Years ago, the adult industry mastered the art of enticing audiences with free content and converting the most devoted or impulsive individuals into paying customers. Since then, various interest-based entertainers, such as video game streamers, have successfully adopted this approach.
Offer a sneak peek to your audience and tempt them to purchase exclusive content and interaction tickets. Establish a consistent schedule and promote it diligently.
Consistently perform on the same day and time, regardless of frequency (e.g., every first Friday of the month at 9 pm). Announce your event 7 days, 1 day, and 1 hour before it begins. Display showtimes in major time zones (CET, EST, PST, JST, GMT) on all promotional materials. Alternatively, schedule performances at two different start times to accommodate all time zones. Provide the date and tickets for the next show immediately after the current one ends.
Offer tiered access options like Kickstarter or Patreon. Grant free viewers 5 to 15 minutes of content on one or more social networks, charge casual supporters a small fee for full access, and provide the most dedicated fans with limited interactive options (Zoom-like party, private chat, post-show discussion, performance download and replay). Showcase what potential attendees might miss by not joining.
Encourage ticket buyers to invite their friends to your performance. Instead of merely sharing the ticket link, allow your most loyal audience members to purchase tickets for their friends and family.
Set a minimum price and allow the buyer to determine an optional tip. Follow the Humble Bundle model for indie video games, charging a minimum fee with the option for an additional tip, part of which can go to charity. This approach is less intimidating than fixed prices and benefits multiple parties.
Deliver your best performance for both the present and future. Keep in mind that your performance could be repurposed (e.g., as a podcast for paying listeners, for promotion in public venues, as a demo for promoters, or as a catalog asset for a "Netflix for concerts" or "Netflix for live performances"). Aim to have current viewers return for future shows, potentially at a higher access level, and encourage them to book tickets as soon as your current performance ends.
How to avoid takedowns and copyright infringement notices?
To avoid takedowns on social media platforms due to copyrighted content, using muted videos can be an effective strategy. Muted videos are visuals with no accompanying audio, which helps bypass automated content identification systems that detect copyrighted audio tracks. Here are some ways to effectively use muted videos and avoid takedowns:
Post teasers with muted visuals: When promoting your music or content that contains copyrighted material, consider using a muted visual teaser. This can intrigue viewers and encourage them to visit your website or another platform where the full content with audio is available without the risk of takedown.
Use captions or subtitles: To keep viewers engaged despite the absence of audio, add captions or subtitles to your muted video. This allows viewers to understand the context and still follow the content without the need for sound.
Incorporate a call-to-action: To guide viewers toward the complete audio-visual experience, include a clear call-to-action in your muted video. This could be a link to your website, a streaming platform, or another location where the full content is hosted.
Combine visuals with text and graphics: Enhance your muted video by adding text overlays, graphics, or animations that convey the message or story without the need for sound. This can make your content more engaging and visually appealing.
Utilize platform-specific features: Some social media platforms offer features that allow users to mute a video by default, with the option to enable sound by clicking on the video. Use these features to your advantage and create content that is visually engaging even without sound.
By implementing these strategies, you can leverage the power of muted videos to promote your content without risking takedowns on social media platforms. This allows you to reach your audience and direct them to platforms where your full audio-visual content is available without restrictions.