A successful music career is so much more than releasing tracks. You must take the appropriate steps to promote your music. You do this intending to grow your fan base. You need them to buy your music if you hope to make a living off your talent, for this you also need instruments and you can get to sites like Runthemusic to learn more about the instruments and how to get them. If you play drums and you want to make them look unique, consider getting a drum head painting service.
Even the more established musicians cannot depend entirely on their fame. That is why they hire managers or agents to get them in the right places. For a beginner or independent musician, you may not have the economic might.
Some producers may offer music promotion for their talents. However, you must also do your part to generate awareness. If you are struggling with how to do it, continue reading. You will find some fantastic easy to implement ideas.
1. Take Advantage of Digital Opportunities
The digital space has so much potential for music promotion. You get access to a broad audience base. With the right technique, fans will get to know your music. Best of all, you do not need a huge marketing budget. In fact, some of the methods are free.
Here are some things you can do.
- Start with setting up a website and optimizing for the search engines. With the right SEO techniques, you increase your visibility to new audiences
- Create a music blog and become the go-to source for information. Share relevant content that you know has the potential to excite your fans.
- Collaborate with other music bloggers for link-building opportunities.
- Use the website to launch new music. Encourage people to download and share.
2. Take Advantage of Social Media
Social media provides another free and effective way to build a fan base. You have many platforms you can work with. Start by knowing where your fans are so that you target them directly.
Also, focus on those that are specific to the music industry. Such include HUDL Music, Mixcloud, SoundCloud, and even YouTube. These platforms allow free music promotion where you can showcase your talent and interact with fans.
The advantage of a platform like YouTube is you can create your channel. Invest in high-quality videos that audiences will want to watch. Encourage them to subscribe and share the content.
Establish your presence with relevant content. Focus more on engagement than a hard sell. The more people interact with you, the more they get to know you and your music.
Take advantage of the cost-effective advertising opportunities to boost your tracks. Incorporate the use of relevant hashtags to increase your visibility.
3. Volunteer to Play at Local Gigs
Before the paying jobs start to come in, you may need to volunteer your services. Check if the local bars have nights they dedicate to live bands or new artists. See if there are any local events that require performers.
People need to hear your music so that you can start to build a fan base. You may not see any monetary returns in the beginning. However, the more popular you get the higher your chances of future paying jobs.
Give the performances everything you have got. You never know which talent hunter could be in the vicinity.
It also helps to take advantage of local SEO. Create profiles in local directories and Google My Business. Anyone who will be looking for a musician in your genre may stumble upon you. Include all the relevant information and keywords so that you are easy to find.
4. Look for PR Opportunities
PR opportunities are a fantastic way to create visibility. Start by finding out which publications are relevant to your industry. Develop relationships with the journalists. One way to get your name out there is to become a source of newsworthy information.
Your other alternative is to give them content in the form of editorials or press releases. Budget allowing, you can hire a PR professional to handle campaigns for you. Make sure all your articles have a link to your website. Backlinks from high-authority websites are fantastic for SEO.
5. Collaborate With Other Musicians
It may not be possible for you to headline a solo show. You may have to wait to establish yourself a little more in the industry. However, you can take advantage of collaborations with other musicians. You leverage upon their popularity to get your music to the fans.
Collaboration can go as far as working on a song or album together.
6. Distribute Your Music
Before the digital explosion, you would need to record your music onto a CD. The next step would be to visit as many clubs as possible to give physical copies to the DJ or radio station. The process would be tedious and time-consuming.
Nowadays, all you need to do is send a link. Of course, you have to spend time developing relationships with them. It increases the chances of them playing your music. Some radio stations may even have segments they dedicate to emerging artists. Perfect your pitch, and you may hear your music on the radio.
Music bloggers, online media, and labels should also be on your list of where to send the demos.
7. Put Your Music on Playlists
Get access to millions of fans on popular playlists. You have options like Deezer, Discover Weekly, Apple Music, and Spotify. The good part is you can earn royalties which can get you a comfortable source of income.
8. Work With Influencers
The beauty of influencers is they already have followers. You may, however, need a budget to work with them. If they endorse your music, their fans will take an interest. If the influencer is also a musician, you can ask for a collaboration.
Craft your pitch well because you have to show the influencer the benefits of pushing your music.
Final Thoughts
There are various options available to you if you want to promote your music. By doing it correctly, you will increase your fan base. We have highlighted cost-effective ways that can be beneficial, especially to beginners.
A website and social media platforms can give you a fantastic boost in the digital space.
Networking, live gigs, and sending out demos are also important. It helps if you have a small team that can help you.
Call on your family and friends to help. In the initial stages, you may not have a budget to hire a full-time team.