Music Methodology

Do It Yourself Music Marketing

Below is a basic music marketing methodology you can apply even as you go about your regular music career.

1.      What’s your Brand Identity Statement (BIS)? A brand is a word a name in mind. In this case, it is the perception your fans and the general public have about you.

A Brand Identity Statement is a short sentence or motto that clearly describes:

a.      who you are,

b.     what you play, and

c.      why people should care

Creating a ‘BIS’ forces you to define your musical image.

Once you’re locked into that identity, every time you create an email, web page, album cover, poster, press release, or prepare for an interview, you should ask yourself, “Is this communicating and reinforcing my core identity?” Does this tally with who I’m trying to project? This should help you to be consistent and help your music brand to grow gradually in the minds of the public.

2.     Always capture fan's information anywhere and everywhere they are: at gigs, visiting your website, in your CDs, EPs, etc all for your contact list.

Every day think about how you can inspire more people to subscribe to your list and to join you on your social network like twitter, facebook etc. Also on how more people can download and listen to your songs.

Information you need includes: First Name, Last Name, Email Address, State (where they reside), BB Pin (if they can) and Birthday.

3.    Do Something Every Day: Communicate regularly and consistently using emails.

Reply to an email from a fan, DM on twitter or message on facebook

Send a review copy of your CD to a new media source

Call a venue or talent buyer to set up a gig or fix you on a gig (don’t stop trying)

Talk to another artist about a cross-promotion idea, collaborations etc

Post something interesting to your social media profiles. Be creative.

When your list gets to be at least 1,000 strong, ASK them what they might like from you and how much they will pay.

4.    Be Consistent with Your Message

Your goal is to get a growing number of fans to make a mental connection between your name, your musical style, and the unique way that you approach your music. You can’t accomplish that goal by being inconsistent.

Be consistent with your message; let them know it’s you once they see your catch phrase, brand logo, or design.

5.    Have an Engagement objective for every piece of content you publish?  

What do you want people to DO after they watch, read or listen to it?

Engage recipients of your content and put a subtle message. Put the message in a way that will make them do something after they watch your video, read your story, or listen to your song.  Something like: ‘like your facebook page’, ‘follow you on twitter’, ‘spread your music’ etc.

6.    Get Exposure

You can make use of some exposure Tools and Ideas for music artistes

·        One example of exposure tool is the compilation and distribution of promo materials/tools like:

a.     Newsletters

You could distribute monthly, quarterly or occasional newsletters that are well designed, consistent and track able.

b.     Brochures:

c.       Promotional kit

d.     Professional portfolio

  

·        Examples of exposure ideas  are:

1.      One band from Chicago delivered its new CD to radio disc jockeys and record store managers along with a fresh, hot pizza. You can believe that tactic made the band stand out from the crowd.

2.     An artist persuaded the mayor of her small town to proclaim a special day in her honor.