Touring is an exciting milestone for any musician, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. From long drives to managing merch sales, staying organized and prepared is key to a successful tour. Here are some essential tips to help you rock the road and make the most of your tour.
Before you hit the road, make sure every detail is locked down:
Tour Route & Schedule: Plan your route to minimize travel time and maximize rest. Use apps like Google Maps or Roadtrippers for efficient planning.
Accommodation: Book places to stay in advance to avoid last-minute stress. Look for budget-friendly options like Airbnb or hostels.
Gear Check: Double-check your gear list—guitars, pedals, cables, drumsticks, strings, and any other essentials. Pack backups!
Pro Tip: Keep a digital tour binder with all your confirmations, contacts, and schedules in one place for easy access on the road.
Space is limited when touring, so pack only the essentials:
Clothing: Opt for versatile, comfortable outfits that you can mix and match. Don’t forget show clothes and backups for sweaty nights!
Toiletries: Travel-size toiletries save space. Keep a small bag with daily essentials for quick freshening up.
Snacks & Supplies: Stock up on healthy snacks, water, and basic medicines to stay energized and healthy.
Pro Tip: Pack a small tool kit for quick gear fixes. You never know when a guitar strap will break or a pedal will act up!
Touring can be exhausting, but staying healthy will keep your performance sharp:
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water, especially after high-energy shows.
Eat Balanced Meals: Avoid too much junk food. Opt for healthier choices at rest stops and gas stations.
Sleep & Rest: Prioritize rest whenever possible. Bring earplugs and an eye mask for better sleep in noisy environments.
Pro Tip: Stretch before and after shows to avoid muscle strain and injuries.
Get fans excited about your tour by promoting it strategically:
Social Media Hype: Create a countdown to each show on your social media platforms. Share behind-the-scenes content to build anticipation.
Local Promotion: Collaborate with local bands and venues for cross-promotion. Consider radio interviews or local press coverage.
Online Merch Store: List your merch online and promote it ahead of the tour. Fans who can’t make it to the show might still buy online.
Pro Tip: Use a unique hashtag for your tour so fans can share their experiences and photos easily.
Merch sales can be a significant income source while on tour. Make sure you’re prepared:
Organized Display: Set up an attractive and organized merch table. Arrange T-shirts, hoodies, CDs, and other items clearly.
Multiple Payment Options: Accept cash, cards, and mobile payments to make buying easy.
Limited Edition Items: Offer exclusive tour merch or limited-edition designs to create urgency.
Pro Tip: At My Merch Guy, we specialize in band merch that stand out on stage and at the merch table. Contact us before your next tour to get fresh merch ready to sell!
The connections you make on tour are just as valuable as the performances themselves:
Engage with Fans: Spend time at the merch table after your set. Sign merch, take photos, and connect with fans personally.
Network with Other Bands: Collaborate with local bands or other touring artists. It can lead to future show swaps or new fan bases.
Thank the Venue Staff: Showing appreciation goes a long way. It helps build good relationships and can lead to future bookings.
Pro Tip: Collect email addresses from fans to keep them updated about future releases and tours.
Money management on tour is crucial to avoid financial stress:
Daily Budget: Plan a daily budget for food, gas, and accommodation. Stick to it to avoid overspending.
Merch Inventory Tracking: Keep track of your merch sales and inventory. Knowing your best-sellers helps with restocking decisions.
Emergency Fund: Set aside a portion of your earnings for emergencies, such as vehicle repairs or medical needs.
Pro Tip: Use financial tracking apps to monitor your expenses and earnings on the go.
Your tour is an adventure worth remembering:
Photos and Videos: Capture behind-the-scenes moments, on-stage shots, and interactions with fans.
Tour Diary or Vlog: Documenting your tour experiences is great for building fan engagement and creating content for social media.
Live Streams: Go live on social media during soundchecks or while on the road to engage fans in real-time.
Pro Tip: Compile your tour footage into a recap video at the end of the tour to keep the momentum going.
Touring is both challenging and rewarding. With the right planning, mindset, and strategies, you can maximize your experience, grow your fan base, and make the most of every performance.
Need killer merch for your next tour? Contact My Merch Guy today for high-quality merch that fans won’t be able to resist.
