Now that we’ve given you a general overview of music marketing for independent artists, let’s take a closer look at each step, beginning with creating awareness.

Because we know that marketing involves considerations about your music and overall brand and image, you must make informed choices each step of the way in order to market yourself appropriately and reach your target audience. As they say, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there.” You have to figure out your direction as an artist in order to determine how to best create awareness among potential fans. Here are three tips to consider:

1. Define who you are as an artist. As we know, music marketing is an extension of you, your brand, your sound and your personality. In order to create awareness you must clearly communicate your identity to your audience. Who are you and what do you stand for? What things do you like or support that are part of your overall image as an artist?
2. Determine who your ideal fans are. What age are they? Where are they located? What are their interests, likes and dislikes? Does your image align with the audience you’re trying to reach?
3. Determine how to clearly communicate your identity to your ideal fans and media/business contacts. This includes developing an accurate description of your sound. Are you an indie rock artist with chugging guitars and haunting melodies? Or are you a soulful pop songstress with delicate harmonies? Are you an indie rocker with a political edge? Narrow your identity down to a brief, attention grabbing, descriptive sentence that you can easily convey in a conversation. When someone asks what your music sounds like, you’ll be able to tell them quickly and concisely.

After you’ve determined who you are, who your fans are and how to effectively communicate your message to them, you’ll find that creating awareness will be easier now that you have a clearly defined direction.

What do you think?  Was it easy or difficult for you to determine who you are as an artist? How did you develop a description of your sound? Were you able to easily define your audience?

Up next: Check out the SongCast Radio Channel! As a SongCast artist, you can upgrade your subscription to include radio play and add the channel to your website or Facebook page. http://www.songcastmusic.com/radio

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