Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour was a pop culture phenomenon. It was also an economic juggernaut. As the curtains close on her record-breaking tour this weekend in Vancouver, the numbers paint a vivid picture of a superstar who didn’t just sell out concerts; she revitalized economies and transformed industries.
$2.2 Billion in Gross Revenue: A Historic Feat
Spanning 152 performances across 52 countries, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour set a new benchmark as the highest-grossing concert tour in history, amassing an estimated $2.2 billion in revenue. Her fiercely loyal fanbase, the “Swifties,” drove this economic phenomenon, spending far beyond ticket prices on travel, lodging, meals, and branded merchandise. In the U.S. alone, the average concertgoer spent roughly $1,300 per show, matching the economic impact typically associated with the Super Bowl.
But here’s what makes this feat even more extraordinary: while the Super Bowl is a single-day event with a short-lived spotlight, Swift’s tour unfolded over five months, hitting 23 cities with 62 electrifying shows. This prolonged schedule magnified her economic ripple effect, leaving a lasting impression on each city she visited.
The $5 Billion “Taylor Swift Effect”
Research from QuestionPro estimates that Taylor Swift’s U.S. concerts generated a jaw-dropping $5 billion in direct spending, with indirect contributions possibly pushing the figure toward $10 billion. This phenomenon, coined “Swiftnomics,” provided a lifeline to urban economies, particularly those still grappling with sluggish tourism and economic recovery in the wake of the pandemic.
Here’s how her tour made a difference:
Los Angeles: Swift’s six performances in the city fueled the local workforce, creating 3,300 jobs and generating $160 million in earnings. The county’s economy saw a $320 million boost, with $9 million alone coming from hotel tax revenues.
Pittsburgh: Hosting two shows propelled hotel occupancy rates to their highest levels since the pandemic and the second-highest in the city’s history. Average room rates surged to $309 per night, while attendees pumped $46 million directly into the local economy.
Ride-hailing services reaped the rewards too. Lyft noted an 8.2% increase in rides in concert cities, with New Orleans experiencing a remarkable 31% spike in demand, showcasing how the tour’s impact reached well beyond the venues themselves.
Revitalizing Local Economies
In New Orleans, a remarkable 80-90% of Taylor Swift’s concertgoers came from outside the area, infusing an estimated $200 million into the local economy. Visitors flocked to hotels, dined in restaurants, and explored nearby attractions, turning the city into a vibrant hotspot for weeks. This surge provided a critical boost to businesses still finding their footing post-pandemic.
The impact of Swift’s tour extended far beyond ticket sales. It sparked a ripple effect across multiple sectors, including hospitality, transportation, and retail, proving that the power of entertainment goes hand in hand with economic renewal.
How Can You Duplicate Swift's Success?
Swift’s Eras Tour was not only a masterclass in entertainment—it was also blueprint for strategic success that any business owner or professional can learn from. Her ability to connect with her audience, create lasting value, and turn every detail into an opportunity for impact isn’t limited to the stage.
Just for fun, let’s break down seven actionable strategies inspired by Swift’s success and explore how you can apply them to elevate your business or practice.
1. Create a Unique Client or Customer Experience
Taylor Swift’s magic lies in her ability to make every fan feel like part of the story. From her unique stage setups to limited-edition merchandise, everything was designed to create an unforgettable experience.
Think about ways to make your clients or customers feel special and valued.
Doctors: Beyond routine care, offer patients access to wellness apps tailored to their health goals or a follow-up email summarizing their visit with actionable next steps.
Lawyers: Instead of just delivering a legal opinion, include a user-friendly roadmap showing what’s next in the process.
Accountants: Provide quarterly “financial health reports” that break down complex numbers into visual insights, helping clients see where they’re excelling and where they can improve.
Business Owners: If you own a retail store, offer loyalty perks or invite top customers to an exclusive behind-the-scenes product preview.
Actionable Next Steps:
Survey your customers, clients and patients to understand what they value most in their interactions with you. Use AI to do a deep dive on the results.
Use AI tools to research options and design personalized reports or presentations. Also to brainstorm ideas resulting in small touches—a thank-you note, an exclusive offer—that make interactions memorable.
2. Build Anticipation with Strategic Marketing
Swift turned her Eras Tour into a cultural moment by keeping fans engaged months in advance. Teasers, social media interaction, and countdowns created excitement.
Generating buzz for your services can make all the difference.
Doctors: Promote a new treatment or technology by announcing it through social media posts, email newsletters, or community workshops.
Lawyers: Create a countdown for the launch of a new legal blog series or announce live Q&A sessions addressing common client concerns.
Accountants: Share snippets of upcoming tax-saving strategies during tax season, building anticipation for a full seminar or e-book release.
Business Owners: Build excitement for a product launch by sharing progress updates or customer testimonials leading up to the release.
Actionable Next Steps:
• Use AI to plan, design and figure out "next steps" and plans. Set up a simple content calendars using AI tools like Agorapulse to schedule teaser posts.
• Create a “sneak peek” video showcasing your upcoming services, even if it’s just recorded on your phone. You can use AI to help you write scripts and even produce the video.
• Use AI for ideas to help you plan an early-access event or beta program for loyal clients or customers.
3. Extend the Impact of Your Presence
Swift didn’t perform once and then leave town; she often stayed in cities for multiple shows, generating a ripple effect of economic activity.
You can do the same thing. Maximize the value of your efforts by staying visible and accessible in your community.
