Street Teams

Cheap, Yet Highly Effective Marketing Tools

Today, we take a look at Street Teams-the low-cost, yet highly effective marketing tool for  gospel music labels.

James Blakely of indie music website golistenlive.net defines street teams as “a group of devoted fans that want to help spread the word about a new product or group.” Blakely’s explanation does not officially call street teams a marketing tool, however, that’s exactly the purpose intended for them. Street teams are by far the most effective marketing tool available to record labels as they are able to reach consumers by distributing promotional materials to targeted areas.

Calling the shots for a street team is a fun yet challenging endeavor. The street team manager is responsible for choosing the team, directing the team, communicating with the team, and compensating the team. According to eHow.com, choosing team members is the first and most difficult step in putting together a good team. The article states, “Find and gather individuals who are passionate about the artist or band's music…get their contact information ...communicate what the street team's function is.” Blakely gives cautionary advice, stating, “…remember that they (team members) are carrying your good name. Be very selective who is on the Street Team. Any trouble makers could hurt more than help.”

After assembling the team, a manager has to give directives that will accomplish the goals of the artist. The eHow.com article recommends the following to team managers: “Plaster areas where the band's listeners are likely to congregate with your marketing materials…find venues where bands similar to yours are playing, discover what demographic your band reaches and start there.” Giving advice on properly targeting your demographic, the article states, “if this is a Christian rock group, putting up posters at the Orthodox synagogue isn't the best way for you to utilize your team.”

Social networking sites have made it easier than ever to communicate with many people in many different places. These sites are ideal for a street team manager that wants to stay in touch with team members. Sites MySpace, Facebook and MeetUp are just a few that can be utilized to connect with many members all at once.

The biggest benefit of utilizing street teams is the form of compensation that team members receive. Members usually work for freebies such as t-shirts, CD’s and concert tickets. Not having to pay members with cash gives labels more money for the printing of promotional materials and other expenses.