Whether you’re a novice finding your footing, or a well-established performer, promoting your music effectively is crucial for you on your journey as an artist. It’s a vital process that helps you gain visibility, find your community and build a fan base. From social media to radio ads, meet and greets to launch parties, there can be a lot of pressure to create the perfect roll-out – but it doesn’t have to be a horror story! There’s a lot to consider when you’re at this stage, so here are 10 do’s and don’ts for artists to consider in their music promotion campaigns:
DO’s:
Plan Your Release: Plan your music release strategically. Consider factors like timing, target audience, and competition in your genre. It’s also advisable to use analytical tools like Chartmetric to keep track of the usage and streaming your music and others. Checking out local music charts can help you position yourself for this as well.
Create High-Quality Content: Invest in high-quality music production and visuals for your promotional materials. Quality matters in making a strong first impression. Not only will it help you take yourself seriously, but it will encourage others to do so as well.
Build an Online Presence: Establish a strong online presence through social media, a professional website, and platforms like Spotify and YouTube. Be sure to keep up as consistently as you can.
Engage with Your Audience: Interact with your fans on social media, respond to comments, and build a genuine connection with your audience. It’s important to show the humanity behind the artistry.
Collaborate: Collaborate with other artists, producers, and influencers in your niche to expand your reach and connect with new fans. This is one of the easier ways to expand your community and create lasting connections.
Utilize Streaming Platforms: Utilize streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Soundcloud etc. to distribute your music to a wide audience. Consider playlists and user-generated content. The goal is to get it out there!
Leverage Email Marketing: Build an email list to keep your fans updated about new releases, shows, and merchandise (Yes, people still read emails *laughs*)
Perform Live: Perform at live shows and events to connect with fans and gain exposure. Virtual live streaming can also be effective.
Network: Network with music industry professionals, attend industry events, and seek opportunities for exposure. Your community should see and know you.
Be Consistent: Maintain a consistent brand image and release schedule to keep your audience engaged and interested.
DON’Ts:
Don’t Ignore Your Target Audience: Know your target audience and tailor your promotions to their preferences. Don’t try to appeal to everyone. Your community should realize that you know them.
Don’t Spam: Avoid spamming your audience with excessive self-promotion. Balance your content with value-added posts.
Don’t Neglect Analytics: Keep track of your promotional efforts using analytics tools to understand what’s working and what’s not (and tweak your strategy based on such).
Don’t Rush the Process: Building a successful music career takes time. Don’t expect overnight success and be patient with your progress.
Don’t Ignore Branding: Create a consistent and memorable brand image. Don’t underestimate the power of a strong brand identity. It’s how your audience will perceive you.
Don’t Neglect Offline Promotion: While online promotion is essential, don’t forget about traditional promotion methods like press releases and local radio. Use as many (relevant) methods to get your work out there.
Don’t Burn Out: Avoid overextending yourself. Balance your promotional efforts with self-care to prevent burnout.
Don’t Disregard Feedback: Listen to feedback from your audience and industry professionals. Constructive criticism can help you improve.
Don’t Violate Copyright: Always obtain proper licenses and permissions for any samples or copyrighted material used in your music.
Don’t Give Up: The music industry can be tough, and rejection is common. Don’t give up easily; persistence is the key to success. Your breakthrough would happen at the right time.
There’s an endless list of things to consider when laying out your campaign, but the one thing you must prioritize is the authenticity in your creativity. Honoring you and the work you’ve created should be at the core of it. Lastly, remember that each artist’s journey is unique, so adapt these do’s and don’ts to your specific situation and goals. Stay creative, authentic, and dedicated to your craft!