Band Promotion... How do you do it?

[::::BASSIST::::]

I'm wanting to promote my band more to increase decent paying gigs.

This is what I have done so far...

1. created website
Wix.com main created by Cruiserband based on Mix Master

2. on facebook
Cruiser.Vancouver -

3. on twitter
CruiserRockBand

4. on reverbnation
reverbnation.com/cruiser

5. made a banner for onstage

6. have business cards

7. recording a better demo tonite

8. plan on making a vid and posting on youtube and our website

9. considering a mailing list... but doesnt that just annoy people?

10. media kit coming soon (includes pics, demo songs, bio etc)

What else can I do?

[mambo4]

Personal connections trump all other promotional efforts.
Find your local scene and get involved, contribute -be valuable others.

Don't spam into a vacuum. do your research and target your efforts to establish and develop connections to people who "matter" in the scene: promoters, bookers, journalist, bloggers, and fellow bands in similar genres. Go to shows of bands you want to gig with. Friend em on FB and send them "we'd love to share a bill" messages occasionally.

[PopaWoody]

^ this is way more important. Do those things first and the stuff you have done already will help re-inforce those efforts. You HAVE to BE in the scene, to be known in the scene.

[::::BASSIST::::]

We are a cover band and we generally have no interest in sharing bills. Usually those translate to no money. However, I totally hear you about being in the scene. My other band has alot of connections from people we know and as a result that band gets gigs fairly often as a result.

[PopaWoody]

We're a cover band too. Our approach is to network with other 'quality' bands. Sit in, talk about where the gigs are and HELP each other out. Works way better to show up at a club and have the band playing recommend you on the spot.

[mambo4]

Coverband land is strange to me, so yeah not all the advice applies. Certainly less "scene" dependent.
But there is still a professional network involved of bands, bookers, venues, local event and festival promoters, wedding expos etc...so finding out who is who in that "scene" is still valid.

[Drop-the-One]

Convince club owners/corporate booking agents why it's worth it for them to replace DJs with your band. That is, if DJs are active in your city.

Another idea, is if a band member can DJ, get them to Dj inbetween sets. Include that in your pitch... could possibly ask for more $ (which rightfully would be passed to the guy playing and djing)

Soundguys are great connections. At least here, there are maybe 5-10 good soundguys that alternate between 15 different clubs/bars. They know people. If you can seduce the soundguy he/she could get you gigs.