For many artists — especially if you’re making your debut — just getting your music submitted to major platforms feels like the finish line. Between actually finalizing the music, then creating the metadata and cover art, you’ve already accomplished quite a bit.
But now it’s time to ensure an audience hears it. Whether you recently submitted your music or are planning a future release with CD Baby, here are seven key things you should do to have success on release day and beyond.
1. Claim your profiles across platforms
Today’s social and streaming platforms provide artists with exclusive tools, insights, and profile customization features that can help drive deeper engagement with fans and boost discoverability. With CD Baby, it’s easy to claim your profiles on many of the top platforms — from Spotify to TikTok. Learn how to claim your artist profiles on top platforms.
2. Create your core promotional content
From a photoshoot to your press release, ensure a smooth marketing campaign by preparing your materials ahead of time. Spend the time between your submission date and release date building anticipation among your current fanbase. Then, once the release is out, focus on getting current and new fans to stream it. Having authentic and engaging content that reflects who you are and intrigues new listeners is key. Get inspired with our list of 10 authentic social media concepts, or plan out your rollout with our 30-day release plan.
3. Create a pre-save link for Spotify with Show.co
You can lock in streams for release day using Spotify pre-saves. This tool provides fans with a link to enter their email and opt into automatically adding your release to their Spotify library on release day. That ensures your music is top of mind for listeners on your big day. Set up a pre-save link through our partner service, Show.co, and start driving fans to the link across your promotional content. Start small — your inner circle of friends, collaborators, family, and top fans can provide the initial push of pre-saves to give you momentum. Learn how to set up a pre-save link.
4. Increase your revenue by claiming additional royalties
Did you know when a song is streamed in the U.S. it generates three different types of royalties? CD Baby automatically pays you the first — streaming revenue — for use of the song’s recording, but two additional types of royalties — mechanical and performance — stem from the song’s composition. To collect the second two, you need to register with the right collection societies.
First, sign up for CDB Boost to register your music with The Mechanical Licensing Collective and start collecting your mechanical royalties. (CDB Boost also registers your music with SoundExchange, the world’s largest neighboring rights organization, to help you collect royalties from non-interactive streaming services like Pandora Radio and SiriusXM.)
Then, register your music with a Performance Rights Organization like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. These organizations will help you claim your performance royalties from streaming — in addition to more traditional live performances.
Bonus tip: Sign up for CD Baby’s Social Video Monetization service to collect micro-sync royalties from fans using your music in their content on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.
Learn 10 more ways to earn more money from your music.
5. Build a direct line to your fanbase with an email list
While social media allows you to experiment with different content types and instantly reach new listeners around the world, you’re always at the mercy of algorithms when it comes to showing up in your followers’ feeds. With a release on the way, you don’t want to rely solely on social media to give your fans the news they need.
That’s where email comes in. Email lists provide direct access to your fans — when you want it, how you want it. Through email, you can send direct links to pre-save, stream your music, and more.
If you haven’t started one yet, here’s how to build an email list. If you’re already running one, here’s how to grow your list.
6. Pitch your release to Spotify editorial playlists
Spotify editorial playlists are highly selective, officially curated playlists that can significantly boost your streams if your music is placed. While it’s very difficult to get your music on these playlists — especially as a debut or emerging artist — pitching your music still provides Spotify with useful metadata that helps the platform better recommend your music to new listeners and ensures your followers are notified when your release drops via Spotify Release Radar.
Spotify recommends pitching your music for editorial consideration at least four weeks in advance. The 500-character written portion of your pitch is particularly important — and where a lot of artists fall short. Learn best practices for pitching your music to Spotify in our comprehensive guide and follow the 5-step template to dial in your pitch.
7. Create a HearNow landing page for your music
Save yourself time fumbling with different links and consolidate your promotion to a single shareable page with HearNow.
A HearNow page showcases your latest release and allows visitors to stream your music on their preferred platform, connect with you through your social profiles, website, and Bandsintown, and even make donations through sites like Venmo, PayPal, or Patreon. HearNow pages work well as an all-in-one link for your social media bios, a quick reference to attach to a networking email, or a destination for a QR code on a sticker or business card.
Learn more about what HearNow includes, then start building your page.
Release your music with CD Baby
Over two million artists around the world distribute their music with CD Baby. A trusted leader in independent music since 1998, we’ve paid out over $1 billion to artists by providing them with the tools they need to grow on their own terms. We offer distribution to over 150 platforms starting at $9.99 per single and $14.99 per album — with no annual fees.
Planning your next release? Create a free account with CD Baby today and get the support and resources you need to succeed — from submission to release day and beyond.