You’ve put enormous amounts of time and energy into creating your music. But as an independent artist, it’s important to remember that even though your album is near completion, the work has only just begun. Now’s the time to fire up the marketing engines and increase exposure for your album and your brand.

Marketing involves considerations about your music: what it sounds and looks like, its price point, where it can be purchased and how it is promoted. Music marketing is essentially an extension of you, your brand, your sound and your personality.

In order to get the most out of marketing, you should create a plan that takes into consideration the following aspects of music marketing:

1. Create awareness: At least three months prior to your release you should begin booking shows, alerting your fans via your mailing list and social media, setting up your PR assets (press shots, press release, bio), and prepping for distribution. Let the world know that you’re out there, and you’re coming to their speakers and their towns.
2. Make connections: The importance of networking cannot be overstated. You never know who you’re going to meet or how they will impact your career. So utilize your social media tools but remember that for first time meetings, face-to-face communication is the best way to make a lasting impression. Go to shows, introduce yourself and give out (and take) business cards. Stay in touch with new connections via social media.
3. Asking for the sale: After you’ve created awareness and made the right connections, be clear about what you want. Ask the booking agent for a weekend slot, ask your new connection for a strategic partnership, ask a corporate executive for company sponsorship. Ultimately, ask for what you want. You might be surprised at how far it gets you.

Do you have any tips for marketing your music? If so, share it in the comments section!

Up next: Meet independent music publicist Arien Rozelle, who will guest blog right here on SongCast, answering your questions about music publicity.

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