We’ve discussed the ins and outs of creating awareness, which is the first step in music marketing. Now that you know who you are as artist, who your ideal fans are and how to clearly communicate your brand, it’s time to start considering meeting new people and maintaining your existing relationships in a way that works for you and your career.
For independent artists, making connections is absolutely crucial to your success. Wondering how to meet the right people? Here are some tips for relationship building:
Go to events. Check out other musicians’ shows; go to industry mixers and conferences like CMJ or SXSW. And don’t forget to exchange business cards with influencers. When you get home, follow up with an email and find them on your social media networks.
Ask for introduction. If there’s someone you’re hoping to meet, and you know you have a mutual friend, as your friend to introduce you. Then set up a time to meet with your new acquaintance to get to know each other.
Social media is a great tool to find the people you’d like to connect with. Scour LinkedIn for business contacts that might be useful to you. Get introduced and send them a note.
But remember: while social media is effective in certain situations, it should not be your only form of communication. The best way to build a solid, lasting relationship is by meeting people face to face. After your introduction, set up a coffee meeting!
Here are some tips to maintain existing relationships:
With Fans: use your monthly newsletter to update them as a group. Use social media to find fans you’ve met at shows and thank them for coming. Set up meet and greets with existing fans to meet them in person. Create a fan club and meet with them regularly.
Media/business contacts: Set yourself a reminder on your calendar every three months to send your existing contacts a personal email, updating them on your progress and asking how they’re doing. If possible, turn that email exchange into a coffee meeting. If you get to a point where you feel comfortable, invite them to your shows.
Do you have any good tips on meeting new people and maintaining relationships? Any interesting or funny stories about people you’ve met along the way and how they’ve helped your career?
Up next: What artists are doing it right? Big name artists with stellar marketing initiatives.
The SongCast Crew
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