In the 1990s, the computer industry was hit by three major bombs. The first was the browser, which served as our portal to the internet. Then came the technologies for transmitting video and audio via this new channel, such as compressed video and audio. Then, in 1999, the music “sharing” website Napster was founded. From that point forward, the computer served as a single platform for recording, distributing, and consuming music.

Things were only beginning at the time. MySpace debuted in 2003, and within months, millions of users and hundreds of musicians and bands were discovering each other in ways never previously imaginable. As a result of these changes, a whole new music ecology has emerged. In the end, digital sales topped physical sales. Radio has been neglected by podcasts, streaming, and YouTube. Every laptop became a potential recording desk as studios shrank. Video links and digital profiles replaced the artist’s 810 advertising glossies.

It’s easier than ever to get your music out there, and it’s even easier to find an audience in some cases. On the other hand, building a career is still an effort, as it has always been. I studied media studies and then spoke with numerous people about how they use today’s media outlets to communicate. Andy McKee, Daryl Shawn, and Adam Rafferty, solo guitarists; Mandolin Orange, a combo; Vickie Starr of Girlie Action Media, Kaki King’s publicist; and Amanda Cagan of ABC Public Relations, who works with performers ranging from historic stars like Styx to emerging artists.

What exactly is promotion?

Because self-promotion takes time and pushes many of us out of our comfort zones, You’ll be doing a lot of this work yourself if you don’t already have a publicist, management team, or major label contract.

Take a moment to think about how you want to advance in your job. For example, releasing a certain number of songs in the following year, increasing the number of shows you play, partnering with an artist you admire or recruiting 20 new students are all examples. A definite, clear purpose is preferable to a broad one. Instead of attempting to release 10 new songs this year, a better goal would be to release one new song on the 15th of each month at 3:00 p.m.

Your marketing should aim to do one of three things: increase your visibility, establish your credibility as an artist, and provide you with income, whether it’s a brilliant YouTube video or an event poster on an old-school kiosk. Trust me, going live with your guitar on Instagram and playing a melodious old song with a perfect ambience behind you can trigger better than any other music promotion service.

We’ll go through the most important techniques for raising awareness and credibility, as well as how successful artists use them to create fan relationships and sell tickets at the door.

The mandatory tools

Your website is the first step in any marketing or visibility campaign. Some of the world’s biggest bands avoid them altogether, opting instead for a Facebook page and other forms of social networking. When it’s cold outside, I also know people who refuse to dress warmly. Make sure you’re not one of them. If you don’t have a website, you’re guaranteed to lose a lot of Google traffic.

New and existing fans will appreciate how easy it is to locate tour information, music and videos, courses, merchandising, personal blogs, gear lists, and more on your website. It should also be up to date at all times so that fans can rely on it. You should at least create a simple site on WordPress.com or Wix.com. You may always make changes as you go along, or hire photographers and designers to help you with the visuals.

Cover songs

It’s difficult to cover a song by an artist you adore. You’re almost certainly a fan of the original artist and want to give their song justice. We’ve all seen X-Factor, American Idol, and YouTube renditions that turn a legendary pop song into a dumpster fire, and no one wants to be the one to blame! However, if you do it well, you’ll undoubtedly gain new fans among those who share your feelings about the song.

You can choose any day of the week when you will be live on any social media platform and interact with your followers. You can play a melodious cover song on-demand, or you can share any tips for those who are learning guitar or share a few “FYI” about guitars, guitar parts or bridges, or a story that would be engaging.

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