In addition to your online activities, why not also use some old school methods to reach your fans.
For example, do you collect your fans' mailing addresses? Maybe you should and then a couple of times a year send a postcard announcing a new album release or special show. The few bands that still mail physical newsletters always grab my attention. Why? Because getting a good mailer is different from the 200 bands that email me. (Please don't make your band #201.)
Remember faxes? Most larger companies have formal or informal systems to inform employees of local events - particularly if a special discount is offered. Smaller business post on bulletin boards.
To stay within the law, you must call or email to ask permission first, but why not start a “Green Promo" campaign and you call appropriate outlets and say, “Instead of driving all over town wasting gas; if I faxed you one of my band's flyers, would you put it up in your shop and I'll have a tree planted in your honor?" Faxes can also be an effective alternative to emailing press releases. (Though I admit I prefer getting them via email.)
Using new media and new technologies is the best way to help grow, but it's not the only way.
Tomorrow: More old school promo ideas. Read the Daily D.I.Y. archives here.
What other old school methods does your band or label use?
