Expert: Amy Tennant - 10/30/2007

Question
I have written more than 300 songs, and have cds available, but I really want to sing on the road with my wife and oldest son.  I am wanting to know how to advertise that we are available, and whether it is best to go with free will, or what to charge.

Answer
Hmmm...I'm going to try to answer your questions with what I would do if I were in your situation.  First, pray.  I'm assuming you've done that and you've been led to do this.  Second, get a website up and running that gives information about your ministry and has samples of your songs.  Put your website address on all your correspondence (snail mail or email) and tell all of your friends.  Next, it's time to do some advertising.  You could go about it in a number of ways - word of mouth, sending CDs/letters or postcards with the website to local churches (or churches in the cities you want to go to), send out emails to churches, or even call the churches.  You might want to check out Guerilla Marketing.  You can order it on amazon.com or Barnes and Noble, or just check it out from the library.  I'm thinking you're not wanting to invest a ton of money for advertising, so you want to do the most efficient advertising for the least cost.  You could also set up a booth at fairs/craft shows to showcase your CDs and get leads.  I would suggest doing some pro bono concerts here and there to get your name out there and to obtain some references.
As for charging, I think it would depend on where you were going.  If it's local, perhaps just a free will offering.  If you have to drive a ways, then perhaps $100-200 up front to cover costs, plus a free will offering.  If you get a booking in a larger city, call other churches around that area to see if they will book you as well.  If you'll be at XYZ Church in the morning service, perhaps PQR Church on the other side of the city will have you for their evening service.  
Hope that gives you some ideas to get you started.