This article could just as easily be titled: Make sure you don't show up to an empty room!

We talk a lot about the technical side of doing online events and concerts. And that is important. But none of it really matters if no one buys a ticket and the audience never arrives.

Promotion is a big part of any successful live online gig.

Communicating effectively with your audience and fan base is the first place to start.

Email lists are still one of the best direct-communication tools available, and you should use that to your advantage. The people on your email list have signed up because they want to hear from you, or they've purchased something from you in the past. Send regular updates about your upcoming online event to your email list. Make it special and exclusive. Don't make the mistake of sending just one email highlighting your upcoming gig. Schedule reminders and add new info each time.

Social Media promotion is very important too. Be in contact with all of your social media networks - Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Google+, Tumblr or blog, etc... Post regular updates promoting your event. Make your posts intriguing and unique. Consider posting a rehearsal photo or sample preview video for the event. Invite friends to join a conversation about the upcoming event and engage your audience online.

Exclusive offers can be a great way to get people to buy a ticket. Offer a free download of a song, picture, or other digital content to anyone that purchases a ticket. Or make a contest and provide an exclusive incentive to the first 15 people to reserve their spot at the online gig.

Request-Only and Q&A options are a great way to engage your audience before and during a live online event. Taking song requests before a concert will give your fans something to anticipate when they tune in. "Will they play my favorite song?!" Question & Answer sessions are another great way to offer personal and "behind the scenes" access after the main event.

Release new content during your exclusive online events. Make your online gig something special and offer something your audience can't find anywhere else - a new song, a new story, previously unreleased material, or a new merch.

Promote Early and Often. Send plenty of updates about your upcoming event. And be sure to promote the day of your event. Many people get busy and forget, even if they've already said they'll be there. Don't be timid about your promotion and reminders. This is something special - for you and your audience.

Promotion for your live online gigs does not have to be hard, but it is an absolute necessity. Make sure it is part of your strategy for making your craft, talent, and art available to your fans around the world.

Here's a sample promotion post for your email list or fan page: (borrowed from live streaming site Gigee)

I'm doing an exclusive LIVE online gig on Gigee! Tickets are only $5 and you can purchase via PayPal. Check it out here: [event link]

You won't want to miss the latest update about [your exclusive update, release, etc... ]. And, I'll be taking requests during the event and responding live.

I look forward to seeing you at the show - LIVE on [event date] at [event time + time zone]!

PS Gigee is a live online event platform where I can broadcast exclusive live streaming events for my friends and fans around the world.

Feel free to add your suggestions, tips and comments below.

Check out http://www.Gigee.me for more information about reaching your global audience with live online events. Additional promotion tips are available at http://www.Gigee.me/techcenter/promotionTips