Introduction

Hello and welcome to RaggStar! This free resource is for creatives who are committed to growing themselves as artists and entrepreneurs. We created this resource because we wish someone sat us down and shared this information with us when we first started our music careers. Being an independent artist can be equated to being a small business owner who is starting their venture. There is no help, no capital backing, and no formal education that ever outlines the steps and processes that it takes for artists to succeed in the modern world. Our belief is that education can bridge the gap between the conglomerate of major labels that make up the music industry and the everyday aspiring artists who dream of a vision bigger than themselves. The mission here is to give you a knowledge base and step-by-step guides for building a successful music career in the 21st century. In a world where everyone is in it for themselves, we want to be the one resource that invests everything we have to offer back into you - The Artist.

Leveraging Social Media and Streaming Services

Promoting your music is essential for gaining visibility and growing your fanbase. However, many independent artists face the challenge of limited budgets. This guide provides cost-effective marketing strategies to help you promote your music without breaking the bank. By leveraging social media, collaborating with other artists, and engaging with local media, you can maximize your reach and build a successful music career.

Social Media Strategies

Ever heard of the phrase ‘if you build it, they will come’ Well, when it comes to social media, it’s more like ‘if you post it, they might scroll past it.’ Let’s fix that.

• Choosing the Right Platforms: Focus on platforms where your target audience is most active. Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter are popular among music fans. Use these platforms to share updates, engage with followers, and post content that showcases your personality and music.
• Content Creation: Create engaging content such as short videos, behind-the-scenes footage, and live sessions. Use Instagram Stories and TikTok trends to capture attention. Regularly update your profiles with new content to keep your audience engaged.

Think of your social media like a sitcom—if you keep the episodes coming, people will keep tuning in. Just make sure your content isn’t a rerun! Keep making ‘em come back like this

• Engagement Strategies: Interact with your followers by responding to comments, hosting Q&A sessions, and running contests. Use polls and questions in Instagram Stories to encourage interaction. Engaging directly with your audience helps build a loyal fanbase.

Engagement on social media is like playing fetch with a hyperactive puppy. The more you throw, the more they come back—just don’t forget the treats (aka awesome content)!

Streaming Services

• Optimizing Your Profiles: Ensure your profiles on Spotify, Apple Music, and other streaming platforms are complete and professional. Use high-quality images, write compelling bios, and regularly update your profiles with new releases and playlists.
• Playlist Placements: Getting your songs added to playlists can significantly boost your streams. Research curators and submit your music to relevant playlists. Use platforms like SubmitHub and PlaylistPush to find opportunities for playlist placements.

Promotional Tools: Utilize the promotional tools offered by streaming platforms. Spotify for Artists and Apple Music for Artists provide valuable insights and promotional options. Use these tools to track your performance and optimize your marketing efforts.

Think of these tools as your personal assistants—minus the coffee runs and constant ‘please fix this’ emails.

Collaborating with Artists and Engaging with Media

Collaborating with Other Artists

• Benefits of Collaboration: Collaborating with other artists can expand your reach and introduce you to new audiences. Joint projects can bring fresh ideas and energy to your music.

Two heads are better than one, especially when one is busy figuring out why their guitar keeps making that weird noise.

• Finding Collaborators: Network at local events, join online music communities, and use social media to find potential collaborators. Reach out to artists whose music complements yours and propose collaboration ideas.
• Collaborative Projects: Consider joint singles, live performances, or social media takeovers. Collaborative projects can generate buzz and provide opportunities for cross-promotion.

It’s like a musical buddy cop movie—except everyone’s singing, and nobody’s arguing about who gets to drive.

Engaging with Local Media and Blogs

Identifying Local Opportunities: Research local media outlets, blogs, and radio stations that feature independent artists. Building relationships with local journalists and bloggers can lead to valuable coverage. Here are some Atlanta-based journalists and bloggers who focus on music and entertainment:

• Rodney Carmichael - Senior Music Writer at Atlanta Magazine
• Jewel Wicker - Freelance Writer for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, focusing on entertainment and culture
• Chandler Franklin - Music Editor at Creative Loafing Atlanta
• Daniella Boik - Contributor at Atlanta INtown Paper, specializing in local music events
• Mike Jordan - Editor and Writer for Butter.ATL, covering Atlanta’s hip-hop scene
• Kaitlin L. Noll - Music Blogger at The ATL Collective
• Gabrielle Alexandra Smith - Entertainment Reporter at WABE (Atlanta’s NPR Station)
• Avery Shepherd - Freelance Music Writer for Hypepotamus, focusing on local artists
• Nicole Mitchem - Editor at Atlanta Music Guide
• Gavin Godfrey - Editor-at-large for Atlanta-based music blog Red Bull Music Academy Daily

Think of local media like your neighborhood bakery—get on their good side, and you’ll be featured more often than the daily specials.

Creating a Press Kit: Develop a professional press kit that includes your bio, photos, press releases, and music samples. A well-crafted press kit makes it easier for media outlets to feature your music.

Your press kit is your musical business card—make it snazzy enough to avoid getting tossed into the ‘meh’ pile.

• Pitching Your Story: Craft compelling pitches that highlight your unique story and musical journey. Personalize your pitches to each outlet and explain why your music would resonate with their audience.

Pitching your story is like auditioning for a reality TV show—stand out, be memorable, and don’t be afraid to show a bit of drama.

Hosting Events and Using Email Marketing

Hosting DIY Events and Performances

• Organizing Local Shows: Plan and host your own live performances. Partner with local venues or host house concerts to connect with your audience in an intimate setting.

Hosting your own show is like throwing a party—just with more microphones and fewer complaints from the neighbors.

• Virtual Performances: Use platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Instagram Live to perform for your fans online. Promote these events through your social media channels to maximize attendance.

Going virtual? Just think of it as playing to a crowd that’s comfortable in their pajamas—no stage fright needed!

• Fan Engagement: Engage with your audience during and after performances by offering merch giveaways, signing sessions, and fan shout-outs. Building a personal connection with your fans can lead to long-term loyalty.

Utilizing Email Marketing

• Building an Email List: Collect email addresses from fans at shows, through your website, and on social media. Offer incentives like exclusive content or early access to new music in exchange for email sign-ups.

Think of your email list as a VIP club—no bouncers required, just great content and exclusive access.

• Creating Newsletters: Design engaging newsletters that keep your fans informed about upcoming releases, events, and behind-the-scenes updates. Include personal stories and exclusive content to make your newsletters special.

Newsletters should be like a good mixtape—personal, memorable, and definitely worth a read (or listen). Just like this one 😉

• Promotional Campaigns: Use email marketing campaigns to promote new releases, tour dates, and special offers. Track your campaigns’ performance to understand what resonates with your audience and refine your strategy.

TLDR

Promoting your music on a budget requires creativity, persistence, and a strategic approach. By leveraging social media, collaborating with other artists, and engaging with local media, you can effectively promote your music and grow your fanbase without significant financial investment. Remember, consistency and engagement are key to building a successful music career. Start implementing these strategies today and watch your music reach new heights.