There is an abundance of ways that musicians can market and promote their music and bands without spending too much in the early goings. It is essential that you immediately begin to attack your target demographics as a musician, just as any other company or business organization would. You have to put yourself on the same plain as the "traditional business" in order to ensure that you are covering your every option.
Here are three quick and cheap, yet highly effective ways to get "your band inc." noticed as a true venture and competitor among your local music scene from the start:
1.) Stationary - Always use your own "branded" stationary items. Simple things like letters with your bands logo or colors can go a long way in terms of professionalism.
2.) Business Cards - Business cards are possibly the cheapest, yet most effective way to get word out about your band. Places like VistaPrint.Com actually allow you to print at least 100 cards for free. All you have to pay is the shipping and handling, which comes out to be about 5 bucks.
3.) Professional Looking Websites - The most important of all the tips is that you have at least a professional looking Myspace or Facebook, if not your own "yourband.com" domain address. You should include it on as much of your swag items, emails, letters, etc. This is how most people will determine if they digg your band or not. Add music, music videos, a way for fans to contact you and more. Anything of interest regarding you or the band as a whole.
Utilizing these three tips will instantly make your band seem more like a professional organization within your community. This is important because the more serious you show others that you are with "your band inc.", the more likely they will be in return towards your growing entity as well. You will be doing business with venues, management, booking agents, lawyers, promoters, publicist, etc. and they all operate in these manners and they would surely look favorable toward bands at least attempting to do so as well. Things like these marketing tips above should open up more and more opportunities as business-minded people often prefer to do business with other business-minded people. Though your biggest job is to be creative and a performer, realize the power that simple things like these marketing tips have in them and begin utilizing them today.