I’ve been there. Your sound is amazing, your fan base is growing, you are abundant in passion and your wallet has not caught up. Many bands approach the marketing game hot and heavy but ultimately lose steam when it comes to what I like to call “consistence and persistence”. Even more artists simply won’t approach this critical aspect of the industry because they are intimidated or overwhelmed.
I’m here to offer simple, clear and cheap actions that can rocket your band to stardom. If you believe in your music and commit to embracing the business side with these tools, anything is possible. I suggest you start with a few items that seem fun (or at least doable), apply them for a few weeks and once you are comfortable, add a few more. And if you get stuck, just give me a shout: Aaron@Audiolife.com.
10 “Easy To Implement” Musical Marketing Tips
1) Sign-up on every social network you can, and go beyond Myspace and Facebook (eg, Bebo, ILike, IMeem, etc.). Some of these sites have millions of users that you will be missing out on if you only stick to the mainstream social networks.
2) Continue to add new content to your website and social networking profiles (most social networks have feeds so whenever you perform new activities, such as adding photos, songs, blogs, new shows etc., it gets picked up on your feeds for fans to see)
a)Create as many songs as possible (multiple versions etc…).
b)Create a weekly blog: Your music draws fans in. Once you have them on your site, having a personal blog will keep them on your site. As they get to know you, the loyalty grows in leaps and bounds.
c)Create as many videos as possible: This doesn’t have to be a video that costs thousands of dollars to create. It could be as simple as a video you record at home working on your newest song while playing an acoustic guitar.
3) Get your fans involved!
a)Have them rate songs.
b)Engage them in the process of choosing what songs will be on your album.
c)Engage them in the process of selecting your album artwork and packaging.
4) Create Fan Ambassadors.
a)Whenever you find true fans that love you and your music, do anything you can to make them feel as involved in your career as possible. They are the ones who will help spread the word.
b)Create custom CDs just for them with their name on it.
c)Write them a song for their birthday and give it to them as a ringtone, download or CD.
d)Give them the task to help spread your music; they are more than willing to do that.
5) Network with other Bands constantly. Make friends!
a)This should be your number one goal anytime you are around musicians. By doing so, you can start booking new events with these artists, and this will help expand your fan base immensely.
b)The more people you know, the more people will help you get known.
6) Connect with Music Bloggers.
a)This is critical. Bloggers focus on getting content out daily, and want to be the person who finds the next big thing. They love to write about music, and establishing a good relationship with key bloggers will help spread the word about your music.
b)Anytime you find a blog you dig, comment and lead them back to your band’s site.
7) Brand your Band!
a)Make sure your website and social networking profiles are tight and enticing when a new fan visits your page.
b)Create: a cool logo that your fans would post around as stickers, flyers, or something they would love to wear; custom products; a CD and merchandise item for every live show; custom shirts for specific fans with their names on it.
c)Sign each of the products that you sell at your shows.
d)Give away your merchandise to fans who will wear it and promote your music.
e)Have a beautiful girl and handsome guy manage your email list during shows. Many men find it hard to turn down writing an email when a beautiful girl comes up to him. You have to use that to your advantage.
8) Utilize tried and true guerilla email marketing tactics.
a)Make sure you add new friends to your social networking profiles on a daily basis. You can do this all day. I would recommend adding the maximum daily as you never know what new fan you will reach, and how that fan can help you.
b)The more you send out, the more you increase the odds of getting new fans
c)Don’t be afraid to send messages out over and over, keep your band and brand in their head at all times. If they don’t listen to you the first or second time you sent a message, they will the third.
9) Follow up with your fans.
a)Send a message to every new fan that is added to your social network profile- this should be instantaneous. Follow up with them and ask how they are enjoying the music.
b)Write comments on other artist’s walls that are similar to you. This helps to create new exposure to their fans (great minds, and all that).
10) Spread the word!
a)Whenever you have a new product, or a big update for your band, get it out there: blog, bulletin, email and SMS text your fans with updated info.
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