Often, artists have fan clubs that offer exclusive deals on tickets. Becoming a fan club member provides the opportunity to purchase tickets reserved for members (which are usually the best seats in the house). For example, Dave Matthews Band's Warehouse fan club sets aside a certain number of tickets at each show, and seats are usually within the section closest to the stage.
Adding a band or artist as a friend on Facebook or Myspace is one of the best ways to secure good seats at a concert. If the artist has a fan page on Facebook, become a fan. Artists often send out updates on pre-sales to fans and friends on social networking sites. This is one of the best ways to purchase tickets before they are released to the general public. For shows that are not general admission, the best seats in the house are usually available for purchase during pre-sales. If you act fast and order as soon as the pre-sale begins, your chances of scoring seats in the first few rows of a venue are very good.
When you purchase tickets online through a major retailer like Ticketmaster registration is required. Opt in to the newsletter options available at registration. Newsletters often contain advance information on pre-sales and upcoming concerts. These newsletters are a good way to keep an eye out for shows coming to your area, and can give you the chance to purchase tickets early or as soon as they go on sale.
If all else fails, turn to the Internet. Start by searching the message boards on an artist's official website. Often, users post threads to the forum offering tickets for sale. Use the message board to find postings on ticket sales, but perform the transaction entirely through email to guarantee security.
The website stubhub.com also has tickets for sale in a similar manner; ticketholders place the tickets up for sale, where they remain until someone purchases them for the asking price. Depending on how much you are willing to spend, good seats can usually be secured at the last minute.