What is the best way for an independent band to promote themselves?

[Ted F]

A combination of both with more of a focus online. The reason for this is that you can put yourself up on thousands of different website for FREE, but with flyers and offline marketing you're going to need to incur some fee.

Touring is probably the biggest thing you can do though. If people hear your music and like what you do, they will be more inclined to check you out in the future.

For online..there are a TON of things you can do (as I mentioned).

Give the following free places a try:

http://www.ourwave.com
http://www.purevolume.com
http://www.twitter.com
http://www.myspace.com
http://www.facebook.com
http://www.youtube.com

All good starting points. OurWave and PureVolume are similar..create your own profile and upload your music. Twitter you'll need to post a combination of some of your tracks with also more general posts (what are you up to, tour dates, etc.). You'll need some variety with your Twitter account to achieve success. Also..if you're touring in a specific area, search for Twitter users who are within that area and follow them (makes sense right?). MySpace same thing as OurWave and PureVolume except you're going to want to try and get some friends. You should contact people first that you know personally who have an account and tell them to tell their friends.

YouTube you can figure out I'm sure..upload some of your video content.

If you're strapped for cash stick with the online marketing efforts more than the offline ones (you'll burn through cash quickly). Again, though, touring is huge. That, in my opinion, is really how most bands get their name out there.

Hope this helps and good luck!

By the way..you should have mentioned your band here for more exposure! haha