Touring Guide

Learn how to plan, book, and execute successful tours that grow your fanbase, generate income, and advance your music career.

Overview

Touring is one of the most effective ways to build your fanbase, generate income, and establish your band as a professional act. Whether you're planning your first weekend run or a multi-month national tour, proper planning, realistic budgeting, and professional execution are essential for success.

Key Topics

Tour Planning Fundamentals

• Setting tour goals and objectives
• Choosing the right time to tour
• Route planning and logistics
• Timeline for tour planning
• Building a tour team
• Risk assessment and contingency planning

Booking Your Tour

• Finding and contacting venues
• Building a routing strategy
• Negotiating deals and guarantees
• Creating compelling booking materials
• Working with booking agents
• Confirming and advancing shows

Tour Budgeting

• Estimating tour costs accurately
• Revenue projections and break-even analysis
• Managing cash flow on the road
• Tracking expenses in real-time
• Merchandise budgeting
• Emergency fund planning

Tour Logistics

• Transportation options and costs
• Accommodation strategies
• Meal planning and per diems
• Equipment and gear management
• Load-in and load-out procedures
• Day-of-show schedules

Promotion & Marketing

• Pre-tour promotion strategies
• Market-specific marketing
• Social media on the road
• Press and media outreach
• Building local buzz
• Post-show follow-up

On-Tour Operations

• Daily tour management
• Sound check best practices
• Performance optimization
• Merchandise sales strategies
• Networking and relationship building
• Maintaining health and energy

Related Articles

Explore our comprehensive touring guides:

• First Tour Planning Checklist
• Tour Budget Calculator
• Booking Email Templates
• Merchandise Strategy Guide
• Van Life Tips for Musicians
• Tour Manager Responsibilities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money do I need to go on tour?

Budget $100-200 per person per day for a DIY tour (gas, food, lodging). A 2-week tour with 4 people might cost $5,000-10,000. Factor in van rental ($500-1,000/week), insurance, emergency fund (20% of budget), and pre-tour expenses (merch, promotion).

When is my band ready to tour?

You're ready when you: have 45-60 minutes of material, can play consistently well, have a fanbase in multiple cities, can afford the investment, have reliable transportation, and are prepared for the physical and mental demands of touring.

How do I book shows in cities where I have no fans?

Play with local bands who will draw, offer to play early or for door split, target venues that book touring acts, use booking platforms like Indie on the Move, build relationships with promoters, and start with smaller venues to prove yourself.

Should I tour regionally or nationally first?

Start regionally. Build a strong following within 3-5 hours of home before expanding nationally. Regional tours are cheaper, easier to promote, and allow you to return frequently to build momentum. Expand gradually as your fanbase grows.

Resources & Templates

• Tour Planning Timeline
• Tour Budget Spreadsheet
• Venue Contact Database
• Advance Sheet Template
• Settlement Sheet Template
• Tour Itinerary Builder

Getting Started

1. Build Local Foundation: Establish strong home market first
2. Start Small: Plan weekend runs before full tours
3. Route Strategically: Minimize drive times and maximize opportunities
4. Budget Realistically: Account for all costs plus 20% buffer
5. Promote Heavily: Market each show 4-6 weeks in advance
6. Document Everything: Track data for future tour planning

Expert Tips

Pre-Tour Preparation

• Book shows 2-3 months in advance
• Confirm all shows 2 weeks before tour
• Advance shows 1 week out (load-in, sound check, etc.)
• Service vehicle and check all equipment
• Create detailed itinerary with addresses and contacts
• Pack strategically and create packing lists

On the Road

• Arrive early to every venue
• Be professional with venue staff
• Promote the next night's show at each gig
• Sell merch actively and enthusiastically
• Network with other bands and industry people
• Document the tour with photos and videos

Financial Management

• Track all expenses daily
• Settle with venues immediately after shows
• Keep receipts for everything
• Maintain emergency cash reserve
• Monitor budget vs. actual spending
• Adjust strategy if falling behind budget

Tour Types

Weekend Warrior Tours

• 2-4 shows over a weekend
• Within 3-5 hours of home
• Lower risk and investment
• Great for building regional presence
• Easier to maintain day jobs
• Good testing ground for longer tours

Regional Tours

• 1-2 weeks
• Cover 3-5 states
• Moderate investment
• Build fanbase in nearby markets
• Return frequently to grow
• Sustainable for part-time bands

