Promoting your music is inevitable if you strive for a successful career in the music industry. After spending hours composing and recording a song, you should put the same energy and effort into promoting it. It's important to remember that making music has become easier, opening doors for anyone who can afford the basic equipment and is willing to invest time in developing their talent.
What will truly set you apart from other artists, who may even have a similar sound to yours, is your marketing strategy.
All your favorite musicians have put a lot of thought into how they promote their music, or they have a dedicated team from their record label helping them expand their fanbase as their catalog grows. If you are an independent artist without any marketing support from a label and are looking for ideas to promote your upcoming single, read on.
Here are the most typical questions from artists:
- Where can I promote my music for free?
- How can a beginner promote their music?
- What are the best ways to promote my music?
- How can I promote my music and make money?
Here are six tips to help you promote your music and reach more potential fans.
1. Share your music with a pre-save link
Pre-save links are an essential part of any new music campaign. They allow your fans to "pre-save" your upcoming release on music streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music.
When a fan clicks on your pre-save link, they are taken to a page where they can "pre-save" your upcoming release. On the release day, your song will automatically be saved and available in their music library.
One of the best services for this is https://artisthub.io. This service ensures that "pre-save" works even if fans come directly from Instagram. Many "pre-save" services don’t work properly if people have clicked the link from an app like Instagram.
2. Create and post quality content
If you’re not already using social media to promote your music, now is the time to start! It’s a great way to build your audience and promote your music (for free).
Here are some quick tips:
- Create a strategy: Plan your marketing campaign for your upcoming release in advance. Think about a theme that can be visually communicated online. Create streamlined content that excites your audience about your upcoming release and builds a story around it.
- Find the best platforms for you: Be active on the social media platforms that suit you best. Choose from Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok. Study the platforms and set aside time each week to plan content. There are many helpful articles and videos that offer tips for each platform.
- Be consistent: Post regularly, but not too often. Avoid overloading your followers' feeds.
- Twitter: 1-4 times a week
- Facebook: 4-7 times a week
- Instagram: 1-3 times a week
- TikTok: 6-10 times a week (initially, then 3-6)
- Be authentic: The most valuable aspect of social media is the ability to connect directly with your audience. Be yourself, even if it's your artist persona. Figure out what makes you unique, and let it shine through.
- Keep your brand consistent: Be consistent with your image! Once you've figured out what your vibe is, stick to it. Make sure your branding is consistent across the social media platforms you're active on, and use the same or similar name on all your accounts.
- Connect with your audience: Engage with your audience. When they comment, message, or try to reach out to you: respond! This is a great way to build a loyal fanbase and show your personality.
3. Create a successful EPK
A strong EPK (Electronic Press Kit) will help playlist curators, promoters, and booking agents take you seriously. An EPK should include links to your music, photos, tour history (or live shows), audience numbers, and social statistics. You can create it in a word processing program and export it as a PDF.
4. Submit your music to playlists
Submitting, or "pitching," your music to Spotify and Apple Music playlists is a great way to reach a new audience that might like your music. This can be done through "Spotify for Artists" and "Apple Music for Artists," respectively. It can be done after your music is uploaded to the platforms and at least one week before its release. The earlier, the better.
5. Create a music video
Music videos can completely transform how people feel when they listen to your music. It can be as simple as a live version of your performance. Recording your release in video form not only shares a visual experience with your fans but also creates a memorable moment for listeners (perfect for sharing on social media!). Official music videos are one of the most important tools artists have to establish their brand aesthetic.
6. Make your fans co-owners of your success
Set up your upcoming music project on BeMajor.com. This way, your fans can financially support your project and also receive a share of the earnings from streaming services (you decide how much). This way, they will become the most passionate ambassadors for your music when it’s released, as they will also benefit when your song becomes a big hit.
About Jules Wolfson
CEO at BeMajor and Nexus Music
Jules Wolfson is a Danish record producer, songwriter, and music executive active since 2001. He's earned over 150 gold and platinum certifications, multiple Danish Music Awards, and collaborated with international stars like Usher and Timbaland. Wolfson is known for developing top Danish acts like Nik & Jay and Cisilia, consistently ranking as one of Denmark's most-played musicians on radio.