Things to keep in mind when advertising a gig through postering

Spending time to put up posters can be a simple and effective way for musicians to promote a gig - but there are legal pitfalls to keep in mind before heading out into town.

In most areas of Britain there are local by-laws against fly-postering, which can lead to prosecution if the perpetrators are caught.

A large fine could be crippling for a small band with tight finances, so it is a good idea to check the law about posters before putting any up to advertise an upcoming performance.

In fact, rather than finding out where postering is illegal, a better use of time could be thinking about where it is encouraged and will have the most impact.

Music shops, clothing outlets, cafes, bars and venues often have dedicated space for posters - and these are the places your audience may be likely to frequent.

Handing out flyers is another safer, more legal option then fly-postering - and allows potential punters to take away a reminder of when your gig is taking place, along with website and release details.

Product category: Music industry