talkmagic.co.uk

Hi All,

I've recently launched my website and was wondering if you knew of any good directories to submit my site too, or any tips for getting the ball rolling for work.

Thanks,
John

You have to let people know you exist in the places they will notice. You have to take your message to them, in other words. If you want local work, you need to get your name in the pubs, clubs, restaurants and bars, on local radio and in the local newspaper.

I think people are unlikely to stumble across your site and book you just because your site is in a search engine.

Most people will only come to your site if they are specifically looking for you. Make sure you have all the correct keywords on your site so that anyone looking for your name, and your town/location can easily find you.

Your website is really only a much bigger version of your business card. Its your card, given out at the end of a party, or function, that will bring in the work.

I have found that personal recommendation is the best way to get work.

Keep in mind, once you have handed out your business card, people interested in hiring you will go looking at your website to find out more about you. In most cases a website is not the first form of contact. Many think they can put up a website and sit back and start booking shows through it. For the most part, that is not the case. The webpage is an extension of your advertizing.

Nice job, but ditch that tiled background...!

The background is a little heavy - dont ditch it, but at least put a filter on it (blue it slightly, fade it by 40% or something :S)

The best way to promote the site is to stick it on your business card and hand them out like a nutter at your next show etc

Dan

And I'd remove those SEO links at the bottom: they're obviously there just for google and you'd only get blacklisted

mobi wrote:Nice job, but ditch that tiled background...!

Agreed, felt a bit dizzy.

If you're going to have your tweets from Twitter pop up on the home page it may be best to watch your language. The two tweets that are on there now have ass and c*** in them. To say that's a big no no is an understatement.

Thanks for all of your replies!

I've added a slight blue filter to the background (don't want to get rid of the background completly as I like it! ) and I've also got rid of the SEO links too, which has speeded up quite a lot.

Stu, thanks for pointing out the tweets. I'm normally good with these as I know anyone can see them, but must have let my guard down on Thursday evening!

As for getting your name around, I've contacted a few (14 in fact!) local bars and restaurants via email to let them know I'm available and will be following them up by popping in and speaking to them. What are your preferred methods? Do you call, go in, email etc..? Obviously, I don't expect you to divulge all of your gig- getting tricks, but a few tips would be appreciated!

Thanks again,
John

donpisci wrote:As for getting your name around, I've contacted a few (14 in fact!) local bars and restaurants via email to let them know I'm available and will be following them up by popping in and speaking to them. What are your preferred methods? Do you call, go in, email etc..? Obviously, I don't expect you to divulge all of your gig- getting tricks, but a few tips would be appreciated!
John

Don't rely on an email to get work, most places, unless they're actively looking for a magician will just ignore it.

I would advise you visit the places in person and ask to speak to the manager. Just explain who you are and what it is you do, if they ask to see something perform a short but strong effect that involves a business card and then let them keep the card at the end.

But remember the most important thing is that YOU HAVE TO SELL YOURSELF!!!!! Make sure they know that they'll be receiving a quality act and that you're worth the price they're paying you.

Directories, in my experience, are mostly a waste of time. As mentioned, figure out who you want to work for and contact them personally. Can't go wrong with talking with them in person.