Music Marketing Via The Web

Most bands and musicians think that their website and marketing is going to come from some Corporate Mega-Record Company.

In the dream, Mega-Records is going record the single. Your new manager will help to launch a world wide tour for the band and get thousands of plays for the yet to be released hit single. Along with the contract comes all the publicity, marketing, interviews, photos and fans that every band deserves.

Unfortunately, this is not how it happens.

So what's a savvy band to do? Use the Web as a marketing engine.

1. Create a band website and update the content frequently.
2. Use blogs and social networking sites to gather "friends" who are fans of your music.
3. Send out invitations to gigs and events.
4. Upload gig videos and audio samples for Internet access.
5. Create an "indie" label and distribute your CDs via online independent distributors.
6. Offer digital downloads for your music.
7. Give away free "download" cards at your gigs.
8. Create podcasts for fans to stream to their computers and music players.
9. Make it easy for fans to hear and buy your music.
10. Use e-mail marketing and keep in touch with your fan base.

If you do any of the above - Congratulations, at least you're trying to use the Web for your marketing!

For the musician or band - all of the standard web and internet marketing techniques still apply. But you need even more assistance because you're trying to produce that CD in the first place.

Most of all, you need a brand image. That's often overlooked because - after all, your primary mission is to create and produce the music. But without branding and an image, you'll get lost among all the other Indies who who are trying to be noticed.

Ahh, you ask - but aren't fans and managers suppose to notice my music?

You've done a lot of work to create an online presence and it doesn't seem that the gigs are getting better or that anyone is buying your CD or visiting your website.

Some of you are just struggling with "do it yourself" CD duplication and packaging, and don't even know where to start with things such as:

1. Logo Design
2. CD/DVD Artwork and packaging
3. CD/DVD duplication
4. CD Mastering
5. T -shirts and logo gear
6. Promotional materials
7. Marketing campaigns

Contact Kat to discuss your online presence, marketing requirements and brand image.