Ways to advertise your music:
With the seemingly endless sea of independent bands throughout the country, it can be a bit overwhelming to try and advertise your music to reach everyone out there and stand above the rest. Every musician faces this task regardless of what stage they currently are in their career. Over the past decade the music industry has seen a massive shift in the regime of marketing and advertising in areas focusing mainly on Online content through websites and streaming vs. print magazines and radio. Here are some tips to help you in your attempt to promote your music to reach a larger audience:
1. Artist Vision
· Early on in your career you should determine what type of music you're going to play. The beauty of creating art is that there are no rules or limitations, so the best possible advice for every musician is to play what they themselves want to hear. Once you've nailed down who you are as an artist, work to create an identity as an artist through your artwork, logo, and merchandise. Allow the visual aspect of your band to be just as impactful as your music.
2. Online Presence
· Social media is one of the best tools an independent artist can have on your side to advertise your music. The entire world is open to find your music through the use of popular sites like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Twitter. Establishing a strong social media presence with up to date content, and most importantly interaction with your fans is key to your bands survival. Establish an online community through these websites that give your fans a home. Allow them to be able to share your story and they will advertise your music for you to their friends and family.
3. Create Relationships
· Never forget that there are other bands out there that are in the same situation that you are, and the musicians you look up to and that inspire you were once in your position. Use these online tools as a way to create and maintain relationships with other bands of your area and work together to promote your music and their music.
4. Offer Product
· Allow people access to buy your merchandise online through your own personalized merchandise store. Offer package deals for your products at discounted rates, and offer free downloads and streams to select songs off of your album for people to share with their friends.
5. PLAY
· The most important thing your band can do is to play live. Whether its playing in a friend's house, their garage, local bars, or nightclubs, your number one goal should be to play and impact as many people you can. Social Media is a great tool to stay connected with your fans and find new ones, but the best way to personally connect with each of them is through allowing your fans to witness your music in a live setting.
