What if you could add one word to your setlist and instantly boost your merch sales?
Well get out your Sharpie!
Because you’ll want to test this yourself the next time you perform to a sell-out crowd:
As you can see, adding one word in Sharpie is the easy part.
The prep-work is the hard part!
In order to move more merch, you need:
1. An undeniable merch item that is perfect for your audience
The right product, size, color, vibe.
It could be a sweatshirt, custom-colored Rubik’s Cube, branded rolling papers, a kazoo with your logo, an engraved flask,…
… or anything else you think your fans will want because the merch item promises to say something about them.
2. An interesting story TYING THE high-points to your merch
If you’ve crafted a truly memorable moment within your show, your fans will want to keep that feeling with them.
Merch is a way of commemorating an emotional connection with you and your music.
You might have to write a bunch of different stories to test which works best.
3. to Practice telling that story during rehearsals
When you tell that story on stage, you want to be confident, unapologetic, unashamed.
So practice the stories the same way you’d practice any song.
Yes, even if your bandmates are in the room and it feels super awkward. Even if you’re practicing solo and talking to the wall.
Don’t skip your best songs. Don’t skip your merch!
With the difficult parts done, now it’s time to get out that Sharpie and write “merch” on your setlist (maybe even twice).
Don’t skip it. The same way you wouldn’t skip the best songs in your set.
Immediately following those high-points in your show, tell your merch stories. Connect the emotional dots between big musical moments and your merch.
Then after your set, get to the merch booth ASAP to meet your audience and make a lasting connection.
Want to play at great venues and festivals? See ReverbNation’s latest Opportunities.
