The future of music

15 Ways to Promote Your Music: Simple Guide

December 29, 2023
ways to promote your music

Let’s be honest – promoting music independently can be challenging and even daunting.

But in the digital age of social media and streaming platforms, it has also never been easier. 

You just need to find the right approach.

So in today’s article, we will show you the most effective ways to promote your music.

With these tested methods, people around the world will hear your music, and you will get a chance to build your fanbase. 

1. Work on Your Online Presence

Creating an online presence is definitely one of the most popular ways to promote your music.

And it’s also very easy – at least in the beginning.

But creating an artist (business) profile on Facebook, Instagram, and platforms like TikTok isn’t enough. If you really want to get noticed, you need to develop a good social media strategy.

So, besides putting your name out there, you need to think about how to create engaging content.

At the same time, you need to create content that represents you and your work accurately.

More importantly, you need to stay consistent. Stay active, keep up with the latest trends, and find useful learning resources on how to create a powerful social media presence.

Try to determine your target audience and engage with them in the most effective way.

For instance, if you believe gen Z would like your music, creating short and engaging TikTok videos is a must.

Red hair girl smiling holding her phone while promoting her music.

Short-form content has been dominating the Internet for a while now, so try to include short videos regardless of who your listeners might be. 

However, don’t forget to build a visual brand for your music. Regardless of current social media trends, creating a high-quality profile and visual content is important for every artist. 

With time, people will start to share your music, and you’ll start to grow your audience. 

Finally, don’t forget to stay authentic and have fun in the process!

2. Create an Electronic Press Kit 

One of the most useful things you can do to promote your music is to create an electronic press kit.

An electronic press kit (EPK) is a pre-packaged digital resume that helps music industry professionals (managers, booking agents, venues, journalists, etc) to access and review your work.

So, an EPK is a digital set of promotional materials and your digital business card. 

That said, your EPK should include your bio, photos, videos, press releases, contact information, and any upcoming shows or tours.

It should be a clear and easy package that showcases the essence of your music.

3. Create a Website

Another easy way to promote your music is by creating a website.

Although people mostly use social media to get information, creating a web page is important.

Every serious artist has a website.

Websites are convenient and useful, and they provide you with the freedom and flexibility to create the best place to showcase your work and give your fans all the necessary information.

Your website should include links to your music, bio, photos, and tour dates. If you’ve been making music for a while now, make sure you include photos from your previous shows, reviews, and so on.

A merch shop is also a nice addition.

Visit your favorite musician’s websites to get some inspiration. 

4. Distribute Your Music on Streaming Platforms 

If you want your music to be widely heard, distributing it on all the relevant streaming platforms is crucial.

You can easily sign up for artist accounts and share your tracks.

For instance, Spotify for Artists allows you to submit music to Spotify playlists, edit your Spotify artist bio, view streaming analytics, and so on.

Other popular streaming platforms include Apple Music, Amazon Music for Artists, Deezer for Creators, and Youtube for Artists.

With your music available on all large streaming platforms, you can rest assured someone will notice you.

However, the goal is to get noticed by a lot of people. So, besides distributing your music, you need to find a way to gain exposure. 

And one of the best ways to do this is to reach out to playlist curators.

See also: Best Music Distribution Services

5. Get in Touch With Playlist Curators 

Playlist curators (individuals who build playlists) have an important role in digital music promotion. 

On platforms like Spotify, many listeners search for playlists based on a specific genre or mood. So, getting your song on the right playlist is a great way to gain exposure.

Silver laptop with Spotify open.

The thing is, Spotify employs music curators. More precisely, you can become a Spotify playlist curator if you meet their requirements (if you have at least 1k followers, for example) and start earning money by building playlists.

Now, Spotify encourages curators to seek independent artists who need exposure. 

And that’s why you should try to pitch your song to a playlist curator. This will give you a good chance to be featured in a popular playlist with many followers. 

And of course, you should opt for playlists that fit your genre and style. 

6. Use Email Marketing

If you want to promote your music independently, you also need to use email marketing.

Email marketing includes creating mailing lists and giving updates on your music, such as new releases, tour dates, and so on. 

Many journalists, bloggers, and promoters use the information they receive via email, so make sure to find relevant people who might be interested in what you have to share. 

You should also include a sign-up form on your website to build up your marketing list.

7. Perform Live Shows

Promoting your music and building a powerful social media presence is all about staying active.

You need to be consistent and engage your fans all the time.

But performing live shows is arguably the best way to connect with people and expand your fan base.

In the beginning, you’ll probably perform in a local bar or coffee shop.

Eventually, you will start performing at small music festivals and venues.

And if you make a good impression, that’s when things will start to happen.

Eventually, you will start to grow your audience and play at bigger festivals and venues.

Fans at a music concert.

When you’re just starting out, it’s important to do as many small live shows as possible. That’s hands down the best way to introduce your music to people. 

Live streams on Instagram and other platforms are also a great way to showcase your music, talent, and personality.

And you can do it literally anywhere and anytime. 

So, why not have short live sessions every Sunday at 8 o’clock? Or you can try it once and see what happens.

8. Reach Out to Bloggers and Journalists

With any luck, a music blogger or journalist will see your show or live stream and write about it. That way, you can reach thousands of potential new listeners.

However, you shouldn’t wait for that to happen. You can reach out to music bloggers and journalists and introduce yourself.

Pitching yourself to music blogs is a great way to gain exposure in a more direct, serious way.

Most people who read music blogs and online magazines are music enthusiasts, and they will most likely check out a new recommended artist or song.

That said, you should look for blogs and websites that fit your music genre and style. 

