How Alex Rivera Built an 847-Person Fan Database and Tripled Tips
An indie rock band replaced their empty tip jar with a thriving digital fan community and consistent income stream using Aplauso.
Results at a Glance
The Challenge
Alex Rivera & The Blue City Band were a talented indie rock group playing Portland venues 3-4 times per month, but they were struggling to turn their performances into sustainable income.
Key Issues:
- •Empty tip jar because audiences didn't carry cash to bars and venues
- •No fan database meant they couldn't announce upcoming shows to people who'd already seen them
- •Inconsistent attendance because they relied on venue promotion and social media algorithms
- •No way to know which songs or performances resonated most with audiences
"We'd play great shows and people would say 'we love you guys!' but then we'd never see them again," says Alex Rivera, lead singer. "And our tip jar would have maybe $40 after a 2-hour set. We needed a better way."
The Aplauso Solution
The band started displaying their Aplauso QR code on stage and mentioning it between songs.
Step 1: QR Code Everywhere
Put their unique QR code on stage monitors, projected on screens between sets, and on their merch table.
- ✓ Fans scan with phone camera, no app needed
- ✓ Tip via Apple Pay or card in 30 seconds
- ✓ Opt in to hear about future shows
Step 2: Mention It On Stage
Between songs: "Scan the QR code to tip us and stay connected. We'll let you know about our next show!"
- ✓ Simple call-to-action audiences could act on immediately
- ✓ Made tipping feel natural, not awkward
- ✓ Built anticipation for future shows
Step 3: Build & Engage Fan Base
Used Aplauso dashboard to announce shows directly to fans who'd opted in.
- ✓ Text/email fans about upcoming gigs
- ✓ See which songs got the best ratings
- ✓ Read fan messages and appreciation
The Results
Within 60 days, the band saw dramatic improvements in both income and audience engagement:
The Breakthrough Moment
"Our first show with Aplauso, a fan tipped us $100 and left a comment: 'Best live band in Portland.' We sent him a thank you message and invited him to our next show. He brought 12 friends. That's when we realized Aplauso wasn't just about tips, it was about turning fans into evangelists."
— Alex Rivera, Lead Singer & Guitarist
Key Takeaways for Performers
Digital tips are 5x easier than cash, leading to more tips per show.
A database of fans who opt-in is more valuable than social media followers.
Texting/emailing your fans about shows beats any algorithm.
Ratings and feedback show which songs and performances connect best.
Ready to Build Your Fan Base?
Join performers worldwide who've replaced empty tip jars with thriving fan communities.