It has been a while since I posted some tips about music marketing, but a very interesting series has been published on Ariel Publicity, that you should bookmark on your eternal music marketing pinboard. I’ll put up a summary here, but I advise you to take the time to read the whole series.
part 1: prepare your album release well in advance!
- Figure out your digital distribution: choose one distributor: Tunecore, or CD Baby, or…
- Make sure your online presence is complete: your official website, Facebook and YouTube
- Set up a newsletter
- Try to book a tour supporting your release campaign
- Prepare your merchandise (it takes longer than you think)
- Set up a presale campaign for your biggest fans
- Prepare a press campaign: you need band photos and a good bio. Target the right people (or hire a PR firm)
- Launch timeline: plan some milestones, there is an excellent example in the post
part 3: keep the story going with new content
There are three content streams to feed you fan base, which will strengthen your relationship with your fans after the album release: music, live shows and social media.
- music: you can provide alternate versions and remixes of your album tracks, you can cover songs, and release singles or EPs between album cycles
- live shows: if touring is too expensive you can think about streaming gigs witch services such as Ustream
- social media: keep doing it, even if there is not really big news about an album. Write about things in your life or that you find interesting. Show your personality
