In a world where there is so much music to choose from it is truly the best time to market your music. For one it’s easier than ever to get your music out there. Furthermore, there are many opportunities and platforms for independent artists. However, with so many options you may be faced with the problem “Where do I start?” or “What can I do next to increase momentum?” Music Marketing Strategies
Join A Community
Find a niche on Facebook or a Meetup and get involved in a community specific to your brand and genre. Don’t just throw your music out there hoping someone likes it! Share other people’s posts and build community rapport. When we become productive and invested positive members of a community, people are more willing to listen to what we have to offer.
Whatever you do don’t spam! This is a huge mistake many artists make when they start out. Think about the people you may have connected with on social media and the next message you receive from them is “hey, buy my widget, blah, blah, blah!” That is the quickest way to be unfriended or blocked. I can’t stress this enough! “Making it” in music is about building relationships if you join a Facebook group just to spam your latest single. You probably won’t get very far.
Playlists
I’m not just talking about getting on a curated Spotify playlist here. You can ask a friend to put you on a playlist they made and share it to Facebook or Twitter. A word of caution, make sure your music is similar to music on their playlist! The genre should be the same.
For example don’t ask your hard & heavy metal rocker friend at Church to put your new Cinematic and Inspirational Pop ballad on their play list when it does not fit the genre. That is like painting a spot on a green wall with orange paint. I think you get the idea.
Tell People!
There’s a time in a place for marketing yourself. You don’t need to wander around a gas station selling your album for two dollars. Your local area may even have city codes and restrictions making this type of soliciting a finable and illegal offense.
Instead take some time to get to know people in your tribe – whether it is at church, school, or work, you know, the people in your safe space. Those you are most familiar with who also happen to like the style of music you do. Give them a card or free download. Ask if they would like a CD. It’s all about building rapport from a genuine motive with people. People need to know, like and trust you, so start with those who already do. Don’t forget to ask for referrals, offer to play at their child’s birthday party or to do something special with your talent for an anniversary. Find a way to bring value to them and build that relationship.
Let me share a story from an experience I had. When I was touring full-time, as I was singing at the Assisted Living home, where a family member resided in Massachusetts, a random woman came up to me and introduced herself. She was the sister of a woman I had connected with a few years earlier in another State. That precious friend in South Carolina let her sister in Massachusetts know she could come see me sing at a private concert. I am not even sure how she was able to get past the staff to come to the concert. I was humbled and honored and gave her a free CD. You never know who is your fan and who is invested in helping you unless you build that relationship.
Don’t Forget
In conclusion, make a plan. Where are the places you want to market your music? List them, then figure out how to connect and open those doors. Break this down further into manageable “to do” task increments of 30, 60 and 90 days. Now chip away at them one day at a time but do something every day rather than try to boil the ocean
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