Now the fun starts....I personally make the 3 song demo and website, and then sell the band 2 months out so we have time to get our repertoire together. I don't build a repertoire until I have a gig in hand.
...I like selling off the demo because if the band is a non-starter, then you haven't invested a lot compared to bands who do a demo, website AND invest all that rehearsal in repertoire.
But anyway now that you have the rep together, its time to see if you can sell the band.
Anyway, how to get gigs.
If you want to get a paid gig right off the bat, the best way is to figure out some way of getting a buzzillion people to come see you. Try hooking up with an organization that already has distribution and marketing.
With my first band, I convinced our student organization at the university to have a social at a club that featured my band. I told the club owner we had 600 people to which to advertise and would promote it to all our staff. At the time, the band wasn't very good, but he had us back for these things every few months because he had a good sales night.
Attract People == Get Paid Gigs in clubs.
If you can't do that, then you might have to offer to play for a percent of sales or something at a club on a non-peak night. Even if no one comes you can put the gig on the website.
Also, hopefully the guys in your band will help you sell I found most musicians will lay back and let the leader book everything. Do all the work. Try to get your musicians involved.
If you can't get a bar owner to take a chance on you, then try a private party at someone's house and take up a collection for the band or for tips or something.
I'm doing that with a new startup I'm involved with (a jazz trio).
You might want to get started on your facebook page. Club owners look at it to see how many people you have. Hopefully there is a thread somewhere about how to increase your facebook following here on TB. I have learned a few things lately about how to do it, but it's not my strong suit.
