As we’ve discussed, the ability to promote your music is one of the most important skills 
you can develop as an independent artist. When you don’t have a marketing and PR team behind you just yet, it’s up to you to make sure you get the word out about your music. Therefore, it’s imperative that you build a database of fans and keep them up to date and engaged in your music career. Here are some points to consider:
Mailing List: If you haven’t done so yet, be sure to ask fans to sign up to your mailing list at each and every one of your shows. When you send newsletters, ask your fans to send to a friend to help build your fan base. Include a mailing list sign up field on your website, as well. You should take every opportunity you can to build your mailing list.
Regular updates: Having a list alone isn’t enough. You must regularly update your fans about your progress and include interesting and engaging content. Remember to send “behind the scenes” information that gives them a real look into who you are as an artist. Send updates that include videos, photos and even exclusive tracks.
Social Media: Are you blogging? Active on Facebook and Twitter? Use your social media channels to start a conversation with your fans. Ask them what they think of your music. And in the course of the conversation, let them know about your mailing list and ask them to sign up.
How are you asking them to keep in touch? Make sure you have a consistent channel of communication to keep your fans in the loop. If you have multiple channels, you may have segmented audiences. Try to streamline the communication as much as possible so fans know where they can expect the latest news.
Get them involved: A great way to retain new fans is to get them involved in your work. Ask them for feedback and let them know if you’ve used it. Offer incentives for active involvement. Consider creating a street team and use your most active fans as team leaders.
What do you think? How have you built your fan base and how do you keep your fans updated?
Up next: How to use Craigslist to find musicians, promote shows and more.
Cheers!
The SongCast Crew
Great stuff, I think it’s a great idea to have a blog, twitter, facebook and email list.
Just focusing on those four will work wonders.
– Chris
It could not be said better! over forty years in the music industry playing from place to place one need to know themselves. Ask yourself a question! What mission focus I should choose..What amount of time will be required? what target audience I will focus my attention toward? All this is good and should be taken seriously. Check me out on songcastmusic.com “On The train of Praise” Come and Go To that Land” all which is making a large imprint in the music world in gospel…Make every effort to blog and build a fan for yourself..tell all you know and share with others who are struggling to go the journey with you…Love and Peace….
Thanks for you comment! We love your upbeat attitude!