National Tours

• 3-8 weeks
• Cross-country routing
• Significant investment
• Requires established fanbase
• Full-time commitment
• Professional operation essential

Festival Circuits

• Summer festival season
• Higher pay potential
• Built-in audiences
• Networking opportunities
• Competitive booking
• Strategic for exposure

Tour Budget Breakdown

Fixed Costs

• Van rental or vehicle costs
• Insurance
• Lodging (if not staying with friends)
• Merchandise production
• Promotional materials
• Equipment rentals

Variable Costs

• Fuel (calculate per mile)
• Food and beverages
• Parking and tolls
• Venue fees (if any)
• Emergency repairs
• Incidental expenses

Revenue Streams

• Guarantees and door splits
• Merchandise sales
• Digital tip jars
• Sponsorships
• Live recording sales
• Meet and greet packages

Routing Strategy

Efficient Routing

• Minimize backtracking
• Limit daily drives to 4-6 hours
• Schedule rest days strategically
• Consider traffic and weather
• Plan for time zone changes
• Build in buffer time

Market Selection

• Target cities with existing fans
• Research venue capacity and fit
• Consider market size and competition
• Look for music-friendly cities
• Evaluate travel costs vs. opportunity
• Balance strong and developing markets

Accommodation Options

Budget-Friendly Options

• Stay with fans (offer tickets/merch)
• Connect with other bands for housing
• Use Airbnb for group stays
• Budget motels ($40-60/night)
• Sleep in van (when safe and legal)
• Mix of paid and free lodging

Comfort vs. Cost

• Invest in rest for better performances
• Don't sacrifice health for savings
• Consider morale and team dynamics
• Plan splurge nights strategically
• Evaluate trade-offs carefully
• Prioritize safety always

Merchandise Strategy

What to Bring

• T-shirts (multiple designs and sizes)
• Vinyl and CDs
• Stickers and buttons
• Posters
• Limited edition tour items
• Digital download cards

Pricing Strategy

• Research local market rates
• Offer bundle deals
• Accept multiple payment methods
• Display merchandise prominently
• Engage fans at merch table
• Track inventory daily

Health & Wellness on Tour

Physical Health

• Get adequate sleep when possible
• Eat nutritious food (not just fast food)
• Stay hydrated
• Protect your hearing
• Stretch and move regularly
• Maintain hygiene

Mental Health

• Manage stress and expectations
• Communicate openly with bandmates
• Take breaks when needed
• Stay connected with home
• Practice self-care
• Recognize burnout signs

Tour Promotion Timeline

6-8 Weeks Before

• Announce tour dates
• Create event pages
• Begin social media promotion
• Reach out to local press
• Contact local bands for support
• Design tour-specific content

3-4 Weeks Before

• Intensify social media push
• Submit to local event calendars
• Engage with local music communities
• Share behind-the-scenes content
• Offer ticket giveaways
• Coordinate with venues on promotion

1-2 Weeks Before

• Daily social media reminders
• Advance shows with venues
• Confirm all logistics
• Create day-of-show content
• Engage with local fans directly
• Final push on ticket sales

Day of Show

• Post arrival and sound check content
• Share venue information and set times
• Engage with fans attending
• Create shareable content
• Promote merch and meet & greets
• Thank everyone involved

Common Tour Mistakes

• Underestimating costs
• Overbooking (too many shows too close together)
• Poor routing (excessive drive times)
• Inadequate promotion
• Not advancing shows properly
• Bringing too much gear
• Neglecting vehicle maintenance
• Poor communication with venues
• Not tracking expenses
• Burning out the band

Tour Success Metrics

Quantitative Metrics

• Average attendance per show
• Merchandise sales per show
• Email list signups
• Social media growth
• Streaming increases in tour markets
• Overall profitability

Qualitative Metrics

• Audience engagement and energy
• Venue and promoter relationships
• Press and media coverage
• Industry connections made
• Band morale and cohesion
• Skill and performance improvement

Next Steps

Ready to hit the road? Start by planning a weekend run to nearby cities, create a realistic budget, and begin booking shows 2-3 months in advance. Use our templates and checklists to ensure you're prepared for every aspect of touring. Remember: successful touring is built on careful planning, professional execution, and continuous learning from each experience.