Sep 23, 2018

How To Organize Your Own Gig? Roadmap In 8 Steps

So, you’d like to do more than just get booked for gigs? You want to take matters into your own hands and put together your own concert. But you have no idea how to go about doing that? Then sit up and take notice.

Organize Your Own Gig

Concerts need good planning and organization – especially if you organize your own gig. First of all, you want to make sure your audience is happy and the event is unforgettable, right? In order to make sure that nothing goes wrong, the first thing you need to do is to ask yourself the following questions and establish a masterplan.

  • When?
  • Where?
  • Budget?
  • How will you sell tickets?
  • Advance sale/Presale?
  • Door deal?
  • Promotion?

1. Set Goals

If you want your concert to be a true success, you need to think about your goals in advance. What is it that you want to accomplish with your concert? This means you need to think in measurable quantities and ask yourself: is your main goal to make some money? Or is it more about raising your fame factor? Improving your image? Getting new fans?

2. Keep An Eye On Your Budget

Organizing a concert comes with its own set of expenses. Make a budget plan in advance. List all the projected costs and expenses. This way you can have a clearer idea of what you can afford or not.

3. Pick A Date

When exactly would you like your concert to take place? And how long should it go on for? Clarify that with your bandmates and crew. You should also contact the relevant authorities to find out about any permits you might eventually need.

4. Pick the right venue

You should decide on a suitable venue for your concert based on the expected or estimated crowd numbers. Will there be more than 100 people? Or rather only about 50? Or will there be more like 500? Check if you need extra space for merch stands and catering. Have a look at the overall location – are there good transport connections? Or is it in the middle of nowhere?

5. Make Arrangements for Catering

You can’t have a concert without drinks! It’s up to you to decide if, besides the drinks, you want to offer your audience some food or provide catering for yourself and your crew.

6. Organize Merch Stands

You absolutely need a merch stand! Merchandise is essential, as it can supplement your income and help you stay in contact with your fans. That way you don’t pack up and go straight after the gig; it helps you create a better, more lasting impression.

7. Sort Out the Ticket Sales

Do you want to sell tickets? If yes, do you want to sell them in advance? Or at the door, on the evening of the concert? Do you want to use a specific ticketing system? Or would you rather not go that way? There are many ways to handle ticket sales: you can use your own ticket shop, a ticket hotline and/or various public sales points. Think in advance precisely which of these options are the best fit for you.

8. Do Some Promo

A cost-effective and unavoidable option is to enter your event in an event calendar. Of course, you must also post about your ticket sales and the date of the event on all social media channels. You can also publish ads, for example on Facebook. Or you can get in touch with local newspapers and radio stations. If your budget allows it, you should also use print media such as posters, flyers etc. Create a Facebook event. Invite your friends. Let them share your event and spread the word about your gig! Find out how to do an effective promotion with our Online Promotion White Paper!

Bear in mind that, when it’s all said and done, YOU are solely responsible for your gig’s success. Even if something goes wrong, don’t give up. Own it, and learn from your mistakes. Your next gig will be better because of it.


If you need a support act and don’t want to do all the legal stuff by hand just create a free promoter profile on gigmit and create your gig.