radioheadLast year I wrote an article called “Three lessons you SHOULDN’T learn from Taylor Swift, Thom Yorke, and Beyoncé.”

Well, here’s another to add to that list: Delete your entire Internet presence.

It’s just the latest in a long string of amazing moves Radiohead has made over the years that work wonders for them, but would probably fall flat if you tried something similar.

If you visit the band’s website, Facebook page, or Twitter profile, you’ll see… nothing. Except for the fact that millions of people are now following an empty shell of an account. The feeds are gone. Activity has flatlined. Instead, the band has sent cryptic leaflets to fans in the mail. And on queue, the whole world — including this blog — is talking about it!

There’s much speculation that the surprise blackout means Radiohead’s 9th studio album will be released any minute now.

How will they promote their new music without an Internet presence? Well, in typical Radiohead fashion they’ve unplugged and they’re letting the rest of us do their online promo work for them. Brilliant. Genius. And something that many DIY artists would love to do every once in a while.

Imagine it: you suspend or delete your profiles, turn the computer off, and get back to making music, music, music, music, music! I’m jealous.

But that doesn’t make it a smart marketing strategy for lesser-known musicians. For us, our website and social media profiles are part of our musical resume. Unless you’re a household name or can really count on your fans to talk you up by word-of-mouth to a ridiculous degree, your online presence is crucial to getting new music in front of a growing audience.

Are you feeling like social media marketing is frustrating at best and futile at worst? Check out episode #164 of the DIY Musician Podcast: Is “marketing” destroying your music career?

Jealous of Radiohead’s latest move? Or have you found the perfect balance between music making and promotional screen time? Let me know in the comments below.

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