Album Release Countdown: 1 month until release

April 7, 2011{ 5 Comments }

This is an excerpt from “Countdown to Maximum Exposure,” a free PDF guide written by IndieGuide.com and CD Baby for musicians who are preparing to release a new album within the next year.

Now that you’re in the last weeks before the big release, it’s time to hit the new media.

Launching the New Media Campaign (Part I)

The New Media’s turnaround time for stories is quick, so waiting until the release is only a month away is a good rule of thumb. Running these campaigns is much more simple than traditional media. No need for press releases; just send a simple email to them with an offer of a pre-release MP3 so that they can check your music out before the public gets a hold of it.

For podcasts, you’ll want to start reaching out to them about 4 weeks before the release date, since it takes podcasters some time to produce their shows.You can start with music podcasts,but you should also consider a general podcast campaign. See IndieGuide.com’s How To Get Played On Podcasts for ideas on how to do this.

For music blogs, you’ll want to wait about 2-3 weeks before the release date. Keep in mind that, while they do reviews, they often give away MP3s as well.

Target Your Local Media and Area

If you scheduled a release party, plug it again by contacting any local media and telling them you’ll add them to your guest list. Also, this is a good time to make sure that the local neighborhoods have posters, postcards, or anything else that you distribute.

Reach out to your Fans through your Mailing List and Blogs

In the last month, plug the release party and the album release to everyone on your mailing list and blog about it on your website. Ask your fans and street team to help you promote your release and event. Have them talk about it online.

Amp up your Social Media

Social media should be used all the time, but with only one month until your release date and party, it’s especially important to get the word out. Think about creating an event on Facebook, or have a contest and give away free copies of your album to those who promote the event. Ask fans to re-tweet and spread the word to their followers and friends.