Tag: guarantee vs door deal

  • DIY Booking Emails That Get Responses

    Artist writing a booking email to a venue

    DIY Booking Emails That Get Responses

    Learn how to write booking emails that get read, get replies, and get you shows — even if you do not have a manager.

    Introduction: Your Email Is Your First Impression

    Before you ever step on stage, the first impression a venue has of you is often your booking email. A strong message can open doors, while a sloppy one will likely be ignored. The good news is that anyone can write a professional booking email with the right structure, tone, and information. This guide shows you how.

    What Every Booking Email Needs

    Booking emails that get results all share a few key elements. If any are missing, you lower your chances of a reply:

    • Clear subject line: Short, specific, and easy to understand. Example: “Booking Inquiry: [Your Band Name] – [Date Range].”
    • Brief introduction: One or two sentences about who you are and your music style.
    • Tour dates or window: When you are looking to play.
    • Streaming or EPK link: Give them an easy way to hear your music and see your brand.
    • Social proof: Quick highlights like recent shows, press mentions, or streaming milestones.
    • Polite call to action: End with a simple ask like, “Do you have any available dates during this window?”

    Sample Email Template You Can Copy

    Here is a proven email structure you can customize:

    Subject: Booking Inquiry: The Midnight Revival – June Tour Dates

    Hello [Venue Name],

    My name is Alex and I front a Nashville-based indie rock band called The Midnight Revival. We are routing a summer run and would love to perform at [Venue Name] between June 10 and June 20.

    You can hear our latest single here: [Streaming Link]
    Our EPK with live video and press links is here: [EPK Link]

    We recently headlined [Venue or Event Name] and opened for [Band Name], drawing over 150 people. We would love the chance to bring our show to your stage.

    Would you have any available dates during that time window?

    Thank you for your time and hope to hear from you soon!

    – Alex
    The Midnight Revival
    [Phone] | [Email]

    Subject Line Tips That Get Opened

    Your subject line is the difference between an email that gets read and one that gets ignored. Here are a few approaches that work:

    • Booking Inquiry – [Band Name] – [Month or Tour Name]
    • [City] Routing – [Band Name] – [Tour Dates]
    • [Band Name] available for [Venue Name]

    Follow Up Without Being Pushy

    If you do not get a response, follow up politely after 5 to 7 days. A short and respectful message like this works well:

    Hi [Venue Name],

    Just checking back on the booking inquiry I sent last week. We would still love to work with you and can be flexible on dates.

    Thank you for your time,
    – Alex

    Pro tip: One follow up is enough. If they do not respond after that, move on and circle back next tour.

    Ready to plan your next run? RoadUNO helps you find venues, plan routes, and manage your tour with ease.
    Try the Tour Booking Assistant

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  • How to Book Your First Tour Without a Manager

    How to Book Your First Tour Without a Manager

    How to Book Your First Tour Without a Manager

    Planning your first tour can feel overwhelming, especially without a booking agent or manager to guide the way. But with the right tools, strategy, and determination, you can build a successful tour all on your own. Here’s how to make it happen.

    1. Start Local, Think Regional

    Before you start mapping out a cross-country adventure, focus on your hometown draw and be sure you can fill a show here first but when you are ready research nearby cities within a few hours’ drive. Not only is this more cost-effective, but it also helps you build a fanbase in realistic, reachable markets. Focus on weekend warrior runs, (play hometown Friday night, 4-6 hours away on Saturday, find a place on the way home on Sunday.

    Tip: Use your social media insights or streaming data to find out where your listeners are located. Prioritize those cities with targeted ads.

    2. Research Venues the Smart Way

    Skip the endless Google searches and outdated directories. Instead, use RoadUNO an AI-powered tour assistant that helps artists instantly access up to date venue contacts, tailored by location, budget, and routing.

    Pro Tip: Keep track of all the venues you reach out to in a spreadsheet or inside your RoadUNO account for easy follow-up.

    3. Reach Out with Purpose

    When contacting venues, do the work for them, find locals and build a show, then, keep your message short, professional, and tailored. Include:

    • A short bio
    • Your proposed tour date(s)
    • A link to your music and social profiles
    • A clear ask (e.g., “We’d love to support a bill” or “We’re looking to headline a local showcase here are bands we could play with as well as potential dates.”)

    4. Team Up with Local Artists

    One of the best ways to get booked in a new city is to partner with a local act. Offer to co-headline or support a show and return the favor when they come to your city.

    Tip: Follow and DM artists in your target cities on Instagram, Facebook, or Tiktok. Personal connections open more doors than cold emails alone.

    5. Keep Your Costs Low

    Without label support or a manager, your budget matters. Look for:

    • Free lodging (friends, family, Couchsurfing)
    • Gas-efficient routing
    • DIY merch to sell at shows

    Using a smart routing tool like RoadUNO can help you avoid expensive travel mistakes by building an efficient itinerary from the start.

    6. Make It Official

    Once you’ve booked your dates, create a clean tour flyer, update your website, and promote the tour consistently across your channels. Treat it like the real deal, because it is.

    Final Thought

    Booking your first tour solo may seem intimidating, but it’s one of the most empowering things you can do as an artist. With AI tools like RoadUNO and a DIY mindset, you’re not just booking a tour, you’re building your career from the ground up.

  • Touring on a Budget: Tips & Tools for Independent Musicians

    Touring on a Budget: Tips & Tools for Independent Musicians

    Touring is one of the best ways to grow your fanbase, test new material, and make lasting memories — but it can also be expensive. Between fuel, food, lodging, and gear, costs can add up fast. That’s why touring smart is just as important as touring hard. This guide breaks down practical tips and tools to help you tour efficiently without breaking the bank.

    Plan Smart: Routing and Distance

    • Use RoadUNO to build a city-to-city route that minimizes fuel costs and maximizes audience reach.
    • Book venues in clusters (e.g., 2-3 shows within 2 hours of each other)
    • Avoid unnecessary zig-zagging across the map
    • Factor in tolls, parking fees, and time between gigs

    Stay Cheap: Lodging Hacks

    • Stay with fans, friends, or local bands (network ahead of time)
    • Use apps like Couchsurfing, Hostelworld, or HotelTonight
    • Share hotel rooms with bandmates and split the cost
    • Bring sleeping bags for worst-case floor-crash scenarios

    Eat Smart

    • Pack a cooler with snacks, fruit, and water
    • Skip gas station junk and opt for grocery store meals
    • Use apps like Too Good To Go for last-minute cheap eats
    • Budget $10-15/day per person if possible

    Gear Up Without Going Broke

    • Bring backup strings, cables, batteries (buy in bulk before the tour)
    • Label everything to avoid lost gear
    • Use power strips to share outlets at venues
    • Split gear transportation duties between vehicles or members

    Maximize Merch (Low Cost, High Return)

    • Print merch in bulk before the tour (T-shirts, stickers, etc.)
    • Offer bundle deals (e.g., shirt + CD + sticker = $20)
    • Accept Venmo, CashApp, and cards via Square or Stripe readers
    • Keep a cash box with change for smaller venues

    Free Tools You Should Be Using

    • RoadUNO: Smart tour assistant that helps you plan fast and route efficiently
    • Bandcamp: Great for online merch during and after tour
    • Canva: Free poster and social media graphics
    • Google Sheets: Budget tracker + show log
    • Trello or Notion: Keep your schedule organized

    Touring doesn’t have to drain your wallet to be worth it. With the right tools, a focused mindset, and a willingness to hustle smart, you can play the shows you want — and still make it to the next city with gas in the tank.