101 Ways to Spread the LOVE

[Ceeje]

Ok, I don't have 101 Ways...yet! Let's see how many we can come up with! If you have a suggestion, let's hear it!

[glow=red,2,300]101 Ways to Spread the LOVE![/glow]

1. Take a few minutes each day to get “Trees” on the radio. Call, fax, e-mail, or e-quest “Trees” at your local stations and others across the country. Check out our ever-expanding list of radio contact info. Calling works best! Be polite, even if you get a negative response.

2. Advertise Lh’s music, tour, and CD on your LiveJournal, MySpace, blog, website, Yahoo360, etc. If you don't have one of these, get them! They're free and it's a great way to advertise MCLh.

3. Make sure that your local stores and chain stores (Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy, etc) have the CD in stock. If they don’t, ask to speak to the department manager and ask when they will have it in stock. Make sure that they know that customers will buy it. (If you get a not-so helpful response, call in some favors and get some friends to ask about the CD.)

4. Do the CD Shuffle! While you're at the store, move the CD up to the top rack, near the song player (if there is one).

5. Play the CD on the in-store CD player. Most big chains have the CD previewer/player. Scan the CD and it will play loud enough for the rest of the customers in the area to hear.

6. Add a Lh line to your e-mail signature. (Example: Check out this band: www.lovehammers.com

6. Get Local DJs playing the CD. If you know any DJ’s at clubs or for parties, make sure that they have the CD. Encourage them to give Lh a spin.

7. Prom Season: Alright, young Hammerheads, how about suggesting “Trees” or “Clouds” as your song for Prom. Or maybe you can at least get it played at your school dances. (They’re both definitely better than my prom song, “If I Could Turn Back Time.”)

8. Write positive reviews of the CD at Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.uk.co, iTunes, Rolling Stone, etc. While you’re there, rate the negative reviews as not helpful so they won’t be the first on the list.

9. Post messages about MC & Lh on other forums. If the forum is not music related, be sure to post it in the correct forum.

10. Advertise Lh on your chest! If you’re lucky enough to have a Lh T-shirt, wear it everywhere! If you're crafty enough to make one, make it and wear it everywhere, until an "official" one is available again. When people ask what the Lovehammers are, that's your chance to Spread the LOVE!

11. Put up some flyers! Hand out some cards! Check out the Graphics to Print thread for files to downlaod and print out. Places to distribute the flyers: at concert venues, college campuses, music stores (with permission), youth centers, ANY PLACE WHERE PEOPLE GATHER!

12. Get a MCLh ringtone for your phone! Go to mobile17.smashsworld.com/ to use your mp3s to make your own custom ringtone. It's free! After you upload your mp3, they will call your cell phone with a text messge of a link to download your new ring tone. You can pick and choose where the song starts and ends up to 60 seconds of play. (To rip mp3's of your CD: In Windows Media Player, go to "Tools," then select "Options." Click on the "Rip Music" tab. Under "Rip Settings," select the format "mp3." Click "OK." Now rip the CD. It will be ripped in mp3 format. You'll have to follow this procedure again to change your settings back to wma.)

13. Use Lh music as the soundtrack for your fan videos! If you make fan videos for any fandom, use some Lh songs as the soundtrack for your video.

14. Lh Gift Bags to Schools - A lot of schools have incentive programs for attendance, good behavior, and good grades. As a part of these programs, students are awarded prizes donated by community members. Sometimes gifts are also given away at Proms, for various reasons. Well, one of these gifts could be a Lh gift bag. Lh's music is pretty positive ("Hold On," "Casualty," etc) and there's nothing objectional to their music, so schools should be okay with this. Things to include in the gift bags: The new CD, buttons, stickers, pens, pencils, postcards, etc.

15. Graduation Gifts - As a senior, students get lots of "gifts" from local businesses and community groups (at least in my part of the world they do). The idea is simple. Download and burn "Casualty" on a CD (like the "Trees" CDs). Include the Casualty CD in a card that tells the soon-to-be graduate, "Congratualtions! You've made it this far! Don't stop reaching for your dreams. Don't let your dreams be a casualty of reality!" or something like that. The idea is that the song will encourage them to keep reaching for their hopes and dreams. Depending on the size of the high school, this could be costly.

