Build a local following. Develop a fan base that can help generate record-company interest in you or your band. For Southern gospel artists, one of the best ways to develop a loyal fan base locally is to perform at churches. Visit as many local churches as you can and set up performances. You may or may not get paid for the shows, but at this point, you want to create fans of your music. As your fan base grows, expand to playing other churches in your state or even in surrounding states. If you are still a new performer and don't have any industry representation, you'll need to visit the churches yourself to set up the shows.
Record a CD. You can record the CD yourself if you have the home recording equipment, or you can rent studio time, but consider making the CD as soon as possible. It doesn't need to be a full-length CD. A mini CD with five songs that you can sell to help finance the visibility of your band is all you need. Unless you have all the money you need to live while you work on your career, you will need money to help push your music. Selling a CD or shirts at your performances can generate income and visibility for your band.
Join the Southern Gospel Music Guild. You need to make at least a portion of your income from Southern gospel music before you can join. The Southern Gospel Music Guild hosts Southern gospel music events year-round and has members from all areas of the Southern gospel record industry, including other performers, record labels and producers. This is a good way to start networking yourself to help integrate you and your band in the world of Southern gospel music.
Look for a manager. You need someone who can help you get performances and who can approach producers about signing your band. You can do this yourself, but having a manager can sometimes help open doors you couldn't open on your own. This is how networking with organizations such as the Southern Gospel Music Guild and the Gospel Music Association (see Resources) can help. These organizations have the resources to help you locate managers and record executives in the gospel music industry who have the power to offer record deals.
Find ways to stay visible. Besides performing live, look for competitions you can enter. Consider writing songs for other artists and using the Songwriter's Market guide to submit those songs to publishing companies. A hit by a major artist with one of your songs can lead to your own record deal. Get a website for your group so you can maintain an Internet presence. There are no shortcuts to getting a record deal of any kind, but staying visible and gradually building a fan base is key.