Music Promotion Basics: A 10-Point Checklist for Musicians

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November 5, 2012{ 4 Comments }

iStock 000019369246XSmall 300x245 Music Promotion Basics: A 10 Point Checklist for Musicians

Promoting your music the independent way

It’s no secret that digital technology has enabled independent artists to successfully run their own careers. The real secret is HOW!

Here are 10 ways you can take control, reach new fans, connect with old ones, and get your music career moving in the right direction. (Be sure to click on the links to learn more about each subject).

The checklist for do-it-yourself music promotion:

1. Conveniently manage the physical and digital distribution of your music.

2. Promote, sell, and share your music across Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)

3. Establish a presence on YouTube and Vimeo with affordable music videos.

4. Book your own sustainable and profitable tours.

5. Handle your own college, commercial, and internet radio promotion.

6. Record and release your music on your timeline.

7. Control your online identity by directly managing data.

8. License your music for TV, film, commercials, games, and apps, and earn money.

9. Maintain your own online presence with a pro blog or website.

10.  “Crowdfund” your next creative project.

Yep—it’s a lot of work. But you didn’t become an independent musician for the leisurely ride, did you?

Have you been running all aspects of your music career? How’s it going? Where are the rough spots? Where have you had big successes? let us know in the comments section below.

Sell your music worldwide through CD Baby!

 

Chris Robley's Author Bio

  • http://twitter.com/AaronIsles Aaron Isles

    Solid 10 point checklist. Each one goes VERY deep! haha.
    I’m currently stuck at the point of trying to get licensing. It seems licensing is the main way to find a larger audience, but unless you live in LA or Nashville it feels too difficult to get the ball rolling. Rumblefish seems ok, but getting into the larger films, promos, and tv shows is what I’ve found to be crucial to breakthrough as an artist.
    Any tips on finding ways to break into the world of licensing for film, tv, or promos?

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Eric-Robert-Brown/100004315203408 Eric Robert Brown

    “We don’t give a shit if you check us out and wouldn’t give a fuck what you thought if you did.” – Cult of the Marsupial
    …and that is how they broke 7 million plays; We are closing in on a $500,000.00 loss this year but our merch is top notch, our advertising is always rolling and the elitist #stuckupmetalheads irc mods know who I am. And now so do you.
    http://www.myspace.com/1nfinity3ngine
    http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/cultofthemarsupial
    http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/doshinheretic
    http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/marsupialmusic
    http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004315203408