[Zuraxichea]

Thanks for the advice Ceeje. You just gave me some inspiration. : )

[Trees]

Here some more suggestions Ceejee..... Bringing this over from Kate LH site.

General Street Teaming

Here are a few ideas of how you can contribute to the Street Teaming effort.

* Keep a keen eye / ear open for upcoming concerts in your area featuring bands along the same vein as Lovehammers and let us know about them. You can download and print off flyers from the site here and in the US Street Team Folder to hand out at these concerts. We are fortunate enough to have Nader, a representative from Sony/BMG working with us and we hope to be able to provide some promotional tools to Street Teamers.

* Call or email radio stations and request Trees. Please remember to keep it short, to the point and most of all pleasant...make sure you thank the DJs.

* Talk, talk, talk...talk to anyone who will listen about Lovehammers. The more people hear the name the more interest we can generate.

* Check your local music stores to make sure that the CD is available and if you don't see it, ask if they have it in stock...check to ensure it is on order. Many Lh fans have taken to "creative shelf placement" as well Wink

* Put up promotional flyers on bulletin boards or wherever you can think of. Idea



Street Teaming A Concert/Show

1) Naturally, choosing the event/venue to Street Team at, is the first order of business... Laughing
*If you have an idea for a show or event that we've not thought of or posted please let me know so we can discuss it, post it and spread the word.

2) Plan what promo items will be used and prepare them. If you'd like to use some promo tools from the label please let me know and I'll work on your request. Nader (from Sony/BMG-Epic Canada) is willing to help supply us with items to use for specific events. Since supplies are limited he is being selective of what will be used and where. As such, we have been working on a few shows at at time to determine where the items are best suited to use. If your show has not been approved for items from the label, please keep in mind that you are still free to Street Team the event using your own items.

3) Posters should be put up approximately 2 hours prior to the event. For example, most concerts start at 8:00 so posters should be done around 6:00. They should be stapled back to back around street poles outside the venue. (I'll post a picture below) There is no need to contact the venue before putting up posters but please make sure you put them on public property not private property. Street posts are the best place to post them up. When the event has finished the posters may stay in place. Fans or clean-up crews will eventually remove them....hopefully there will be more fans removing them Wink

4) Flyers should be kept until after the show/event. They are less likely to be misplaced that way. If Lovehammers are playing the show that you're Street Teaming it is particularly important to hold off sharing flyers until after the event and the meet and greet.
If you are attending the show or event you will be free to hand out flyers/promo items inside or outside of the venue. If, on the other hand, you do not have tickets to the event you will likely need to position yourself/team members outside of the exit doors and hand things out as the audience exits the building/venue.

5) Talk it up. While handing flyers out, talk up the band (sure, I know...like that's tough...lol Laughing ) Don't be afraid to tell people that Marty was the runner up on last summer's Rockstar INXS. Yes, we're trying to bring exposure to Lovehammers as a band, BUT a LOT of people know Marty from the show and will be more willing to listen and check the band out if they make that connection. Thus the reason for the CD being called "Marty Casey and Lovehammers"....marketing, it's all about marketing.

6) Take notes, keep records and report your experience. This is particularly important so that we can get a feel for our target audience, especially when using promo items from the label. Nader is accountable for items that he allows us to use and we need to provide the following information.

Please track and report the following:

a) Name of the band/artist

b) Concert location-City and venue

c) Date of the event

d) List of promo tools used (flyers, post cards, posters etc.)

e) Demographics- the artists that the audience/fans are into
- how they heard about the concert
- How they feel about Lovehammers, are they familiar with Lovehammers?

This information is very important for the label when targetting the appropriate market for Lovehammers.

I know this requires a little more effort but it will ultimately help our guys so thanks in advance for your cooperation.

7) Please remember to take pictures!

8 ) Please report your findings in the "Street Teamed an Event? Please Report Here" thread


We're up to about 22 ways now and I'll keep adding

[radioclash]

Give these MySpace pages hits:

www.myspace.com/lovehammers
www.myspace.com/martycasey

And more importantly play the songs on the page and become a friend. I don't think it hurts to boost any of these numbers.

