As an upcoming musician, you need to learn how to promote music online. Along with social media, you’ll need to develop a strong presence on prominent music streaming platforms such as Spotify, SoundCloud, etc. In this article by Declunk, we’ll explore a few useful strategies UK-based musicians can adopt to get discovered and turn their passion for music into a full-time career.
Best Ways to Promote Yourself
In this section, we’ll look at three ways you can create a strong online following:
● Start a Mailing List on Your Website
Your website will serve as a one-stop shop for promoting music, selling merchandise, announcing tour dates, and making ticket sales. Additionally, you can design the website to suit your aesthetic and personality. This will help to separate yourself from the crowd and make a strong first impression.
On the homepage, include a sign-up option for your mailing list. Followers who sign up for it can then be provided access to additional content such as invitations to events and be the first to learn about new developments regarding your music. Mailing lists are a great way for making a direct connection with fans and developing a loyal following.
● Share Music on Numerous Platforms
According to research by Music Ally, Spotify is the most popular music streaming service in the UK with a 33% market share, followed by YouTube at 19%. But, when it comes to global statistics, YouTube is the runaway leader, with over 2 billion users that use the platform to listen to music.
As a newcomer, you’re bound to face competition, but the smart approach is to share your music on all popular platforms such as Google Music, iTunes, Tidal, and more in addition to the two mentioned above. Certain platforms are bound to perform better than others owing to the demographic of listeners. Once you have identified these platforms, channel your efforts towards growing the select handles.
● Be Active on Social Media
Maintaining a strong relationship with fans will play a key role in your success as a musician. One of the best ways to manage this relationship is to be active on social media by posting daily content, whether it be in the form of feed posts, stories, live sessions, or more. Additionally, take the time to respond to comments, direct messages, and collaboration requests.
When it comes to sharing long-form content, opt to upload a well-designed PDF rather than creating threads. For instance, your PDF can include information regarding upcoming tours, event pricing, streaming performance numbers, and more. If this is an option that interests you, use this resource to explore options and alternatives to uploading a PDF to FB.
Adopt a Business-minded Approach
While music might be your passion, beyond the recording studio it is important to make decisions based on facts and logic rather than emotions. Given the competitive nature of the industry, you need to be well prepared for all scenarios, the good and the bad, and ensure you consistently grow and achieve the goal of making it big.
● Create a Business Plan: This serves as a guiding document helping you to achieve set goals. Your business plan should include details regarding the type of music you want to create, a timeline for releasing songs/albums, cost of recording, producing, promotions, etc., monthly revenue predictions, and more. With a plan in hand, you’ll be able to monitor performance accurately and make necessary changes as and when needed.
● Establish an LLC: As an artist, you will consistently work with numerous stakeholders such as producers, recording studios, club owners, event organisers, etc. Additionally, it will involve entering into contracts and financial obligations. As reported by Tierney Info, having a limited liability company will protect your assets and finances from any business-related disputes, as all contracts you sign will be as an established business and not as an individual.
Leveraging the power of social media and online music streaming services will be key to developing a brand and growing your audience Additionally, adopting a business-minded approach will ensure you safeguard your interests and art from bad actors and unforeseen circumstances.
DeClunk 