There was a great artist who once said, “I joined CIYH, but haven’t had the time to explore the site.” –Hope Fully Notyou

In this brave new world of music, there are so many opportunities that it can feel overwhelming for artists who book and represent themselves. Sonicbids, TAXI, MySpace, CDBaby, etc…

You joined concertsinyourhome.com because you feel or know that house concerts are a good fit for the music that you do. There’s no better resource than CIYH for people who want to be a part of that community. I want to do my best to help you get the most of your membership.

So here are 5 ways (and why) to get more house concert bookings:

1. Make sure your artist profile (at CIYH) is complete, accurate, and that the content you chose emphasizes what’s great about you in the intimate house concert environment. Most artists just copy their bio from their website. Boring.
Log in here: http://concertsinyourhome.com/artist_resources.html

Why? Because with 12,000 visitors per month, someone will eventually look at you!

2. Make sure you link to concertsinyourhome from your website using one of the banners or text links we have available at http://concertsinyourhome.com/banners.html
This site is turning new people on to hosting concerts (we get 10-15 new hosts per month).

Why? Because one of your fans could become a host, which might give you
a decent chance at a gig.

3. Email your fans regularly (at least 4-6 times per year). Every act has to find a balance between too much and too little communication with their fanbase. Whatever you choose, always include your house concert pitch with a link to our site, so your fans can get a taste (videos, articles) of what the house concert experience is like.

Why? Because people forget. No matter how much they like you, they forget. Most people need to hear something 3-5 times before they’ll take any action.

4. Talk about house concerts often. Whenever you find yourself in conversations about music, performing, or touring, mention house concerts. Talk about how this trend is allowing artists to perform in front of attentive crowds - a situation that is increasingly hard to find in many venues! The fact is, most people don’t know that house concerts exist. We call that UPSIDE POTENTIAL. Ask people to host a concert with you. Ask. Ask. Ask. There’s beauty in it. Ask.

5. Host a concert! Choose an artist you admire, and schedule yourself as the opening act. There’s no better way to show your neighbors and friends how much fun a house concert can be. Your place too small? Host the show in someone else’s home.

Why? Next time, YOU can headline.

Fran Snyder