Street performing can be a great way to make money while traveling. It’s also a lot of fun! However, if you’re not prepared, it can also be frustrating. This blog post will discuss the top busking tips that every street performer needs to know. By following these tips, you’ll be able to maximize your profits and have a more enjoyable experience busking on the streets!
1) Use signage to attract attention.
Make sure your sign is big and visible so that people walking by can easily see it. Your sign should also be eye-catching and include a brief description of what you’re offering. For example, if you’re playing music, your sign could say “Live Music!” or “Singer/Songwriter.”
Be creative with your signage to get people’s attention. You could even dress up your sign with flashing lights or balloons.
2) Have a tip jar or case.
Make sure you have a place for people to leave tips. This could be a tip jar or an open guitar case. Be sure to put your name on your tip jar or case, so people know who to thank for the great entertainment!
Make sure to always have money in your tip jar to make people aware that you’re accepting tips. You could even put a sign on your tip jar that says, “All Tips Appreciated!”
3) Play popular songs.
People are more likely to throw money in your tip jar if you’re playing songs that they know and like. Stick to playing popular hits from current artists, as well as some classics that everyone knows.
Popular songs are an easy way to get people singing along and engaged with your performance. However, don’t play too many popular songs in a row, or people might get bored.
4) Engage with your audience.
Make sure to talk to the people who are watching you perform. Thank them for their tips, and make sure to smile! People are more likely to tip you if they feel like you’re friendly and appreciate your support.
You could even ask people for requests. This is a great way to get people involved with your performance, and they’ll be more likely to tip you if you play their favorite song.
5) Take breaks.
Don’t try to play non-stop for hours on end. You’ll get tired, and your performance will suffer as a result. Instead, take short breaks every 20 minutes or so.
During your break, you can chat with people who are watching you, promote your upcoming shows, or simply take a quick restroom break. Breaks are an important part of being a street performer, so make sure to schedule them into your set list!
6) Make announcements.
Use your breaks to make announcements about upcoming shows or events. This is a great way to promote yourself and get people interested in seeing you perform again.
You could even sell merchandise during your breaks. CDs, t-shirts, and other items make great souvenirs for people who enjoyed your performance.
7) Play for tips, not applause.
Don’t worry about people clapping along to your songs. Street performing is all about making money, so focus on playing for tips instead.
People are more likely to throw money in your tip jar if they’re enjoying your music. As long as you’re playing well and having fun, the tips will come!
8) Be prepared for bad weather.
If you’re going to be performing outdoors, be prepared for bad weather. Bring a raincoat or umbrella in case it starts raining, and dress in layers so you can stay warm if it gets cold.
Bad weather can put a damper on your performance, but don’t let it stop you from busking! People will still be out and about, and you can make some great tips even on a rainy day.
9) Busk in high-traffic areas.
The more people who see you perform, the more likely you are to make money. Set up shop in a busy area where there’s a lot of foot traffic.
Some great places to busk include downtown areas, near tourist attractions, or outside popular restaurants and bars. The key is to find an area where there are lots of people who might be interested in your performance.
10) Permit requirements vary by city.
Before you start busking, make sure you check your local permit requirements. Some cities require street performers to have a permit, while others don’t.
Permit requirements vary by city, so it’s important to do your research before you start performing. Otherwise, you could get fined or even arrested!
11) Get the right equipment.
Invest in some good quality equipment so you can put on a great show. A great sound system is essential for any street performer.
You should also invest in a few battery-operated lights to help you see in dimly lit areas and to make your performance more visually appealing.
Invest in a Looper to give you the ability to record your own tracks live, and add some extra layers to your performance. A Looper can help you sound like a one-man band, and it’s a great way to engage with your audience.
12) Don’t give up!
Busking is a tough gig, but it’s also a lot of fun. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t make much money at first. It takes time to build up a following, so keep at it, and you’ll eventually start making some serious tips.
If you stick with it, you might even be able to turn busking into a full-time job! So what are you waiting for? Grab your instrument and start playing!
13) Promote yourself on social media.
Social media is a great way to promote your busking career. Create a Facebook page or an Instagram account and post pictures and videos of your performances.
Make sure to use hashtags so people can find you, and be sure to promote your upcoming shows on your social media accounts. The more people who know about you, the more likely you are to make money!
14) Be original.
There are a lot of street performers out there, so it’s important to be original if you want to stand out from the crowd. Find your own unique style and stick with it.
Don’t try to imitate other performers. People will appreciate your originality, and you’ll be more likely to make money if you’re doing your own thing.
15) Practice, practice, practice.
The more you play, the better you’ll get. Make sure to practice regularly so you can hone your skills and perfect your craft.
The better you sound, the more likely people are to throw money in your tip jar. So don’t be afraid to put in the hard work!
16) Improvise.
One of the great things about busking is that you can improvise. If you make a mistake, just keep playing, and no one will even notice.
Use your improvisational skills to your advantage and come up with some new and interesting ideas on the fly. You never know what you might come up with!
17) Be interactive.
People love it when street performers are interactive. Talk to people in between songs, ask them for requests, and get them involved in your performance.
The more interactive you are, the more likely people are to enjoy your music and throw money in your tip jar. So don’t be afraid to talk to people!
18) Connect with other buskers.
Busking can be a lonely job, so it’s important to connect with other buskers. You can make friends, exchange tips, and even collaborate on performances.
The busking community is full of friendly and talented people, so don’t be afraid to reach out and connect with them. You might be surprised at how helpful they can be!
If you follow these tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful street performer. So grab your instrument and get out there! And remember, have fun and interact with your audience, and you’re sure to make some great tips.
