As a beginner in the marketing and promotional game, indie artists often invest a lot of time and money into releasing music and expect that it will attract new audiences, create a buzz, and generate income instantly. But some mistake indie artists make and if this game is not played right, there will be consequences. These consequences can lead to missed opportunities, dropped sales, and eventually, all of that is your effort going down the drain.
Luckily, we are going to discuss three of the biggest mistakes indie artists make when releasing new music, and how to avoid them.
Mistake Indie Artists Make: Focusing on One Aspect of the Music Release Strategy
Having a solid strategy to release your music by yourself is a blessing, but taking care of one thing at a time is a curse. As an independent artist, you need to be able to handle every aspect of the release – recording, distribution, booking, marketing, PR-ing, preparing merchandise, etc. – without prioritizing one task over the other, or else it will be neglected and it will be too late. And yes, it might be a one-man show, but every task must have its time.
The Complete Music Release Strategy
- Recording and Production: Ensure that your music is recorded and produced professionally. This is the foundation of your release. Without high-quality music, other promotional efforts will not have the desired impact.
- Distribution: Choose a reliable digital music distributor. Platforms like Deliver My Tune allow you to distribute your music to more than 60 digital music stores and streaming services globally.
- Marketing and Promotion: Plan your marketing strategy well in advance. This includes social media marketing, email marketing, playlist pitching, and more.
- Public Relations: Engage with music blogs, podcasts, and media outlets to get press coverage. This builds credibility and helps reach a wider audience.
- Merchandising: Prepare merchandise to complement your music release. This not only generates additional revenue but also strengthens your brand.
Mistake Indie Artists Make: Assuming that the Process of Building a Fan Base Happens After the Release
Streaming services and social media have become major players in the success of the music business. And with artists having 24/7 access to their fans, releasing singles on streaming platforms and social media before the album release can be a great opportunity to attract some potential fans, get press, podcast features, and generate PR. Then, with a full-throttle strategy, including social channel following, playlist marketing, remarketing ads, newsletters, and targeted ad campaigns, you can convert these potential fans into existing ones.
Building a Fan Base Before the Release
- Teasers and Snippets: Share short teasers and snippets of your upcoming tracks on social media. This creates anticipation and excitement among your audience.
- Pre-Save Campaigns: Run pre-save campaigns on platforms like Spotify. This ensures that your music gets added to listeners’ libraries as soon as it’s released.
- Engage with Your Audience: Use social media to engage with your fans regularly. Respond to comments, host live sessions, and create interactive content to build a strong connection.
- Collaborations: Collaborate with other artists or influencers. This helps in reaching a wider audience and gaining new followers.
Mistake Indie Artists Make: Not Mapping a Comprehensive Timeline for Your Tasks
No one on earth can keep track of the whole release strategy without mapping it down. And for you to multitask effectively and bring this project to life without wasting your time, you need to create a timeline frame with a checklist for every task and then break it down to the smallest task. This way, you will make sure to stay on top of what needs to be done and manage your progress.
Creating a Comprehensive Timeline
- Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve with your release. This could be increasing your fan base, getting more streams, or selling merchandise.
- Create a Detailed Plan: Break down your release strategy into smaller tasks and set deadlines for each. This could include recording, mixing, mastering, distribution, promotion, and more.
- Use Project Management Tools: Tools like Trello, Asana, or even a simple spreadsheet can help you keep track of your tasks and deadlines.
- Review and Adjust: Regularly review your progress and adjust your plan as needed. This ensures that you stay on track and can make changes if something isn’t working.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Lack of Resources
Many indie artists face the challenge of limited resources. This includes financial resources, time, and access to professional services. To overcome this:
- Budget Wisely: Allocate your budget strategically. Prioritize essential tasks like recording and distribution.
- Leverage Free Tools: Utilize free or affordable tools for marketing and project management.
- Network: Connect with other artists, producers, and industry professionals who can offer support or collaboration opportunities.
Managing Multiple Roles
As an indie artist, you often have to wear many hats. This can be overwhelming and lead to burnout. To manage this:
- Delegate: If possible, delegate tasks to trusted friends or collaborators.
- Automate: Use automation tools for scheduling social media posts, sending emails, and managing other repetitive tasks.
- Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal time to avoid burnout.
Leveraging Digital Marketing for Indie Artists
In 2024, digital marketing remains a crucial component of an indie artist’s success. Here are some up-to-date strategies:
Social Media Marketing
- Content Calendar: Plan your content in advance to maintain consistency.
- Video Content: Utilize platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts to share engaging video content.
- Hashtag Strategy: Use relevant hashtags to increase the visibility of your posts.
Email Marketing
- Build an Email List: Collect email addresses through your website or social media profiles.
- Personalized Emails: Send personalized emails to your subscribers, including exclusive content and updates.
- Automated Campaigns: Use email marketing tools to set up automated campaigns for new releases and promotions.
SEO for Musicians
- Optimize Your Website: Ensure your website is optimized for search engines. This includes using relevant keywords, having a mobile-friendly design, and fast loading times.
- Blogging: Start a blog on your website to share news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content. This can help improve your search engine ranking.
- Local SEO: If you perform locally, optimize your website for local searches by including location-specific keywords.
Utilizing Deliver My Tune’s Services
With Deliver My Tune, the first digital music aggregator in India, you can distribute your music on more than 60 digital music stores and streaming services globally, promote your music through our digital marketing services, and manage your fanbase through our CONNECT feature.
Key Features of Deliver My Tune
- Global Distribution: Reach a global audience by distributing your music to major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more.
- Digital Marketing Services: Take advantage of our digital marketing services to promote your music effectively. This includes social media marketing, playlist pitching, and more.
- Fanbase Management: Use our CONNECT feature to manage and engage with your fanbase. This includes email marketing, social media management, and more.
For more information about our creative services, reach out now.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the biggest mistake indie artists make is not having a comprehensive and synchronized strategy for their music release. By focusing on all aspects of the release strategy, building a fan base before the release, and mapping out a detailed timeline, indie artists can significantly increase their chances of success. Leveraging digital marketing strategies and utilizing services like Deliver My Tune can further enhance their efforts.
By avoiding these common mistakes and implementing the right strategies, indie artists can navigate the complex landscape of the music industry and achieve their goals. Stay organized, stay connected, and most importantly, stay passionate about your music.