FB ads. Do they work?

[pharmakon]

What are some experiences you have had using facebook ads to promote a gig and/or band? I just set one up for a huge show we're in next Friday, and I want to make sure I'm not wasting time/money on it!

[StephenR]

We have been advertising on Facebook. It is hard to gauge how effective it is in getting people out to a gig. I haven't seen a correlation between the number of impressions, hits and number of people who say they plan to attend and actual attendance at the gigs. I did have an old friend I hadn't been in touch with for a few years show up at a recent gig due to seeing the Facebook ad. When I told him he should sign the mailing list so we could keep him up to date on our activities he said he didn't want to since he can keep in touch via Facebook...

So, my take on this is YMMV.... what I do think Facebook advertising is great for is making people aware of your band and keeping the name in the public eye.

[coolrunner989]

Facebook isn't the greatest for getting new people to your shows, but it's one of the best ways to let people you already know/get to shows about other shows, new recordings, events, whatever. From there, then you ask them to invite their friends, and it spreads.

Re: the correlation between the number of people who say they'll come and those who actually do, I'd say 20-30% IME.

[pharmakon]

Well, the band we're playing with is a national act that drew a huge crowd last time we played with them. And that was on a Sunday! I had talked to people after and they were like "oh, they were here last night? Sorry I missed it!" This is a way to make sure no one misses it