Tips for Online Artist and Music Promotion

It is important for every music artist to have a professional promotional package that sets him apart from other bands and musicians. Whether you are promoting your music online or trying to get a gig, it is important to have an online presence of your music and you as an artist to compete other bands and musicians.

It is very difficult for an upcoming artist to get his work recognized. There are thousands of established artist coming with their albums regularly which makes the job of an upcoming artist even more tougher.

I will list few points here that will help you with your online music promotion campaign-

1. Choose appropriate music-

As a musician, your most important goal is of-course to get your music heard. Choosing appropriate music for your promotional package will require some thought. If you are trying to impress radio stations, press, music label companies or popular agents, remember first impression is the last impression. These people receive countless music every day from different musicians, DJ's and they won't sit back and listen your complete album. Make a short demo of your music you consider best to impress the listener before they switch to next.

2. Write a short Biography-

A short biography about yourself is very important. The band which decides to work with you will need some information about you. A bio less than a page is enough and don't try to make it overly cool or freaky. Maintaining professionalism is always advisable whatever music you deal with.

3. Have a website representing you-

It is very important to have a website representing you and your brand. Everything on the website starting from color schemes, music and other content should represent who you are as an artist. A website presence is very important for your online music promotion campaign as most of the people these days prefer listening to music online, maybe on their smart phones and even label companies and music agents also have an eye online in search of good artists. Ignoring this platform is like closing all doors.

4. Use video sharing: YouTube, Vimeo, etc.-

Music artists and other performers have a great platform in the form of video sharing. There are popular sites like YouTube, Vimeo, Viddler and Blip.tv where you can upload your content and promote it for visits and responses. Some sites also check for the original content so you don't have to worry about your work getting stolen.

5. Use Social Networking platforms: Facebook, Twitter, etc.-

Social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter don't need much of introduction. You probably already have an account here. It is important to connect with your fans in a professional yet creative way and then these sites can prove to be powerful tools for marketing your work, getting recognized and successful.

Engage Fans on Facebook, Sell Music Online, and Profit

Facebook was created as a social networking site, that's true, but its business model has changed. These days, people use Facebook to hawk their goods and sell their wares. For music artists and bands, they have also started to use Facebook as a tool to sell music online. Isn't that great? You make friends and even manage selling your songs and increase sales of your newly released track or album. Having a Facebook account also guarantees you a fan base - in short: loyalty - and consumers of your music. It's a win-win!

But you have to put in the work. Selling music online is not a cake walk and a Facebook account doesn't automatically make a sale. You've got to be very creative and do it with much care. See, selling your songs is like making a connection.

1. Be found. 

The point of selling music online comes from exposure. At the first instance of an Internet search, your artist or band name should be on the ready. The search results should show you. From there, you've captured your audience and now learn not to let them go.

2. Say no to hard sell. 

Ever been annoyed with a friend on your Facebook typing on his wall: 'Buy now'? Selling your songs does not mean you advertise to the point that it's cringe-worthy. Try this: 'Hi friends! We have a new album out but we're undecided what track to release first - any ideas?'

Engage your fans and you're doing music promotion right. Let them try your music first then buy. Also, when they post a comment/review, it will appear on their friends' updates too. A recent Forbes magazine report found that people are more likely to buy upon online recommendations of their friends.

3. Like them back. 

Acknowledge your fans by hitting that Like button or thanking them for their comment/review. Be responsive to them as if you're real friends. They love that so love your fans back.

4. Share. 

By sharing your music on Facebook as a free download, selling your songs is almost guaranteed. Use a music-sharing device that lets your fans preview or even download altogether your track. Then request fans to share them with their friends. Spread the word around and be generous with your music.

5. Reach out to fans of similar artists. 

You already have your fans - make more fans! List down on your Facebook page all the music artists that sound similar or are in the same genre as you. Chances are, clicking on them would also lead to you. Get their attention and do steps 1 to 4 again, you're set.