And when writing messages to bloggers, journalists, and magazines, make sure to include all the necessary info: a brief description of your music, your EPK, and links to your best tracks.

9. Collaborate With Influencers 

When messaging people who can share your music, don’t forget about influencers.

Collaborating with influencers will ultimately help you grow your fan base online.

You can create reels or TikTok videos together, or you can simply ask them to use your song in any way they see fit.

Of course, you should seek influencers whose approach aligns with your target audience and expectations. 

That way, your music will attract more people, and they will most likely check out your Instagram, website, or Youtube channel.

10. Run Online Contests and Giveaways

Another great way you can collaborate with influencers is to organize an online contest or giveaway. 

Alternatively, you can run a giveaway on your own profile. 

This always works well, even though it has been a part of marketing strategies for ages now.

Nevertheless, a chance for winning something always attracts a certain number of people, and you can easily get more likes, comments, and shares. 

11. Find Music Podcasts

Besides blogs, social media, and streaming platforms, another media many people turn to nowadays is podcasts.

black microphone

Podcasts are a great way to promote your music because they allow you to introduce yourself and your work thoroughly. 

That said, try to get interviewed for a popular podcast within your genre. Don’t be afraid to reach out – you’re a new artist, and many podcasts are dedicated to new music.

Moreover, people who listen to these kinds of podcasts are also very dedicated. If they stick around to hear what you have to say, they will most likely support you in terms of encouraging likes, shares, or comments.

And who knows – maybe a promoter or a music festival director will give it a listen too. 

Getting featured on a podcast is an ideal way of getting your music heard by music enthusiasts as well as relevant people from the music industry. 

And the same goes for radio shows. Radio is a traditional format, but many people still listen to it.

Plus, there are many great online radios that might host you and therefore give you a chance to grow your audience significantly. 

The great thing about podcasts and radio shows is that they can present both you and your music. And getting someone to actually listen to your music can be a game-changer. 

12. Shoot a Music Video

Another brilliant way to get people to listen to your music is by shooting a music video.

Many people find new music via YouTube or other video-based platforms.

Moreover, if you create an authentic music video, there’s a high chance someone will share it or talk about it. 

And getting people to talk about your music is very important.

By the way, you don’t have to invest a ton of money in making a music video. If you have a great idea, you’ll figure out the rest.

A band making a music video to promote their music.

Music videos are an essential part of every musician’s work.

And they have the potential to become very popular or even go viral online. 

So, even if you’re just starting out, it’s good to invest some time and effort into making a music video.

13. Use Paid Advertising

Once you create a music video and record several tracks, you should opt for paid advertising.

Platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram offer paid ads, so you can easily promote your music without a lot of effort. 

Even investing a few bucks will get you a certain level of exposure.

And you can always use your existing material to make promotions on Facebook and Instagram. So, you can go for it even if you don’t have a new release.

However, you’ll have to be patient and persistent.

Paid ads are a good way of promoting your music in an easy and affordable way, but sometimes they don’t deliver amazing results.

14. Find an Artist Promotion Service 

The easier and probably more effective way to advertise your music online is to contact a music promotion service.

The best music promotion services and companies offer artists an easy way to showcase their music and promote it on platforms like Spotify and social media.

You just need to find a company that fits your goals, budget, and preferences.

Artist promotion services offer anything from boosting your streams on Spotify to providing YouTube optimization and PR strategies. 

And some companies will help you get in touch with relevant playlist curators. 

It all depends on what you want. 

Either way, it’s important thing is to get real organic streams.

And that’s why we recommend contacting a reliable music promotion company that won’t disappoint you.

If you’re on a budget, many online promotion and distribution services offer free or affordable promos.

And some of them will even offer you a record deal if they like your music. 

15. Stay Active 

Whether you contact a music promotion service or you decide to run a campaign by yourself, it’s important to stay active.

The internet is a place where things can change in an instant.

Also, if you’re not posting regularly and consistently, the algorithm will simply not show your content to your followers as much as it should.

On the other hand, you shouldn’t post too much either.

You need to find a balance.

And you should always look for ways to engage your followers and connect with your fans.

woman sitting using laptop

When it comes to social media, don’t post too much content unrelated to your music. Stay active, but stay consistent and true to yourself – don’t forget what your profile/channel is all about.

After all, the quality of your music should be your priority, both online and in real life.

That being said, make sure you keep creating and recording. That is arguably the best way to promote your music and grow your audience.

If people like your music, they will eventually want to hear more.

And of course, songwriting and recording will help you evolve as an artist. 

Plus, it will be easier for you to create a whole album if you have many tracks at your disposal. You’ll just need to make a selection and release the best ones.

Honestly, there’s a ton of work behind every recording and every studio album. 

And that’s why you deserve a chance to be heard.

That being said, we hope all of the ways to promote the music we mentioned today will help you find your listeners. 

Once you build a fan base, even a small one, everything will be easier. 

Ways to Promote Your Music – Final Thoughts 

Promoting your music effectively is crucial for every aspiring artist.

Luckily, there are so many ways to promote music nowadays.

So, try to take advantage of all the marketing and promotional tools you have at your disposal.

Create a strong digital presence, share your music, and explore new ways to present yourself and your music. 

Although all of this might seem overwhelming, it will be worthwhile in the end! 

You may also like: Best Music Promotion Services

Will Fenton

Will, the founder of MIDDER, is a multifaceted individual with a deep passion for music and personal finance. As a self-proclaimed music and personal finance geek, he has a keen eye for futuristic technologies, especially those that empower creators and the public.

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