If you are a musician whose up on marketing, you know the importance of having a music blog by now. Connecting with your audience, engaging with established fans and new followers, sharing information, and drawing attention to your site through SEO content are all great reasons to have a blog. Thinking of writing one can bring about a sudden case of writer’s block though, especially if writing isn’t one of your main talents.
Don’t forget that there’s always the option of hiring a writer or a music marketer to do your written content for you. Regardless of which way you choose to get it done, there are too many perks to having a blog to let the opportunity slip past. Here are some ideas for you (or your professional writer) to blog about:
1. Special Interests
Engaging your audience often means getting real. In real life, you probably have more interests than just your music. Your readers would love to hear about them. Do you fish, snow ski, paint, or do woodworking? Maybe your hobbies include something interesting such as collecting beer steins or polishing rocks you find on tour. Whatever your interests are outside of the music field, blog about one or even all of them. You may be surprised how much attention the blogs will attract.
2. Music News
What’s the latest news in your corner of the music world? More importantly, how does that news affect you as a musician and an individual? Blogs can be informative and newsworthy, but they are also appreciated for their human side. Don’t be afraid to state your opinion in your blog. This is the time and the place to let it all out.
As you are presenting your dynamic version of the news, your readers will be filled with emotion. Some will side with you. Some will empathize or understand your point of views. Others may disagree. The main thing to accomplish is to ignite your audiences’ emotions and to strengthen engagement.
The news you choose can be current or you can bring up old news if you have a new slant. Dig deep and you are sure to uncover something.
Subjects of interest in news-type blogs include:
• The death of a music artist
• New rules or regulations in the music industry
• Product release announcements
• Video release announcements
• Song or album release announcements
• Concert and tour announcements
• Personal life matters of other musicians
3. Song History
Especially if you have a new song out, you can write about the history of it. How were the lyrics though up? Who created the lyrics? How was the song introduced to the group? What was your first reaction? Did anything change with the initial version of the tune and the way it is recorded today? Listeners love finding out all they can about the songs they love and finding out more about the songs makes them love them even more so it’s a win-win.
4. Your Personal History
You probably have an “About” on your website and fans most likely know a little about you, but a blog is the perfect chance to tell them more. Where did you grow up? When did you realize your dream to be a musician? What was the journey like initially and now? What are your passions? Your beliefs? Your dreams and goals? Tell all and expect to gain more fans and to convert fans into loyal, die-hard ones.
What obstacles stumped you on the way from where you were to where you are now? How did you overcome them? You could do an entire blog on a single one or combine them.
Did you once have a drinking problem but went to rehab or found a program that worked for you? Imagine how many people you might help by sharing it. Maybe you were a serious introvert and had to learn to come out of your shell to perform or give up your dream of being a musician. Admitting to your demons and sharing some light is good for yourself and your readers too.
The more personal you get, the more respect you will most likely see. That’s not always the case so only put out there what you are comfortable with but by taking some risk, you are liable to be rewarded.
5. Interviews
Interview a member of your band, a stagehand, or your music manager. Let your reader in on the conversation between two friends. Readers love to feel like they are a part of your life and when you conduct an interview, they get to know you better and the person you are interviewing too.
Don’t stress about the person you interview having to be someone heroic. They don’t have to be larger than life. The fact that they are letting your tear down some walls and ask them questions is good enough to make a blog interesting and relatable.
Do Away with Blog Fog Once and For All
When creating your blog, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Go to your comfort zone to do your brainstorming and writing like your bedroom, a cozy office, or even your favorite easy chair. Give yourself permission to let it flow. Lower you’re the expectations you’ve placed on yourself and raise you appreciation. Sure, you’ll feel a little exposed but there’s something very charming about a transparent musician that fans go wild about. Let it all hang out.
When you begin to loosen up and let your blog flow, you’ll see that it’s a process – of progress, not perfection. Your audience will be pleased just to hear from you so don’t disappoint.
Blogs are excellent ways of reaching your audience, both old and new. They offer a unique way to speak with your readers and to get more personal with them. Blogs are also very useful for getting acquainted with other musicians. Your blog may start a collaboration between you and another artist who happened upon your content.