There have been some great promos for comedy shows, just not very many of mine. I did a show once where the guy budgeted $200 for comedians and went on to spend $240 in high gloss laminated flyers with pictures of big booty beauties, thus ensuring almost all the comics got stiffed. (I got paid, I have a horrible temper) I did a show that complained about not having enough people, yet didn’t update the show info on their website. Last post on their facebook page? Six weeks before my show. Nice job, next try carrier pigeons.
My recent favorite was a new comic that joined the very select Facebook group called Columbus Comics. I’m in it – the purpose is to update local comics on new shows, contests, festivals, rumors and generally keep everyone in the loop. What ends up happening is someone starts bombing the page w/ promo. This last noob was announcing his appearances at unpaid open mikes…to other comedians. Yes, that’s a great strategy for marketing. Who is already going to the show I won’t be getting paid to perform at? Other comics? Perfect! Let’s make sure they all know about this killer five minute set I’ve been working on. Market to the masses? Nah. It would be like if RC Cola sent marketing packets to Coke and Pepsi instead of spending any cash on commercials. That sounds like a stout business model.