DIY Promotional Tips for Musicians Across India

As an Independent artist who is passionate about music, the marketing and promotion strategies plays a significant role. Though the prime goal of any musician is simply creating quality music, however active promotion would ensure you get the desired fan-following. Moreover, if you don’t promote your song you would not be able to generate revenues and inevitably your sales would significantly go down. Today let’s talk about some promotional tips which will instantly sky-rocket your sales beyond doubt.

#1. Do you have an active Social Media presence?

Social Media is that boon for this generation which we can never get enough of. It has that infectious popularity which is hard to not notice. As an Independent artist, I’m not asking you to post regularly and professionally like the social media marketers. However, you should make it a point to upload your latest tracks, some behind the scene videos, some snippets from your upcoming tracks, past performances and tracks with hashtag throwback and etc. You can also use Facebook live or Instagram live feature to spread the news about your latest performance or your day to day promotional activities or your practise sessions etc. You must also share some engaging and value based content for your fans apart from the usual promotional posts. Furthermore, schedule it for posting it at the time when there is maximum traffic. Besides Facebook and Instagram, consider posting it on other websites like Pinterest, StumbleUpon, Reddit, Twitter etc. These small steps go a long way in making your music heard all over the country in a short span of time.

#2. Do you participate in live Gigs?

Live gigs are one of the most popular and secure ways to spread your music, make yourself popular and also generate a steady flow of cash in your bank accounts. Gigs are the best ways to interact with the audience and carve out a space for your music in their hearts. However, if you perform alone or want a show to be all about you and your band then there is a good chance of expecting a meagre count of people during your first few shows. Performing at a live concert with other artists of similar or different genres is a sure shot way to get your music discovered by new audience.

#3. Do you engage in online music platforms?

Gone are the days when Independent artists would be lamenting about the lack of platforms for promotion and distribution of their music. With the advent of stunning online platforms like YouTube, SoundCloud, Reverbnation, Songdew, and etc. independent artists are literally cruising through a sea of opportunity. Though Soundcloud and Reverbnation don’t engage in active promotion and it takes a lot of time to build your subscribers on YouTube. Nevertheless the Indian website - Songdew participates in active promotion through its website, social media handles - Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter-, mobile application, newspapers, radios, magazines, blogs etc. You should also make it a point to upload your music videos on platforms other than YouTube like Vimeo, Dailymotion and Songdew.

#4. Do you own a website?

This is perhaps the most essential tool for promotion of your music. A proper website should not only host your tracks, but it should also bear testimony to your live performances, awards and recognitions. It should also have links to your social media pages and must definitely have your contact details. Moreover, you should also write or hire someone to write stupendous content that paints an attractive picture of your band. The blog could also highlight the stories and experiences of your band, your live performances, your struggles, notable moments of your career etc. These engaging contents beyond your music tracks and videos makes an audience feel for you and hence they’ll be the first ones to be on the lookout for your latest release or buy tickets for your latest concert.

#5. Do you have a mailing list?

When it comes to promotion and reaching a huge fan-base then you just can’t ignore this strategy. Creating a mailing list helps your fans stay up to date with your latest happenings. Be it an upcoming event, or your latest release you can’t afford to go to each of your fans and let them know about it. Here is where these mailing lists come in to play. Your fans would instantly get all your updates and would not miss your concert or your latest track by any chance.

#7. How do you promote your events?

It goes without saying that you ought to promote your music. Nevertheless, do you know you need to promote about your events too? It’s as important as everything else on this list. All you got to do is create a classic and striking image with Canva for free and upload it on Facebook event page. You can also check how to upload details of your event on Bookmyshow and other popular websites, newspapers and magazines.

#8.  Have you uploaded it on Satellite Radios, Internet Radios and College FM?

Radios have always been the most popular tool for discovery of new music. As a music lover, Radio is my best place to hear some classic old songs or discover some fresh offbeat tracks. In India radio stations like 92.7 Big FM or internet radio stations Saavn Radio or Songdew Radio or Gaana Radio are simply fantastic for promotion of your tracks. You can also upload it on college radios of colleges like IIT Kanpur or SRM University Chennai etc. Don’t forget to make the most out of these.

#9. Did your song get added on the popular online playlists?

For quality music creation you cannot make mistakes similarly for successful music promotion you cannot leave a single stone unturned. If your music is good, then it’ll automatically make space for itself on the popular playlists of online platforms like Reverbnation, Spotify and Songdew. Once your song gets added on these coveted playlists, get prepared to see a striking boost in your sales.

#10. Do you use paid Advertisements?

The Google AdWords is the top notch platform for promotion and marketing. It pays you really well and makes your music reach a vast gamut of audience. Similarly Facebook promote option is another classic way to spread your music videos and audio tracks. Though they are paid but they are incredibly rewarding. You can make use of this if you want.

Hence these were some of the most rewarding ways and means to get yourself noticed in this competitive industry. Crawling your way up to the top is not easy and you can’t stay fatally optimistic about the discovery of your music. If you use these smart and skilful strategies you’ll definitely make your mark in the industry. Finally, I hope and pray for your successful music career.