Starting a creative artists agency from scratch can be a challenge, but the potential to succeed is high. With so many talented hopefuls waiting to be discovered, and various entertainment companies looking for fresh faces, it is possible to be a great middle man in this highly lucrative field.
According to Nancy Etz, a well-known professional in the creative artists agency industry, there are some things you need to remember to get noticed as a company. With a long-term expertise in the field and seeing how technological advances as well as policies evolved over the years, she offers her tips to starting creative artist agency businesses.
How to Start Attracting Customers to Your Creative Artists Agency in 30 Days
Have a wide range of portfolio before launching.
Most companies make the mistake of launching even before their agency becomes a feasible option for most big-time entertainment corporations. One of the best ways to get a competitive advantage against other creative agencies is to have a wide range of talent in your arsenal. Of course, this all depends on how large or small your niche is, but it should be the same level or even more as those of your leading competitors.
For example, browsing through a competitors’ portfolio helped you discover that they have at least 30 talents per category, such as sports or acting. The way to get noticed is to surpass these numbers with high-quality talents. The process of recruiting talents should be done even before launching, to help you company gain social proof.
Streamline auditioning or hiring processes.
Sometimes, talent isn’t discovered through the typical pattern of auditions and interviews. Although these methods are still conventionally effective, the digital world presents many opportunities for you to find talents that already have a solid fanbase.
How is this possible? Through social media of course! Social media is a great way to discover and reach out to talents some agencies may have overlooked. Since these talents display their performances on social media, you would know that they are willing to sign up even to new companies, even for a little bit more exposure.
Not only that, your talent may be seen as valuable by entertainment corporations when you refer to their viral social media posts. This is one way of streamlining the audition process as you already know that your talents have proven themselves.
Diversity is key.
Gone are the days when entertainment companies were looking for cookie-cutter individuals with hourglass figures or chiseled abdominals. Now, those in the industry are eyeing true representation of the diverse culture of their viewers. Thus, it is not only useful for you to increase the number of your talents, but also the kind of talents that you have.
Various communities have spoken up about how they are underrepresented in popular media. Those who belong to racial minority groups, those with diverse abilities, those with unique cultural backgrounds, and different kinds of conditions all need representation in all areas of the creative industry. When you develop a culture of diversity, more entertainment companies will take you seriously for the causes you represent.
Form solid networks.
There are many ways to market your new creative artists business. However, if you are understanding how the industry goes, you must very well know by now that it’s mostly about connections. Most people who get ‘discovered’ often have a friend or a relative who is in the entertainment industry. Nancy Etz believes that the same principle is applied when it comes to finding companies who will value your talent.
Make sure to attend awarding events, entertainment conventions, seminars, and all other happenings where you know that you’ll spot an opportunity to showcase your creative artists agency. Present your business card or even flyers when necessary, showing some snippets of your best talents. Solid networking can help you get from ground zero to a higher step going forward.
Be where the people are.
Last but definitely not the least, it is also helpful to grow a creative artists business by being where the people are at. This includes both the digital space and the physical space. Make sure that your website is up and functioning, where you feature profiles of all your talents according to category. Whether it’s sports, music, acting, or any other feat, make it easy for the companies to browse and sort through your website.
Social media is also a great way to showcase your talents’ abilities. You can post short videos or marketing materials that can help your agency get noticed as well. In physical locations, you can attend events where you know entertainment companies, directors, managers, and production leaders are attending.
Creating buzz for a startup may seem overwhelming, but it is possible with determination and strategy. By following these suggestions, Nancy Etz believes that you can succeed in promoting your creative artists company
