As a musician, there’s nothing more exciting than the day your new release comes out. You’ve poured all you are into your music and now it’s finally available for the public to enjoy. It’s time to celebrate and to get the word out. Here are some things you can do to help your release day stand out so your music gets noticed.
Prior to Your Release Day
You will want to begin stirring a buzz before the big day. Through wise preparation and a little knowledge of music marketing, you can help ensure the success of your song or album by having more streams, listeners, and followers.
Pitch.
Pitch the heck out of your music from the moment you know it’s coming out. Be your own cheerleader and encourage other fans and musicians to pitch your music as well. Blogs, articles, and interviews are excellent examples of pitching your music before it comes out.
Pitch on Spotify.
Pitch your tune on Spotify too. Spotify marketing drives results. This feature is available on Spotify for Artists’ playlist pitch tool. Twenty percent of songs that are pitched get accepted so why not make one of those yours? Make sure your pitch is completed seven days before your new release comes out. If it makes the cut, the editorial team will take care of the placement.
Refresh your Profiles.
Your artist profiles should be up to date with information that includes your new release. Go to all your social media sites and your website too and make sure they sound great. Include information such as where you are from your your accomplishments so far. Add some photos to your photo gallery – some behind the scenes ones as well as some on-stage shots. Don’t be afraid to get professional help is writing isn’t your thing.
Perfect your Website.
In addition to your profile, your entire website should be gone over. Be sure it’s updated and inviting. Your new release should draw more visitors so be prepared for them.
Press Releases.
You can put out your own press releases announcing your new release. There are multiple sources online to submit the releases to – both free and paid. Be sure your copy follows the guidelines. If you aren’t a fan of writing, you can outsource the work.
Advertise.
Take out some paid advertising in avenues such as Facebook and other social media channels. Make them fun, create, and short. Consider putting out a full-blown media ad campaign on all available social media platforms. Your new music deserves all the attention it can get.
Reels.
Prepare some Facebook Reels for your new release. The process is simple and very effective. If you have a music marketing service, they may help you with a Reel or totally tend to the production for you.
Canvas.
Be sure to utilize Canvas – a three to eight second loop on Spotify for Artists. Canvas is a great way to engage your fans and to attract new listeners. It is easy to create and simple to upload on but you want your product to look professional so you might consider having a pro put it together for you.
Marquee.
Marquee is a Spotify feature that comes out on full screen. It encourages new listeners and those who have played your music before to listen to your new release. After each of the Marquee campaigns, you’ll be able to check the stats to see how well it is working and to get the details of its effectiveness. You can find out all the requirements by visiting Spotify for Artists.
What to Do On Your Release Date
Engage.
The day your release comes out, reserve the entire day to interact with your new listeners and fans. Sit by your computer or phone and reply to all comments and everything that is posted about it. It is truly the time to ask, “How do you like me now?” Do be sure to do so in a positive way. Make your listeners feel as if they have helped in the journey because…they have.
Channel Check.
Go through all the channels you’re activating your music on. Make sure everything is going correctly. If there are any problems, take the proper action to correct the issue. Be sure to engage and respond to everything written, shared, or posted in every single platform you check.
Create Playlists.
Now that your new release music has hit the charts, you can create playlists for your listeners that includes it. This is a fabulous way to engage your loyal fans and followers. This is a good way to give your listeners something for nothing which is a good marketing practice.
Interviews.
Be the guest on as many interviews as possible. You can reach out to fellow musicians and others who may host the interviews. Sources include YouTube, podcasts, and more. You can return the favor at a later date.
Share.
Share your new music like crazy. Yes, it is tooting your own horn but to get your music heard, that’s what you have to do and after all, it is worth tooting about. Encourage your listeners to share your new release as well.
Acknowledge.
Don’t forget to give credit where it is due. Acknowledge those who have helped you along in getting your new release out and who’ve played a part in your music career altogether. Give glory to your fans too for they are the ones that your entire career depends upon – past, future, and present. Make sure they know you know that.
Celebrate!
Your release day is a day to be celebrated. Invite your fans to join the party. Don’t get wrapped up in critiquing the debut of your song or album but look how far it has come full circle and delight in your accomplishment.
When It Is All Said and Done
There are a few things that you will want to do on your new music release date. Make it creative and fun. It should be a time of celebration and anticipation of how well it is going to do across the board. Above all, the most important thing you should do is to…enjoy! This is your day!