You can shrink the page in the background and let the songs go through once. It helps. You don't need to sign up to listen to the music.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Does anyone know how the profile views number works? Like if over the past week I visit the LH page 5 times will it register as 5 hits or only one? Just curious.

[radioclash]

PS - On the MySpace thing it might be fun to have a "friendship" drive. I saw another band on there who did one to get to 10,000 friends and they did. I think they also had a contest to whomever referred the most people to their page. So maybe if there ever is a downtime that would be a cool thing to do.


Now back to the list -

Make Sampler CDs. In case you didn't see this thread
martycasey.proboards62.com/index.cgi?board=tourtowns&action=display&thread=1140822614

I uploaded some clips from the CD. jomarti also suggests using the clips up at www.lovehammers.com, too.

Great way to share the music!

[my0bsess10n/my0]

I just came up with a great way to spread the word with little effort, not that you shouldn't put effort into it, this could be a small addition to what ever else you are doing.
Doesn't everyone get telamarketer phone calls?
Well I used to just hang up on them, now I politly listen tell them I'm not interested,and then I throw in, check out lovehammers.com. I just did it this morning again and the guy said what is that I said just the greatest band ever...he said ok I'll check out right know, and then he repeated lovehammers.com and I said yes thats it, he said thanx.....anything helps right???

[radioclash]

OMG - that totally kicks some butt! I can't believe the guy actually repeated the web addy.

[Deleted]

That is such a GREAT idea my0bsess10n!
I also place a small flyer in each & every bill I send out;
along with a MC & LH sticker on every envelope/package.

Spread the Love!


LASnow

[Deleted]

This Springtime really SPREAD the LOVE with LOVEHAMMERS Wild Flower SEEDS
(package size 2.5 x 3.5" - see example below made for my friends wedding) 



Very easy to make yourself. Shhh!, don't tell them I said that (he, he)
One per page. Black & White looks fine, when you have a soft background.
Then, purchase flower seeds in bulk at Home Depot or etc... Any flowers.
And, a glue stick! If anyone needs a master copy please contact me - thanks!

By the way; has anyone ever seen those TREES (in a bag) they sale individually?


EXAMPLE LAYOUT:

[Deleted]

Got water?
Thought with all the LH promotions; especially in the summertime.
It's a cheap idea. Even stickers are too when done yourself on
8.5 x 11" label paper.
Anyway; if others were as thirsty as I was at the LH show, then they
would be thrilled to receive a bottle of water (sealed of course!)

EXAMPLE (made for anniversary party):



More about the labels:
I was able to get 6-up on 8.5 x 11" label paper;
in order to cover the glue underneath (could be removed)
It's easier when you start in the middle & roll them on.
$10.00 on eBay for 100 sheets or approx.
$1.00 at Kinko's per sheet
Depends on how many you need... Professional when needed.
Also; cool temperature, but not wet; as the labels will become
a mess. Everyone knows ink jets run, but copiers do not.
Please, do a test first! Thanks!!

[radioclash]

Those are the some very clever ideas! I don't think many people would refuse water or free flower seeds.

I appreciate you letting us know the estimated cost.

So what kind of designs/slogans have you put on the seed packets & water bottles?

(The seed packet image isn't showing. The upload site may just be down.)

I can definitely see the water bottles at all the outdoor activities. And seed packets would be cute for all the baby showers, bridal showers, cooking shows, etc.

[Deleted]

radioclash said:

Those are the some very clever ideas! I don't think many people would refuse water or free flower seeds.

I appreciate you letting us know the estimated cost.

So what kind of designs/slogans have you put on the seed packets & water bottles?

(The seed packet image isn't showing. The upload site may just be down.)

I can definitely see the water bottles at all the outdoor activities. And seed packets would be cute for all the baby showers, bridal showers, cooking shows, etc.

THANK YOU SO MUCH, RADIOCLASH!

LET ME KNOW IF YOU WANT ME TO SEND YOU THE "SEED" FILE.
ANY IMAGE AND/OR EVENT CAN BE USED FOR EITHER ONE...
LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU NEED & I WOULD BE HAPPY TO MAKE IT!

