10 Promotional Strategies for DIY Musicians
Take it for what you will.
Standing-Out
Instead of targeting music publications for reviews, where you’re competing with lots of other musicians, try starting with publications that focus on a theme to which your music relates. You’ll stick out from their usual submissions and, if they write about your music, you have a hook to catch the attention of music publications.
Piggybacking
Connecting your work to established artists or popular events is a way to get attention. This can be as simple as covering a popular song or as complex as creating new music based on a current craze. Of course, you’ll then need to publicize your work to piggyback on related news.
The Agent
Find someone to promote you since some people will then take you more seriously.
Multitasking
Go beyond single channel activites and the normal combination of touring, albums and merchandise to have a presence in other channels such as podcasts and publications.
The Long-Haul
Don’t focus on getting a single hit to grab attention. Instead, methodically build from one success to another, getting more attention at each stage of development.
The Street Team
Ask your fans to spread the word for you. Traditional street teams have to get out and put in lots of time posting flyers and the like but now with the help of social media your fans should be happy to tell their friends if you simply ask.
Engage Your Audience
Instead of getting wrapped up in social media trivia, try sharing photos, video clips and backstage stories to feed your fans and give them something to talk about.
Keep On Truckin’
Play live, play live, play live.
Alternative Gigs
Explore performance venues other than clubs and concert halls such as house concerts and Google Hangouts.
Stay-Tuned
When you have people’s attention for what you’re doing now be sure to let them know what you’re doing next to build anticipation.