MUSIC INDUSTRY BLOG

1. Email Is The Holy Grail
Whether you’re tricking out your MySpace page or performing at your local venue, always think about what you can do to collect more email addresses. Believe me, there is nothing of greater importance than your email list.  If you’re not using a professional email marketing service (EMS), you should start now.  Mad Mimi is my favorite but I have also tried iContact (which I hated), MailChimp (which I liked) and Emma (which I loved but it’s a bit pricey).

2. Passive Radio Is Passé
Massive online radio sites get your music in front of targeted music fans.  They are not your average passive radio listeners, they are music fanatics feverishly searching for music just like yours.  Yeah, you have to pay for the privilege, but the exposure you get in return is guaranteed and trackable.  In the music biz, it’s hard to find that kind of bang-for-your-buck value. Jango Airplay is the largest online radio promotion service that I know of.  As a Jango affiliate, I regularly send artists in their direction.  The feedback from these artists has been phenomenal.

3. Get Professional Help
Whether it’s your songwriting or your marketing (or anything else), never underestimate the value of expert advice.  We Are Listening provides professional assessments for songs and lyrics.  It’s what we know and what we’re good at.  But you can find a service, coach or consultant for any project you wish to fast track to success.  The humility required to ask for help and receive critical feedback is the mark of an independent artist and entrepreneur that people want to listen to and associate with.  Personally, I can use all the help I can get!

4. Stand Out
You don’t have to be loud to stand out.  The smallest touches can make a huge impact… and I don’t mean limited edition vinyls or glow-in-the-dark t-shirts.  For example, I recently discovered that you can create your own custom M&Ms.  It’s awesome.  Imagine every M&M with your message and image on it, any colour scheme you like, and branded packaging.  Great munchies at a gig.  Lovely gift for any holiday.

5. Follow The Leaders
I can’t think of a better way to learn about the music industry and make great connections than by following individuals who have been there, done it, succeeded, and willing to share their experiences with you.  For free.  I recently published a post on the subject that should get you started:
14 Music Industry Leaders (You Should Follow)

6. Be An Outstanding Communicator
Most people are not.  But it’s something that can be learned.  Remember Secret #1 (Email Is The Holy Grail)?  Well, that email list you’ve been growing is not worth a dime if you can’t put a compelling message together.  Outstanding communicators stand out, lead and succeed.  Are you an outstanding communicator?

Bonus Tip
If you’re already running your own newsletter campaigns, whatever you do, don’t do this.

3 Music Marketing Success Stories:
$10,000 In 48 Hours (Without A Label)
How To Get 200 New Fans A Week
How To Raise $10,000

Tags: Music Marketing, Music Marketing Secrets, Music Marketing Tips, Music Marketing Tools, Online Music Marketing
Posted in Independent Artists, Music Business, Music Marketing, We Are Listening