In this day and age, getting attention to your music is a huge hassle. With how many new artists hitting the scene, it couldn’t be more confusing where to start. If there’s anything we know, however, it’s crucial to get yourself out there.
With the trend of TikTok, Spotify, and all these other platforms, the competition is fierce. However, today we’re going to go over 10 sure-fire ways you can separate yourself from the noise and competition.
1. Utilize Social Media Platforms
Social media is a powerful tool for musicians. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok offer direct access to fans, allowing you to share your music, promote upcoming gigs, and interact with your audience.
Regularly posting content that showcases your personality and music can help you grow your following and increase engagement.
2. Create a Professional Website
While social media platforms are essential for promotion, having a professional website is equally important. Your website is your home base.
It’s where people are going to judge whether or not to take you and your music seriously. It’s important to build a brand, show off your craft, and look good. (Also, make sure your website looks good on mobile – thank us later)
Not to mention, make sure to link to all of your streaming platforms. This would include Spotify, Youtube, Apple Music, Soundcloud, etc.
3. Collaborate with Other Musicians
Get those collaborations going! This is probably our number one recommendation for getting new listeners. And we know it might be pretty scary, but don’t be afraid to jump out of your own genre.
Consider working together on a song, performing together, or promoting each other’s music on social media. Collaborating with artists in a similar genre can expose you to their fans and vice versa.
4. Participate in Online Music Communities
Online communities are huge, I repeat, huge untapped areas.
Join forums, Facebook groups, reddit subs, or online communities to share your music and connect with like-minded individuals. Engage in conversations, offer support and advice, and share your experiences.
5. Share Your Music on YouTube
I think no one is confused that YouTube is a powerful platform for musicians. You need to start sharing your music. Plain and simple. Start by uploading reels and quick snippets of music videos. Then live stream performances and behind the scene look at your life as an artist on the rise or on the road.
Consider creating cover videos or collaborating with other musicians to reach new audiences. Not to mention, YT is a great place where you should be engaging with your fans. Respond to the comments, like those criticisms. Fans absolutely love it.
6. Offer Free Downloads or Streams
This isn’t new to the industry at all. Without a doubt, you should be offering free downloads. This helps get your music into your existing fan base, but also any blog writers and new listeners.
Consider offering a free song or EP in exchange for an email address. Building an email list can be a powerful tool for promoting new releases and upcoming gigs.
7. Optimize Your Music for Streaming Services
Optimizing your music for streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music is crucial. Make sure your music is properly tagged and categorized to ensure it can be easily discovered by potential fans.
Submit your music to playlists, and engage with your listeners by responding to comments and sharing exclusive content.
8. Reach Out to Music Blogs and Online Magazines
This one is by far the most important one we cannot stress enough. You need publicity. Labels and fans are going to take you way more seriously if you’re featured in popular music blogs and online magazines.
If you’re not featured on the likes of Growth Illustrated, Popular Hustle, Disrupt Weekly, Billboard, Hustle Informer, Flaunt, The Industry Times, Bridge Magazine, etc… you’re really missing out.
Music blogs and online magazines are always on the lookout for new music to feature. Reach out to them with a personalized email and a link to your music to increase your chances of getting featured. Do your research and target publications that cover your genre or have a similar audience.
9. Utilize Paid Advertising
Paid advertising can be a great way to get your music in front of new fans.
Consider running ads on social media platforms or music streaming services to increase your exposure. Make sure your ads are targeted to your ideal audience, and use eye-catching visuals and copy to grab their attention.
10. Perform Live Streams and Virtual Concerts
Live streams and virtual concerts have become increasingly popular in recent years. Hosting a live stream or two will completely change the game for you. Have you ever heard of a virtual concert?
These bad boys can allow you to reach fans who may not be able to attend your in-person shows. And they’re completely underrated when it comes to nurturing those fans.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, musicians have many opportunities to get more exposure online by using a combination of different strategies.
We cannot stress enough the tools above to build and grow your audience. If you’re a serious musician, you should be using every social media platform you can. You should be building a website and linking to all of your streaming platforms like Spotify, Youtube, etc. And don’t forget to add a press area for all the sites you’re featured on.
And you should be collab’ing and joining as many online music groups as possible.
And for the love of everything you care about, post your music on Youtube.
But ultimately, I think the best advice that you can receive is to remain consistent. Keep working on your music, keep interacting with fans, and keep posting your music.
It’s a grind, but you can get there.
Your new listeners are waiting for you!
