The Cruel, Cold, Critical World of Music Promotion: 7 Tips to Make It Work

If you are trying diligently to break into that unknown realm of music promotion, you may find it’s a little more difficult than you might have expected.  As with any industry, music promotion comes down to whom you know.  There are ways to get your foot in the door; however, you must be willing to work at it.  For those who want to become a part of this wonderfully exciting, calculating critical world of the musician, here are some tips to help you:

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

Music promotion can be a down and dirty world.  Keep your own morals intact; don’t lose faith.  Promotions can take on just about any persona and you’ll need every bit of help you can get along the way.