29 Ways to Promote Your New Music Today
Looking to get your music in front of more listeners? A strong release strategy is essential, but experimenting with different marketing tactics can help you understand your fans and refine your approach.
As you’ll see, there are countless ways to promote your music. But you can maintain momentum and truly grow a fanbase by focusing on building relationships and creating a fan funnel that converts casual listeners into loyal supporters.
It’s about finding what clicks with your audience, then structuring those tactics in a strategic way to gain and retain new fans — and that’s what makes the difference between basic promotion and music marketing.
1. Pitch the press
Pitch the press with a short, personal story about your new release and highlight recent accomplishments. Learn how to craft the perfect pitch here.
2. Book a show
There’s nothing like getting in front of a live audience to share your music. Whether you’re booking your first show at a venue or planning a tour, follow these tips for success.
3. Create a playlist of your influences
Build a Spotify playlist of songs around your latest release, including inspirations, influences, and soundalikes.
4. Pin your release as your Artist’s Pick on Spotify
Make your new song the first thing fans see when they visit your Spotify page. Already have an Artist Pick? Find out how else you can optimize your Spotify for Artists profile here.
5. Go live and tell your story
Host a livestream performance or Q&A to talk about the meaning behind your songs. Fans love connection. Learn how to plan your next livestream for success here.
6. Share snippets across social media
Post short clips from each track using Instagram Stories, Reels, or TikTok — give every song a moment in the spotlight. Learn everything you need to know about short-from video here.
7. Mobilize your fans
Take to social media, email, or the stage and ask your listeners to share your music, follow your streaming profiles, or participate in an online challenge/trend.
8. Start an email list
Create an email list to build relationships with your biggest fans and retain new ones. Promote the signup link over social media and in-person at your merch table. Learn how to get started on your email list here.
9. Submit for playlist consideration
Use Spotify for Artists to pitch your strongest song directly to Spotify’s editorial team before release day and after release, pitch to independent curators following these best practices to keep your music safe from fraudulent playlists.
10. Upload your lyrics to Musixmatch
Make your lyrics appear on streaming platforms and social media — they’re searchable, shareable, and fan-friendly. Get started with Musixmatch here.
11. Give your socials a makeover
Ensure your social media is following best practices for engagement and retention by following our quick tips. You can make a difference in a day!
12. Create a Spotify Canvas or Apple Music Album Motion Art
Those looping visuals catch attention, and they make your track look instantly professional. Create your own with CDB Video Creator.
13. Run a targeted ad campaign
Use Show.co (included free with CD Baby) to create eye-catching banner or audio ads that reach new fans where they already are.
14. Host a listening party
If your collaborators are away on release day or you don’t have a live set practiced, a listening party is a great alternative! Listen through your album in good company — then turn it into a party.
15. Build your fanbase with Show.co
Launch a Show.co campaign to grow your Spotify following or your email list — both are gold when it comes to future releases.
16. Post a short cover performance
Cover a song that inspired your record and post it to social media or YouTube. It’s an easy way to attract new fans who share your taste in music.
17. Release an official music video
You don’t need a huge budget! Your music video can even be a compilation of behind-the-scenes footage. Just upload it to YouTube and promote it across channels. Learn how to get started with video here.
18. Build buzz with merch
Whether you’re dropping a new item, clearing older inventory, or polling your audience for item preferences, you can keep your music top of mind and earn extra revenue through merch drops. Learn how to boost your sales here.
19. Feature your album on your YouTube channel
Use your top YouTube section to highlight your new release, lyric videos, and live performances. Learn how to optimize your profile here.
20. Refresh your artist materials
Update your website, bio, photos, and EPK to reflect this new chapter of your music career.
21. Submit your music to podcasts
Many podcasts love featuring indie artists. A short email and a standout track can go a long way.
22. Create a smart link for your release
Use HearNow (free with CD Baby distribution) to build one sleek landing page that connects fans to all major platforms.
23. Repurpose your album artwork
Repurpose your cover artwork for social banners, avatars, or even merch!
24. Engage your audience with polls
Ask your followers to vote on their favorite track or share what the songs mean to them.
25. Run a giveaway
Whether it’s merch or an exclusive track, give your fans something special to win if they engage in some kind of organic promotion like sharing your music with friends or attending a show.
26. Release a karaoke or instrumental version
Give fans a way to sing or perform your songs — user-generated videos can help your music travel far.
27. Show off your recording setup
Film a “rig rundown” of the instruments and gear behind your sound. Musicians and fans alike love this content.
28. Share tutorials or chord charts
Teach your fans how to play your songs. It’s another way to build community and credibility.
29. Send a behind-the-scenes email series
Use your mailing list to share exclusive stories, demo versions, or photos from the making of your album.
Conclusion
Use these tactics to learn what promotional methods resonate with your fans, then incorporate them into repeatable release and marketing strategies.
You can share your music with a global audience when you distribute through CD Baby. We distribute to over 150 streaming platforms on a pay-per-release basis and provide marketing tools, services, and insights to help you find your fans and maximize streams. Create a free CD Baby account today and start planning your next release.