Here are some simple tips for Start up Bands that want to use Social Media to promote themselves.
Have a plan!
I cannot stress this enough. Social Media works best when implemented with an overall marketing plan. I know it doesn’t sound cool. But even the most spontaneous artist must have very structured business sense, to be successful.
As you put together the methods (i.e. radio and newspaper ads, email and contest campaigns, street team marketing…) you will use to get the word out about your band, make sure you mention your social media presences using those tactics. To reiterate, if you secure air time on CBS radio, be sure to mention that you are on FaceBook, Twitter and use those sites to promote your other marketing outlets. It all should work together.
Persistence will become Power
Let’s face it as a start up band that hasn’t signed with a major label, you may not have a lot of followers or fans when you first begin your social media presence. Social Media reveals influence when you initially use it. I’m sure the first week Mick Jagger started a Fan Page on FaceBook he drew thousands of followers in a few days. He probably had a number of pages others had started about him and community page status. He was already famous before FaceBook!
But you can use Social Media to affect your level of influence. Over time with persistence you can extend the brand of your band and build influence and power. You just need to be consistent and clever.
Don’t feel clever just look at what others are doing. Get ideas by checking out blogs written on this topic and modify those ideas to meet your needs. Also don’t be afraid to speak with a Social Media Consultant. Get three fee quotes and check referrals before choosing one.
Use the full ability of your platforms
There are a lot of great features that FaceBook and other Social Media platforms support, which can help your band, sell tickets or other promotional materials and promote your brand. Payvment, Ustream, iLike, hyper-linked graphics and icons to your website are just some of the applications you can add to your FaceBook Fan Page. Twitter can be used for extensive searches and they have Twiturm that helps you share your music on Twitter. Other platforms can help you auto post to a number of sites with one click. Find out what features would be of best use for you.
Listen to your town
Use Social media as a venue to listen to your current and potential fans in your town. Bookmark RSS feeds of key words or phrases that are pertinent to your band. You can see if your band or sound type is being mentioned online. You can response to these; by thanking those that liked your sound or people looking for a venue with your type band in your area. Whatever you do don’t get too creepy, in approaching people you meet on line.
Start somewhere!
I used to advise people that if they were not going to do Social Media well don’t do it at all. I still believe that to a degree, but the crowding of the field has made me encourage people to go ahead and try. Usernames and opportunities are being snatched up, therefore, get started to secure your band name and brand before some other entity.
There are sites that you can use to check brand and username availability. Knowem and Usernamz are two of these such sites.
Honorable Mentions – FaceBook Ads
FaceBook Ads are very easy and affordable to use. You can really hone in on towns and people’s music interest to which to advertise. I have found ad campaigns costing as little as $50 to be effective. You can use ads to bring clicks, attention or brand recognition to your FaceBook fan page, website or event. It is too easy and reasonable not to give it at least a try.
If you would like to connect or ask questions please leave a comment here or email Chandra@StrateStrategicOnlineNetworking
Social Media Strategist