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Marketing tips and self-promotion ideas September 30, 2009 Question: Do you use services such as ReverbNation, iLike, or Last.fm to promote your music? If so, I could use your input -- and you might win a cool prize too. Look below for details. 3 Simple Words That Can Dramatically Improve Your Marketing ResultsHere's one from my blog archives I bet you haven't seen before. It's a timeless idea that will give you a healthy perspective on your music career and marketing activities.
In the article (sorry, I forget where I originally read it), the phrase was meant to motivate people to take a look at their own talents and qualities. As I'm sure you're aware, people (perhaps you?) often don't give themselves the credit they deserve when it comes to their individual attributes and accomplishments. But it also occurred to me that this is exactly what effective music marketing is all about, only you must shift the focus away from yourself. In other words, self-promotion is about inspiring other people to "recognize your uniqueness" as an artist. And it's the "uniqueness" aspect of that effort that makes all the difference! Many musicians make the mistake of simply trying to get the general public to recognize them as musicians. That's a start, but it doesn't complete your ultimate mission, which is to connect with the music fans who are most likely to be blown away by the specific type of music you create. So when you promote yourself, always ask if you are communicating who you are clearly enough that people will immediately "recognize your uniqueness." However, there's another all-important side to this equation ...
That's the problem with most of the shoddy music marketing campaigns that litter the promotional roadways. Artists are sometimes too close to their own creations. They assume people will just "get it" on their own. But that's not the case! Music fans need solid clues. More than clues, they need clear descriptions, obvious indications, and specific details about what you play and how they'll benefit from it. So from now on, make sure you help both yourself and others "recognize your uniqueness." Your Input WantedA few weeks ago I announced that I'm working on a step-by-step Internet Music Marketing Blueprint, to be released very soon.
But there's one area where I could use some input from savvy self-promoting musicians ... It involves sites such as ReverbNation, iLike, and Last.fm -- services that can help artists connect directly with fans. What I need to know is:
Send your replies by email to MrBuzzFactor@gmail.com, or post them to this discussion thread I started in my Guerrilla Music Marketing group on Facebook. Everyone who emails or posts a reply will be entered into a drawing to get free access to the Blueprint once it's released! Will I See You at Any of These Events?I just updated my Live Events Schedule page. Lots of activity between now and the end of the year! Pooki has gone crazy booking us and the Gateway to Agape choir just about every Sunday.
While I'm in LA, I may be available for some face-to-face consulting sessions at reasonable rates. If you'll be in the area and are interested, please send me an email. And on Monday, Nov 16, I'll present an "Octopus Marketing Online" workshop in St. Louis for musicians, authors, artists, and anyone wanting to establish a strong Internet presence. Again, see the full Events Schedule page for details. Buzz Factor Best SellersHere are the top 10 most popular resources on my music web site, based on sales figures for summer 2009:
Want My Best Advice Every Week?Check out these topics:
That's what I delivered to an exclusive group of my readers in the month of September alone. You can get access to my best advice every week too. It's amazingly easy to do. Just visit this page to find out how. Thanks for reading! If you missed the last ezine, check out the Sept 23 issue. Until next time ... share your talents, connect with fans, get out there, and promote yourself! -Bob Also connect with me on these sites: http://Facebook.com/BobBaker Get more music tips and resources at these sites: http://TheBuzzFactor.com/ Want to publish and promote your own book? Go here: http://FullTimeAuthor.com/ To Start getting this Buzz Factor ezine, |
While reading an article a few weeks ago I came across a phrase that caused alarm bells to go off in my brain. I was so inspired, I wrote down these three simple words so I wouldn't forget them: "Recognize your uniqueness."
For you to communicate your uniqueness, YOU must have a firm understanding of it yourself. If you are fuzzy about the kind of music you play, how can you ever convey the essence of who you are to others?
I already have a solid outline for the plan, which will feature a daily checklist that indie artists can use to make the most of social media and Web 2.0 promotion tools.
But there are some workshops on the list too. November 6 thru 8 I'll give a number of classes at the TAXI Road Rally in Los Angeles.