So your album is done, now what?
This is about the time that you usually start thinking about all of the ways you will need to market your album—and all of the associated expenses. Often some of the best ways to market, which coincidentally happen to be free, are often ignored during that process. I strongly recommend utilizing the following content marketing efforts, most importantly free, to support your efforts. In other words, keep your fans busy with a continual flow of information and media which will in turn promote your album. Here are 13 ways you can start:
1. Behind the Scenes Photos & Video
Allow the fans (your bread and butter) to see the process of how something came into existence. You don’t need to hire an expensive film production crew, if you have a smartphone you have all you need to capture behind the scenes footage such of shows, touring, creative process, meetings, a photoshoot, and if you’re brave enough… the recording process. Tell your story.
2. Song Meaning
Explain the meaning or creation process behind a song in a format such as a video. This is a great way to build anticipation as well as give people a sneak peak of what to expect from your upcoming project.
3. Media Coverage
Carefully follow the instructions of the outlet you are pursuing if you truly want to be considered. Provide them with as much professionally prepared information as possible. In addition to the typical press releases and reviews, consider offering exclusives on items such as singles, album covers, track listings, music videos. If you don’t submit, don’t expect coverage. Too many people out there are providing these outlets with what is needed, so what makes you think they are going to chase you down for content? If you secure coverage, always return the favor by sharing it on your social media and other platforms you have access to.
4. Live Hangout
Do a live Q&A session with your fans on Google Hangouts or whatever platform you prefer.
5. Typography Video
Also known as a lyric video. There are many options to create these for free, or open it up to the fans to submit one and pick the best, or have the fans pick the best. Crowd sourcing increases engagement!
6. Start a YouTube channel
If YouTube was a search engine it would be the 2nd largest search engine behind Google. Start one and make sure to keep it up to date with all your music videos, behind the scenes footage, typography videos, etc… Give the fans a reason to subscribe!
7. Infographics
Who doesn’t love to read a cool infographic? Great content for fans to share. Just need to be creative and original making sure it relates to your album.
8. Remix Contest
Create a remix contest to find the best remix of your single. A great prize will motivate good producers. Partner with a brand for the giveaways to keep this marketing opportunity free.
9. Create a SoundCloud
Releasing a new single? Upload it to SoundCloud. Enable your fans to listen, share, buy and of course download the single. Let the fans work with you, for example the built functionality that allows users to re-post and share your song on their own SoundCloud profiles. This would be a great place to accomplish #8 by uploading stems to your profile and then posting the winner.
10. Lyrics
Don’t keep them to yourself, show them off either in a downloadable e-book or on your website. Waiting until after the album drops would be a good idea.
11. Online Concert
Perform live and online for your fans with a platform such as StageIt.
12. Start a Newsletter
Keep your fans in the loop by sending them updates. You can have a free newsletter with MailChimp, where you can send 12,000 emails a month to a list of up to 2,000 subscribers with the Forever Free plan. Make sure the emails you send are mobile friendly.
13. Start a Blog
The above 12 reasons are warrant the creation of your own blog! Be sure to share all of your posts on all of your respective social networks (Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook).
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