Hi there guys,

I am not new to doing magic but I am new to promoting myself. After spending a small fortune on Google Ad Words I was wondering what other methods you may use to promote yourselves?

Charity gigs and things like that for free are also parts which I have done. But some of you have been doing this for years and years - hopefully I will to. I would love to call upon your experience.

Do you think it would be worth my while doing some walkabout street magic and restaurant magic and just handing out hundreds of cards?


Thank you for your opinions.


Kind Regards,

Sy~

Hi Sy,
For starters...have you advertised in the yellow pages (phone book) or those free children's publications in your area? How about connecting your website and youtube videos to a Facebook page? Restaurant magic may be helpful, but try a library show or a school show, as well (handing out cards after shows). There are also some books and videos out there on promotion - maybe check out some of those. You could post flyers around community centers, libraries, etc. Another option is to connect yourself with a talent agency - so an agent will be getting you gigs.

Good luck!

Kaylan

Who do you want to hire you?

Sy,

I am in the military; for me, it has always been easier to work for a local agent. This may not be the route you wish to take but there are some immediate advantages. In my particular situation, the agent knows what types of shows are best for me, he already has 15 years of advertising in the area (everyone knows him), I don't have to worry about calling and following up with clients.

An agent isn't for everyone and their not all as "stand-up a guy" as mine is but it might be a good way to go; especially if you are just trying to break into the market.

To help answer your question more directly, as Kaylan said, business cards are a must. Make sure every event you work, you are handing them out. If you work a gig where there are tables (i.e. a stage show with people eating etc.), before the show starts, leave a couple of cards nicely arranged on every table.

The yellow pages are fine but in my experience (and in this particular part of the U.S.) you don't get much work from them. It seems most calls from the yellow pages are people pricing the competition. My agent has a fairly successful business out here and he stopped using the yellow pages about 10 years ago. I have other friends who use the yellow pages and they get maybe a gig or two a year from them; just something to think about.

Besides a business card (standard size) you might think about a postcard. They can obviously contain more information and they are more like a souvenir. When working a family/kids show children always want one. They have lots of colorful photos and funny quotes on them. If the children get one it will likely make it's way to their parents.

I am not affiliated in any way to this company but my agent uses them all the time and their quality and price is excellent (almost unbeatable) - http://www.gotprint.net

The more people you perform for the more chance of getting a gig. I.e if you are working a restaurant and perform for 100 people you WILL get bookings from the people who have seen you know what your about and what you can do.

Hand out as many cards as possible, its all a numbers game the more people know about you the better chance of getting a booking.

Look into doing fairs, school shows or any events that happen in your local area, try and build your reputation from where you are based.

If you do any events that happen on a yearly basis i.e kids birthdays, make sure keep a diary and email them the following year asking if they need your services.

Just a few pointers it really just comes down to the fact that you need to get your name out there!