Improve Your Music

David Hooper has written one of the most sensible and straightforward articles I’ve ever read on the subject of “success” in the music business. It should be compulsory reading for anyone even slightly interested in a career in music. It is entitled 10 mistakes that bands and musicians make.

Here is point 7 which talks about a subject close to my heart, marketing music. Too many musicians believe that “Marketing” is some evil, mind control program to suck dollars out of gullible fools. That sort of definition is just a cop out. Have a look at what David says:

7. Not Building Strong Relationships with Fans

People aren’t stupid. They know that they’re being marketed to.  They know when you’re looking to sell them something.

Do they mind?  No.

In fact, if you have a good relationship with your fans, they won’t mind being marketed to and, if you do it well, they look forward to being marketed to.

However, they have to know you care.

Building relationships with fans take time.  You have to show them you care.

Do things like:

• Give them a few free songs to download
• Have message board on your website and build a community there
• Do a “fan appreciation” show
• Record a holiday album that you give out to your fan club.

Show them in special ways that you, not only care, but that you’re willing to go the extra mile to show your appreciation. In turn, they will buy your music, travel to see you play, call radio stations on your behalf and promote you all over the Web.

Every day, no matter if you’re busy recording, on the road or at home worrying about how you’re going to find the money to make your project happen, do something (no matter how small the gesture is) to reach out to your fans.

Anyway… as they say in the classics, go and read the whole thing.

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