If your season is slow like mine you may want to send thank you cards to the places that have had you in the last couple of years. Include a note that says, "Word of mouth has always been the best way for my business to grow. If you know of someone who could use a show similar to the one I did for you, please pass on this card (or my website, etc.)."

When I write up the order form for the show, I ask for a e-mail to sent a thank you also. I use it later for my newsletter. I also ask for the name of the local paper and permission to write a press release. (FREE advertising)

Ribbons the clown
Robin Bremer
http://www.ribbonstheclown.com/
www.youtube.com/user/ribbonstheclown
www.RibbonsBelieveItOrNotBlogspot.com

Good ideas ....

This series of "Guerilla Marketing" books has been a great help to me. The website is packed with lots of free tips..... pour over it...

http://www.gmarketing.com/

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You can get free listings of public events in many entertainment sections of local newspapers, online groups, or calendars. Search for mom's groups in your area if it's a kids' event, or for the website of the town you are performing in. Also ask the one who books you (such as the library) if they list the event somewhere.

What a great idea! I never thought of this. I have been doing magic full time for the last 3 years after retiring from my real job. For the last 3 years I have added a lot of new magic in order to greatly improve my show. Just recently, I have added ventriloquism to my act. I have also just bought a remote control vent toucan which I will also add to my show. I document every trick I perform at every show so I can perform a lot of different tricks then the ones I originally did. Also with the ventriloquism, I will have something else to offer.
I have done 59 shows since I started to advertise, and I have never had a dissatisfied customer.These were people that liked magic. They now know me
more then they knew me before they originally hired me.
I plan to design a card in the form of magic, and I will send it out maybe a month before the date they originally hired me. I will also mention my new services and the fact that I have a lot of new items.
I can say something like The Mystical Magician wishes (child's name) a Happy
Birthday. My original show is made mostly for the birthday child so in my case that child is now 3 years older and my show will be a lot different plus I have a lot of different items.
Oh well thanks for the idea.

PS: I'm 4 shows ahead of last year at this time but I am spending more money on advertising. I'm not as busy as I hoped to be.