THANKS AGAIN!!


HERE IS JUST A ROUGH EXAMPLE:



Also; the small Memphis flyer's (6 up) can be used for Water Bottle Labels

[radioclash]

- OMG - love the placement of Got Water? under that photo of Marty - perfect!

I hope that people are able to do the water idea. To be honest I don't have anything in my schedule that would fit into the water idea BUT the seeds I am definitely doing. So yes please I'd love to see what you've come up with for that.

[Trees]

Just love these ideas

Planting season has started here in BC ;D

[goneaway]

These are all such awesome ideas, I email radio stations all the time, and advertise on myspace etc... but you all have some really cool ideas that I never would have thought of, the water idea is so cool! I'm going to a few concerts / events this summer and will be sure to have some flyers on hand!

[wefdweb]

I am writing this email with caution....First, let me say that the ideas that everyone has come up with are fantastic for spreading the love. I am truly inspired, as people have definately put a lot of thought into these ideas. Next let me share that I personally have not had the priviledge of seeing the LH live or meeting them in person but hope that someday I too will have that opportunity.
With all that said may I encourage people to be aware of the manner in which they spread the love and to what age group. I am very familiar with the most recent album by the LH and it is very people friendly, although there are two albums that came out prior to this one that may not be considered as such by some. While the guys seem to know how to create a family friendly concert when the need arrises lets be honest in recognizing that this is not what the guys are particularly aiming for as a career. They are in fact a rock band and that is the career of their choice. I believe the family friendly environment is simply a testement to how flexible and skilled the guys are at adapting to different crowds. Their roots are in playing parties and bars. Their next album may not be as child friendly......... Just a thought as we choose which ideas we will use when spreading the love.

[Ceeje]

You know, I think if you like rock, you like rock. There are different types and style of rock, and I pretty much like all of them. I think if we introduce someone to Lh's CD and they love it, most likely, they're going to love their back catalog too. MOMM is probably my favorite Lh CD, though LeStrange is a close second.

On to the list:

Buy some Lh business cards (from Vistaprint or from the ST store) or print your own and leave them everywhere -- pin them up on bulletin boards, leave them on store counters, anywhere. They're great for when people ask, "What are you listening to?" or "What are the Lovehammers?" Just whip out a business card, and there you go.

[velvet]

The business cards are a fabulous idea. I had a bunch from Sandra a while back. (Just got some different ones from Ceeje - very cool) How I wish I had a few when we took the kids to Disney this summer. Our son was wearing his "MCLH" tee with the band picture and someone behind us in line recognized Marty (his name actually which I guess is why it is being used) from RS last year. Since it was a long wait we had lots of time to talk up the LH's and the CD(s), etc. I hope they were able to remember the band name and website from the conversation when their vacation was over. If I had a business card with me they would have had all the info. They are so small and easy to throw a few in your pocket.

Still, it excited me that the shirt was noticed.

[Treed]

ceeje said:

You know, I think if you like rock, you like rock. There are different types and style of rock, and I pretty much like all of them. I think if we introduce someone to Lh's CD and they love it, most likely, they're going to love their back catalog too. MOMM is probably my favorite Lh CD, though LeStrange is a close second.

On to the list:

Buy some Lh business cards (from Vistaprint or from the ST store) or print your own and leave them everywhere -- pin them up on bulletin boards, leave them on store counters, anywhere. They're great for when people ask, "What are you listening to?" or "What are the Lovehammers?" Just whip out a business card, and there you go.

Well stated, Ceeje! If you like rock - you like rock. Love it! Says it all in a nutshell - for me anyway.

LASnow has been keeping us California Hammerheads completely online and in line with her awesome STing efforts. She could be the LHCAST President... she's so good. I made a bunch of fliers myself which are almost gone, but I think the business cards are small, handy and easily tucked into...well, just about anyplace.

Kimberly87 made a bunch of magnets, too which are really great - easy to hand out and people will use them, sometimes where they see them every day. That's a biggie right there.

[Trees]

Additional way to spread the for New Years....



Add a ribbon on the back of your hat that says "Marty Casey" or "Lovehammers"

Hummmm... This should help with the chit chat