| If you are trying diligently to break into that | | | | someone’s going to remember you. Use your |
| unknown realm of music promotion, you may find | | | | creative side to create a unique look that people will |
| it’s a little more difficult than you might have | | | | remember. |
| expected. As with any industry, music promotion | | | | 4. Build Your Fan Base: Bonuses are always good |
| comes down to whom you know. There are ways | | | | – free is outstanding. While not every musician |
| to get your foot in the door; however, you must be | | | | can afford to give away t-shirts or CD’s, create |
| willing to work at it. For those who want to | | | | something with your bands name on it that people |
| become a part of this wonderfully exciting, calculating | | | | will use. The key to music promotion is to stand |
| critical world of the musician, here are some tips to | | | | out. Obviously, if your fan base grows, so will the |
| help you: | | | | interest in your music. |
| | | | | 5. Talk to People: Take a moment to talk to |
| 1. Connect With Your Connections: In the music | | | | everyone you can. Standing in line at the market? |
| industry, it’s all about who you know. You have | | | | Speak to someone in front of you. While this |
| to stay in touch with other musicians, promoters, | | | | doesn’t mean the little Grandma in front of you, |
| advertisers, clients, and even your friends and | | | | it does mean to talk to someone who might listen to |
| family. Keep the lines of communication open. | | | | your genre of music. |
| Drop them an email or give them a call every now | | | | 6. Take the Time with Your Fans: Don’t ever |
| and then. Keep your name in the forefront of their | | | | get such a big head that you don’t take the |
| mind. | | | | time to spend a few moments with your fans. No |
| 2. Look for Unorthodox Means of Marketing: One of | | | | matter what business you are in, these people will |
| the best things you can do to market your music is | | | | determine your success. Whether it’s having a |
| to make it stand out. This does not necessarily | | | | beer at the bar or signing a few autographs, your |
| mean your music must be completely different from | | | | fans will remember that they were important enough |
| anything else that is available. It only means that | | | | for your time. |
| you must use music marketing ideas that are not the | | | | 7. Pick the Positive People: If you find you are |
| norm. Use daily blogs and social networks to | | | | surrounded by negative people all the time, it’s |
| promote your website. Promote a local charity. | | | | time for a change. You need to be upbeat when |
| Give away something strange with a CD order, such | | | | you meet and deal with people. You need |
| as a trash can for the rest of the music someone | | | | confidence in yourself and your music. You must |
| listens to. Give away a CD of jokes with your | | | | keep the end results of your music promotion |
| music. Anything you can do that is different will get | | | | campaign in mind at all times. |
| you noticed. | | | | |
| 3. Overhaul Your Band’s Image: Are you a rock | | | | Music promotion can be a down and dirty world. |
| and roll band? Create a perpetual rolling rock for | | | | Keep your own morals intact; don’t lose faith. |
| part of your stage show. Is hip-hop more your | | | | Promotions can take on just about any persona and |
| style? Find a huge stuffed rabbit and dress it in the | | | | you’ll need every bit of help you can get along |
| latest hip-hop clothes. These may sound completely | | | | the way. |
| absurd and more than a little gimmicky, but | | | | |