Unsigned Promotion Advice 2011

It’s a tough time to be a musician, or the right time, depending on who you’re listening to.

Whether you’re afraid or fearless, one thing that’s certain is that a little advice on being a musician in the digital age won’t go amiss.

Hence this 5 tip mash up, geared towards helping you navigate the digital market as a DIY musician.

1. Drive your live audience online

Interaction with the audience during live performances is key: it helps you connect with your fans. It’s also a great time to increase your online following, so be sure to let your audience know about your website, Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare or any other social sites where you can be found.

2. Content is the most important aspect of a website.

The most important aspect of any website is quite obviously the content and presentation. If you’re creating your own musician’s website ensure that your font is both consistently legible and professional looking. Images, video and music are all acceptable forms of content – and should represent who you are as a musician. Don’t forget to leave links to your social networking sites like YouTube, Twitter and Foursquare.

3. Website Rule #1: No flash!
   Flash doesn’t just get in the way of your content. It’s also not compatible with many browsers. Sure Flash websites are good-looking, but what good is a site that can’t be accessed by everyone? It’s best not to forget that your website is a place for fans to go when want to learn more about you and to make a connection.
   
4. Email marketing is effective

This being the age of social media, you’d be quite surprised to find that email marketing is still very effective. The below chart shows not just how well email marketing works, but how it is used in other business.

Use emails to remind fans of upcoming gigs, connect on tour, or to announce upcoming releases.

5. Follow 25 new people a week on Twitter

This is an easy way to increase your followers on Twitter. We suggest following 25 new people that you’d like to follow you on Twitter each week. Don’t forget though that you need relevant followers, so start by adding your favourite music magazines and work your way up to people following bands/ acts similar to yours.