as good as you can afford. Your fans can go online and get information about you anytime and to keep up with what is happening in your ministry. Be sure to keep it up to date, remember obsolete information does not help you. Make sure your webmaster will guarantee that they will get your new info on the site as soon as possible when you send it to them.
When you have something good happening in your ministry always
send a short article to the publications. They may not print it at first because they have never heard of your group but some day they will and all free publicity is wonderful. And you never can tell they may need a filler article and your article just might be the one they choose. Let it be positive information about your group, negative comments only hurt you and your group. So don’t let your guard down and let the enemy cause you to do something that will hurt your ministry. Always bring glory and honor to the ministry that God has entrusted to you.
Speaking of web sites, I now have a web site up and running. I would love for you to take a look at it. It is still under construction and it will be changing for a while but for the better. To get to the site go to http://www.martiledford.com Also, I would love to see you at NQC this year. I will be at my booth # 333 and at the Christian Music Conference Booth so come by and say hello and pick up a brochure for the school. Hope to see you there.
Until next month, keep singing His praises!
Author: AGM
| Author's Website: http://absolutelygospel.com/
Written: 09/01/2004
| 
Category: Monthly ArticlesThe Vocal Coach
Comments: 2
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Hi Marti!
Kathlene,
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