Marketing Strategies: How To Build A Fan Base

Trying to emerge in the music industry is often like trying to locate that illusive needle in the haystack. With all the noise and competition, building a fan base may seem impossible. While you don’t want to put all of your eggs into a single basket, you also don’t want to try to reach everyone, everywhere, and the fact is that either of these strategies would be completely ineffective. So, how can a new musician build their fan base? The key is by knowing your target and developing a smart strategy.

Who is your Target Audience?

Think about the type of music you make and perform. You need to determine the type of fans that you will likely attract. Once you know who to target, you have to think about how you can reach them. Sounds simple, right?

Not as easy as you may think. Back in the day (you know, the 1990s) the first and the only source of music was the good ‘ole radio. However, today fans are able to access music in a number of different ways. This means you have to think about where your potential fans are and be there too.

Create a Powerful Presence

In order to be found, you must be present. This means you should create pages on social media, create a website and post videos to YouTube. Each of these avenues will give you the perfect opportunity to engage and interact with these potential fans. Additionally, they can see the type of music that you offer, making them more prone to want to hear more and seek you out through other places, including social media.

Begin to Connect with Your Fans

Once you have determined the type of fans that will like your music, and where they are, it is time to start connecting with them. Unless you have your own series of “super fans” they are likely not going to just hand over their email address or other contact information. You will have to offer some type of value or incentive.

Social media is one of the most powerful tools of modern marketing. However, simply creating a page and presence is not enough. In order for fans to continue to follow you, share with you and love your music you must become “real.” This is done by answering questions that are not from an automated system and posting information that lets the fans see your real personality.
 
Provide Incentives to Encourage Fans to Spread the Word about You

When it comes to spreading the word about your music, you are not the best person to do it. New music artists are a dime a dozen and the truth is that people are bombarded with all types of new music on a daily basis. Your entire goal should be to get your fans engaged and spreading the word about you to your peers.

When they do share about your music you need to offer some type of reward, or thank you.
There are a number of different ways that you can provide an incentive to your loyal fans. An extremely popular strategy is to provide a pre-release exclusive of your new music for those people that are considered your “super fans.”

Engage Your Fans DAILY

While it may be tempting to only make posts and provide information regarding you and your music, you should also take time to ask your fans what they like, what they want from you and let them be involved in your success. Don’t be afraid to show your personality and your flaws, as this will likely make them relate to you even more, further spreading the word about your music.

Increasing your Fan Base – What You Should Do
 
Each of the marketing strategies are effective and will provide you with results. However, there are other things that you can do to increase your reach even further. Consider the following:
• Create merchandise and then give it away;
• Play live – anywhere and everywhere you can;
• Schedule meet and greets to meet your fans face to face
 
When you are just starting out in the music biz it can be difficult, frustrating and if you approach it in the wrong way – ineffective to increasing your success. Be sure that what you are offering is valuable, and then make sure you use the tips here to market yourself in a manner that will actually work. The most important thing to remember is that your fans are people, which is why you should treat them as such by engaging them and making an effort to get to know their likes and dislikes.