Write a band bio. This should be a short overview of your band and any musical achievements the band has gathered. Include an individual bio of each of the band members that gives an overview of their history with the band. Include two band photographs, one a posed group shot and the other of the band performing. Include smaller photographs of the individual band members.
Record a demo that features between three and five songs demonstrating the sound and range of your band. You can record the demo on home equipment, rent time in a recording studio, or use an online recording studio service. You want your demo to be professional. This is the element that will sell your band. If you aren't confident you can record the demo yourself, opt for professional recording services. The cost of these services vary, but the investment is worth having a quality set of songs to present to a record label.
Consult an online record label database (see Resources). Follow the guidelines for submitting material for consideration. This will typically be your band's bio and a demo. Do not send material unsolicited if the guidelines forbid it. Include a brief cover letter introducing yourself and stating that you appreciate the label's consideration of your material. Address your submission package to the executive listed in the submission guidelines, or to the Acquisitions Department if no executive is listed. The guidelines typically state response time, so don't contact the label to ask if they have considered you until the stated time has been reached.
Take advantage of the Internet and showcase your music at an online music showcase website (see Resources). These sites are a new, alternative route to getting noticed. Your band can upload music demos and a band bio for record executives to browse.