How to promote music on social media
There’s no better time than now to learn about social promotion!
Although each platform has its own “do’s” and “don’t,” some general rules can be applied across ALL platforms to help you get started.
We’ve broken it down to 10 essential things you can do on social media as a musician to increase your audience, discover your music, and boost your online visibility.
Be Authentic
When connecting with your fans,’ real connections’ are what matters.
Your followers will more likely convert into loyal supporters if you establish an authentic sense on social media.
What is the secret to authentic online?
Posting original content your fans will love
Case Study on Industry
HAIM is a band that has smashed its authenticity. Their Instagram is a mix of images from childhood and their everyday lives. They also have music-focused content such as studio photos, tour posters, videos, etc.
Plus, content that directly speaks to what they represent in the arts.
You can give your fans a glimpse into your work and life by combining high-production and casual content.
Imagine your fans as being insiders of your life!
This is a great way to create long-lasting, sincere connections with your fans. It will also encourage them to relate to you and your music.
Know Your Audience
To be successful on social media, you need to know what your audience wants. This is vital.
Each artist is unique. Each fan base is unique. No standard or rule about what to post, when, etc.
You can do things to attract the type of audience you want and people who will engage with your online profiles and music.
Industry Case Study: Know Your Audience
Kid Brunswick -the tuned artist knows what his audience wants to see.
He will first tell his followers about special opportunities for him to perform, the entry requirements, and any new music!
Kid, an artist still building his name, knows that his fans want to engage with him and interact. Kid gives his audience exactly that.
You can even see what other pages your fans follow to get ideas on how you can apply the same strategy.
It’s important to target the correct users when using social media.
TIP: Analyze your posts
Tracking your post’s performance is another important aspect when it comes down to knowing your audience. It’s important to analyze how a particular post performed to make decisions regarding future posts and your overall strategy.
Social Blade, Sprout Social, and other third-party tools are great for tracking growth and interaction from your posts.
Core metrics, such as reach and Impressions, are accessible from your In-App insights. They vary by platform but are generally accessible via the settings section of your social profile.
Optimize Your Profiles
Your social media profiles should include the following:
Your bio should include a link to the most recent release or promo, whether a song, album, tour date, merchandise drop, or music video. Adding a tool such as Linkfire in your bio is a good idea to make it easier for fans to find your information.
– A current profile image sized correctly for the specific social page (check our guide to social media images). Preferably a press photo.
Consider these two elements to be your introduction. You want visitors to know you and the services you offer.
You decide how to do it
If you have received enough media coverage to merit verification, you could also consider getting your Instagram account verified or applying for a “blue tick” on Twitter.
Optimize your profiles: An industry case study.
Keep it simple, like Arlo, Parks whose Instagram bio includes the name of her most recent album and a link to her upcoming tour.
If you are a band, you might want to feature your tagline or the links/names of each member’s social media page.
Blink-182 Do this in their Twitter bio, as you can view below.
Maximizing the use of space is something that both artists excel at. This can be done via a SmartLink.
SmartLinks allow you to promote all your news and offer in a few characters. It also keeps all your CTAs in one place so that fans can easily find them if they want to stream your music, purchase your new tee shirt, or buy tour tickets.
You’ll receive your own SmartLink when you sign up for Ditto. Use it across your entire social media bio! Bio = Sorted.
Interact with Fans
The next tip concerns putting a social spin on your social media strategy.
To be social means engaging with your fans regularly. It doesn’t matter if you reply to a comment or like a post that has been tagged. Or reshare a post where you’ve been mentioned.
Fans are no different. These small gestures of recognition can go very far – especially for superfans!
INTERACT with FANS: An industry case study
Chance the Rapper shows how to interact with fans online! You can tell how frequently and often he interacts on Twitter.
He does not only share fan stories on how his music has affected them…
He also invites his fans to vote on current events and issues in polls.
Remember, your social network is your first point of contact between you and your fan. If they ask a question about an upcoming show or your merchandise, reply directly or text them.
Short Form Content Is KING
Video virality is increasing, so you should incorporate it into your strategy for social media.
The people love video content, and their fans love it even more. This trend is evident in the recent rise of marketing for music on TikTok.
Your social media should be where you share short videos of yourself in action. This could be content from a recent performance or backstage footage. It could also be a video of you practicing a new hook.