Know-How Exchange : Strategy

Hello, here is a link to a very interesting lady.... https://arielpublicity.com/ she also has a blog.

My son is a musician so I've also encouraged him to invest sometime 'with her' This could save you hours and make a real difference .... if you have a dedicated person to make the most of her insight.

It might be too overwhelming a task for a musician alone to deal with this all the time ...she what Ariel suggests.

Good Luck.

First, make sure that it's easy to listen to/purchase your album online: iTunes, Amazon, CD Universe, etc. all are easy ways for people to find, listen to snippets, and download the MP3s and/or CDs.

Secondly, you need fans to talk the album up. In addition to having them review your album (and rate it highly), leverage social media to make it easy for your fans' friends to find out about the music. Also, create your own social media pages/ids (and regularly participate in the conversations).

Lastly, perform publicly in venues likely to garner new fans. You need to be heard to be liked. If your local radio stations feature local bands, contact them.

Hi, Christian,

Congratulations on the album release. Music marketing is tricky due to all the acts out there but creativity is key. I agree with a lot of what Jay said. Here are some thoughts:

* Music should be paid for but you first need people who want to pay for it. Consider giving away some songs or the entire album for free to select people. Bloggers, radio stations, people in the parking lots of concerts for bands with music similar to yours. Music is still highly word-of-mouth and music fans LOVE free music.
* As Jay alluded to, everyone should know about you. So start by telling everyone you know – friends, family, the postman, your hairstylist - about the album and where they can find a taste of the music. And tell them to tell everyone they know. You can print “business cards,” too, with the MySpace link and maybe a line about what type of music you play.
* And here is where Jay's advice comes in – make sure your MySpace page has clear info about where to find your music and where you'll be playing. Slick is not as important at clear and informative right now as you're spreading the word. If you can do both at once, great.
* Definitely find any local music websites, and if you are not already, get more involved in the local music scene. It's all about contacts.
* Market the heck out of upcoming shows - flyers are easy and cheap. Where I live, there are even companies that will put up your flyers for you really cheap.
* Have a release party at a local venue and market the heck out of that event.
* Create your own video for a song (cheap) or have one made. Or just talk about a song you have and play a bit live. Post on You Tube and tell everyone about it.
* If you don't yet have a strong fan base, play benefit shows, local bars, anything to get out in front of people. Tell audiences where to find you online.
* If you have a pretty good following, maybe offer a free song or insider “something” if they sign up for your mailing list. Collect the info of your biggest fans and keep them connected to what you're up to – and they'll spread the word.

There is a lot to technology to help you get the word out about your band, but don't forget that music, at its basis, is about getting out in front of people and connecting with your audience. Make personal contacts in the industry and let your fans see your personality. It takes a lot of work but step by step, you can do it. Good luck!

KMH

Whoa, sorry, that's a lot. I get excited by music!