Reward Your Biggest Fans
Fans, friends, followers…it doesn’t really matter what they’re called. If you’ve released a project or thrown a show before, you know exactly who we’re talking about. They’re the first ones to purchase tickets, the first ones to RT or favorite your latest tweet, the first ones to show up at the venue on the day of your show.
With more and more business, brands, and transactions happening online, word-of-mouth reviews are actually more important for their ability to help you stand out from the crowd. If you’ve got fans who’ve really got your back, don’t take that for granted. Find ways to reach out to and engage your organic brand evangelists. They’re often the difference between big buzz and a big break.
Here are our favorite ways to thank and reward fans. Let your #1 fans know how much you appreciate them!
1. Thank them.
There are dozens of ways you can do this, but off the top of our head: Write them an actual thank you note – the kind you send…in the mail. Tweet at them (not the crappy kind with an ‘@’ at the beginning, let your whole community know how rad they are). Feature them in your newsletter. Mention them when you’re speaking to the crowd at your show. Send them a little thank-you gift like free tickets to your next performance. Sing a song just for them.
2. Treat them like an insider.
Share your exciting news with these people first. Make them feel like they’re in the inner circle. Land an out-of this world DJ? Is your on-stage outfit extra awesome? Share the love and let your fans know, first.
3. Pay it back.
If your big fans are also big fans of other ‘things,’ take note! You could make a donation to their favorite cause, or collect funds from your next event to donate to their favorite organization. Show your fans that YOU’RE a fan, and watch your relationships grow.
4. Backstage access.
Invite your evangelists to share in a part of your event that no one else gets to see. Whether you invite them to soundcheck, or to hang in the green room before your show, give your superfan an experience that money can’t buy and attention they won’t forget.
5. Secret passwords.
There’s nothing more exciting than feeling like the cool kids are letting you in on a secret. And we don’t grow out of it just because we grow older. Take advantage of tech to create unforgettable experiences of inclusion for your friends and fans. For instance, if you use Eventbrite for your ticketing, you can create an access code so guests with the password get to see special, otherwise hidden tickets and add-ons. If you can work it out with the venue, create and share a password that earns a surprise VIP wristband at the door or a free drink at the bar. A little goes a long way.
What are your favorite ways to show your fans how much they mean to you? Share your favorite ideas in the comments below! We’re here to hear you.