If you are looking to launch and maintain a career as a band or artist, then you are going to need fans. They are the ones that stream your music, buy your merchandise, attend your shows, spread the word about you on social media, and more. Without support from fans, it is unlikely no one will ever hear your music.
Admittedly, building a fanbase can be difficult and time consuming, but if you do it correctly you can have a prosperous music career. To grow support for your music, there are a number of steps and factors to consider.
These can be both online in digital spaces, and offline. Read on as we explain the best way to grow genuine fans for your music.
TIPS FOR MUSICIANS
Consider your music as a brand
Like it or not, you have to think your music as a brand, and as an artist or band, you are a product. While you may want to cast your net as far and wide as possible to try and attract many new fans, the reality is that method often proves fruitless.
When you think of any successful brand or product, what makes them stand out from the crowd? They have that special something - a niche.
For your music, you have to reach a specific niche. Knowing how you want to present yourself and who you want to appeal is a major first step when starting out. Having an identity can help you stand out from other acts in the same position.
Know Your Audience
For you to attract an audience, you need to know the type of people that are likely to enjoy your music. For example, if you are a electro music DJ/producer, you’ll want to appeal to fans of dance music.
Perhaps you’re a metal band who want to draw in fans of bands such as Metallica and Iron Maiden? If so, then you can reach out to their fans. It´s also important to build your own fan base through social networks.
You can build your own social media pages or facebook page for your music marketing strategy.
Use Digital Marketing Techniques
Once you have an idea of the type of crowd you want to attract, you could use digital marketing techniques such as targeted ads on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.
Perhaps you want to reach a specific age range, people interested in similar artists, or people in a particular area of the country? All this can be done through targeted ads. Dont forget about give a try to music video using Youtube Playlist Promotion as a part of your marketing strategy.
While it might be costly, if you do it correctly it can help build your following quickly.
Using analytical tools offered by social media platforms can show how good (or bad) your advertising campaign. You can use these results to fine-tune your next campaign so you reach your desired audience.
Interact and Engage with Fans
Developing a connection with existing fans can be hugely beneficial. It can leave a positive impression on them, meaning they will continue to support you.
Because of the social media boom, it is now easier for bands and artists to interact with fans. Hosting Q & A sessions on Instagram, responding to tweets on Twitter and comments on Facebook, and chatting to fans on Twitch are just some of the ways emerging musicians can engage with their audience.
These platforms can also be used to share your music, sell online merch, promote your next tour, build up your mailing list, live performance and more.
Face-To-Face Connection
While using social media and other digital tools can be useful, there’s nothing more genuine than having a one-to-one connection with fans “in real life”.
Primarily, this can be done by putting on a memorable performance when fans come to see you play live. Leaving a positive impression means they will come to your next show when you’re in town. They’ll tell their friends about it too.
Additionally, you can go and meet fans off stage. After your show, talk them and see what they liked about your set. Ask questions such as “what are their favourite songs?” and “what other bands do they like?” Having this direct feedback can help build trust between you and your fans.
Consistency
Once you have started building a following, you need to supply a product fans can enjoy - music. Releasing music regularly is vital. It keeps your name in the minds of music fans, and appearing on social media, music blogs, and in magazines and newspapers.
Likewise, constantly engaging with fans in anyway possible will help maintain and grow your fanbase. Keeping them updated with what you are doing can help build anticipation for your next release or tour.
Playlists
Even though playing shows and releasing music is vital to your music career. Getting it heard can be tricky. While it’s useful to share and promote your music wherever possible, it is becoming notable to have your music on distinctive playlists.
Being placed on significant playlist is a great way to attract new listeners.
Playlist promotional services like Moonstrive Media can help you get on the right playlists, and listened to people who are likely to enjoy your great music.
Network - Build Connections
Unless you somehow instantly draw the attention of the music industry, you’re going to have to build a network of connections. Developing relationships with industry specialists and similar bands/artists can help elevate your career.
Working with a publicist can help get your music heard by the right blogs and magazines. While playing shows with acts in your local area can be beneficial for everyone involved. You could take this further by working with local companies to produce your merchandise, or artists to design artwork for your next release.
Another contemporary way of networking is by working with “influencers”. Reaching out to someone with a significant social media presence has potential to lead to major exposure.
Conclusion
There is no one quick-fire way to build a genuine fanbase. It is an amalgamation of factors that you use, combine and mould to help maintain and grow support for your music.
Know your niche and who you want to appeal to
Use digital targeted ads
Interact and engage with fans online and offline
Collaborate and play shows with other local bands, artists, creators, and companies.
Work with playlist promotional services
Attend music networking events
Network with music industry experts and social media influencers