Doctors: Offer monthly workshops on trending health topics like mental wellness or nutrition tips, creating a steady relationship with your audience.
Lawyers: Conduct regular educational webinars on key legal topics, giving participants time to absorb information and return with follow-up questions.
Accountants: Host quarterly financial literacy events for local small business owners, helping them tackle pressing issues like cash flow and tax preparation.
Business Owners: Use pop-up shops or temporary installations to stay visible in different areas of your community.
Actionable Next Steps:
• Use AI to help you plan and develop a calendar of recurring events or workshops.
• Use a CRM system to track attendees and follow up with AI to create personalized resources.
• Use AI to help you quickly and effectively create a series of “evergreen” digital content that reinforces your expertise, such as blog posts, videos, or downloadable guides.
4. Collaborate with Local Businesses for Mutual Growth
Swift’s impact started in concert venues, but also expanded to local hotels, restaurants, and shops. They all thrived because of her events. Collaboration amplified her economic footprint.
Partnerships can bring fresh opportunities and new audiences.
Doctors: Collaborate with gyms, dieticians, or wellness centers to create a comprehensive health package for patients.
Lawyers: Partner with financial advisors to offer clients holistic solutions, like estate planning that integrates legal and financial expertise.
Accountants: Work with local small business incubators to provide bundled services like accounting, marketing, and business strategy advice.
Business Owners: Team up with neighboring businesses for joint promotions, such as “shop local” events with discounts across participating stores.
Actionable Next Steps:
• Use AI to search, find and create ways and ideas to help you quickly and easily reach out to a complementary business to brainstorm cross-promotional ideas.
• Use LinkedIn to connect with potential partners in your industry. Consider using AI to learn more about the person you're reaching out to as described in this earlier newsletter issue, "The Art of Reading Personalities: Using AI to Craft Tailored Offers That Hit the Mark."
• Use AI to research best options and partners and to design a joint offer or event flyer to promote your collaboration.
5. Leverage Storytelling to Build Trust and Connection
Swift’s brand thrives on storytelling. She great at song writing and singing, but here's something she's even better at. She's excellent at narrating a journey, making fans feel deeply connected.
Do the same. Remember that authenticity and relatability can set you apart.
Doctors: Share patient success stories (with permission) to highlight the impact of your care.
Lawyers: Create case studies that show how you helped clients navigate complex legal issues.
Accountants: Write blog posts that simplify financial success stories, showing how your strategies saved clients money.
Business Owners: Use storytelling in product descriptions, sharing how your product solves real-world problems.
Actionable Next Steps:
• Start small with a weekly social media post or newsletter spotlighting a client success story. Leverage your efforts using AI for creating written, audio and video content.
• Use AI to write in different styles to ensure your storytelling remains clear and engaging.
• Host a live session or webinar to share your journey and insights with your audience. Use AI to help you craft a meaningful presenting to your specific audience. Dive deep with prompts and sub-prompts. Let AI do the heavy lifting.
6. Use Data-Driven Insights to Guide Decisions
Swift’s team studied fan behavior to tailor her stops and offerings. Data wasn’t just collected; it was acted upon.
Let data show you what works—and what doesn’t.
Doctors: Analyze patient trends to identify services in high demand, like telemedicine or evening appointments.
Lawyers: Use analytics from your website to determine which blog topics are most popular, then create related services.
Accountants: Examine client industries to uncover specific needs, like tax breaks for startups or compliance support for nonprofits.
Business Owners: Track customer purchasing patterns and adjust inventory or promotions based on what’s selling.
Actionable Next Steps:
• Use AI to monitor website traffic and customer behavior. Do you use YouTube? If so, take a look at this type of service.
• Set up client feedback surveys with AI tools to gather actionable insights.
• Regularly use AI to review your financials or customer data to spot trends and adjust strategies accordingly.
7. Invest in Your Community to Build Goodwill
Swift profited but she did so in a way that contributed to local economies, employing thousands and generating millions in tax revenues.
Giving back can solidify your reputation and strengthen local ties.
Doctors: Offer free health screenings or partner with schools for health education programs.
Lawyers: Dedicate time to pro bono legal clinics for underserved populations.
Accountants: Volunteer to mentor local entrepreneurs or host free financial literacy workshops for students.
Business Owners: Sponsor a community event or organize a charity drive, inviting your customers to join in.
Actionable Next Steps:
• Tap into the power of AI to identify a local cause aligned with your values and get involved through donations or volunteer efforts.
• Partner with local organizations to co-host community events.
• Publicize your efforts through social media, showing your audience how their support helps make a difference.
Final Thoughts
Taylor Swift did two things at once. She performed and she also orchestrated an economic renaissance. Her meticulous planning, innovative strategies, and community focus are lessons for business owners and professionals across industries.
Each of these lessons from Taylor Swift’s economic brilliance can be applied to your business or professional practice. The key is to think creatively, act strategically, and focus on building lasting connections. Use AI to help you do this.
With intentional effort and the right tools, you can create meaningful value for your clients and your community—while setting yourself up for long-term success.
Have fun turning your customers, clients and patients into your own kind of "Swifties." Embrace AI to help you leverage “Swiftnomics,” and between now and the next time, enjoy the journey and never stop making each day your masterpiece.
Mitch Jackson, Esq. On Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/mitch.social
PS- I share dozens of powerful AI resources at the end of my book, "AI In Law" (great resources for lawyers, professionals and business owners). They'll help you do some of the things I mentioned in the article. You can find it here https://mitchjackson.xyz
