Jason Harris
Claire Barrett is the founder of Ugigs Stream, a one-stop live-streaming app that will help keep the live entertainment industry alive in these crazy times.
Claire is originally a full-time singer for over 20 years. She has been in the music industry for as long as she can remember, and she’s had record and publishing deals and sung in probably every pub/bar across London.
She’s obsessed with music, karate, and her dogs. She was massively affected by the Covid-19 pandemic as a gigging artist and suddenly her lifestyle changed dramatically both financially and creatively. Her dream is to help save the struggling live entertainment industry but also to create different ways of experiencing live music/arts and reduce the barriers of location in a post-Covid world.
Hence she came up with the idea for UGigs Stream. UGigs Stream is the ultimate live-streaming entertainment app, allowing artists and performers to create at-home live gigs and sell tickets through the app – imagine if Ticketmaster and Zoom had a baby, this is it! Music and entertainment lovers can use the app to find live gigs and either buy tickets or book a private performance for a special event. The live gigs can then be live-streamed from any device.
StarCentral magazine recently caught up with Claire and here’s what went down:
What are you currently doing to maintain/grow your business?
At the moment we are brand new, I have an amazing team working tirelessly in the background to create the app itself and to include all the amazing functionality that is going to allow live entertainment and live collaborations to be live-streamed from anywhere.
We are working hard at the moment to create a buzz around the app for when it launches, we are trying to engage artists and performers to sign up to the app as soon as it launches, and then audience members will be attracted to use the app because of the talent we have!
What social media platforms do you usually use to increase your brand’s awareness?
We use the standard Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook which we have used to create a community for musicians and music lovers to liaise. However, now we are branching out to include all types of live entertainment on our app.
We also use Instagram to reach out and connect with artists and performers (e.g. musicians, dancers, kids entertainers, comedians, etc) and invite them to host their first gig on the app when it launches. We have met some really talented people via Instagram.
What is your experience with paid advertising, like PPC or sponsored content campaigns? Does it work?
Honestly, we haven’t needed any paid advertising so far. Everything we are attracting at the moment is through organic outreach and word of mouth. Our experience of organic outreach means a more authentic connection with the people we are reaching out to, which is important when onboarding talent onto the app.
However, we will use paid channels when the app launches to attract audience members and promote the upcoming gigs.
What is your main tactic when it comes to making more people aware of your brand and engaging your customers? How did your business stand out?
Our main tactic is taking a “Talent First” approach. Our app has a 2 tiered approach, kind of like uber. We have one side of the app that is dedicated to artists/performers, this allows them to create accounts, share their music and create live-stream performances.
Then the other side of the app is for audience members, so entertainment lovers can create an account to buy tickets and live-stream gigs.
Our approach is that we are focusing on getting really amazing talent first to register on the app, create their first gig and open ticket sales. Then we believe audience members will come naturally, as they will be attracted to the gigs.
What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?
I think it was to carry on with the app development. Not knowing which way things were going to go in terms of Covid. I had to take the risk (financially) and be prepared for it not to be needed.
What money mistakes have you made along the way that others can learn from (or something you’d do differently)?
The Biggest mistake I made was trying to get the app created as cheaply as possible. I picked the cheapest app developer and ended up spending money and having to start all over again. You get what you pay for!
What new business would you love to start?
As I said before, I’m obsessed with dogs. I’d love to be able to run a shelter and focus on the dogs that nobody wants for whatever reason. I can’t bear the thought of dogs going unloved!
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
My mum always told me, if you get knocked down bounce back stronger and I’ve tried to live by that.
What advice would you give to a newbie Entrepreneur setting up their first business?
The best pieces of advice I have for newbie entrepreneurs are… firstly, research your idea. Is there anything similar on the market and how can you have a USP over them. Secondly, get in contact with the right people, pick their brains and try and get the right people on board, and thirdly, just go for it! Believe in your idea and yourself.
Jason Harris
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