One of the most essential things a band needs in order to become successful is a fanbase. For bands starting out it is very difficult task to build their fanbase and it can often seem extremely daunting. While it is all and good that your close friends and family support you, the most important fanbase consists of people who you don't know. But how do you reach and build that fanbase? Here are 4 ways bands can build their local fanbase.
1. Brand Visibility - Every band has a brand, whether they work on it or not, and this brand is the
band's identity. From the band logo and songs to the way the band interacts at shows and on social media, they are all part of a band's brand. To become successful a band needs to not only create this brand to best represent them but they must make their brand visible and rememberable. Merchandise is one of the best ways to get your brand out because it allows your current fans to advertise for you, especially items that can be given away for free such as stickers, buttons, or posters. Just getting your band's image and name out there is very important because you are establishing your brand recognition or as many in the industry say; creating a buzz.
2. Perform - Performing live is an essential part to building your fanbase as well as making your current fanbase even stronger. An amazing show can turn someone who just enjoys your music into a loyal fan who passionately promotes your music to their friends. Be sure to book smart and not overplay certain areas, if you play an area too much it can burn out your audience and start to hurt your draw. Some of the best places to play are venues and bars in small towns near your area, small towns often appreciate live bands more because they get less of them and it is often one of the only things to do in town that night.
3. Network - One of the most important things in all business fields is networking. As the saying goes "It's not what you know, but who you know" and in the music industry it especially rings true. Luckily there are a ton of ways to network in the music industry and with the right attitude and drive you can easily open yourself up to many opportunities you may have never thought about. Shows are some of the best places to network in the music industry and it's also a great way to show support to fellow musicians. Just by going out and showing support for other local bands you are helping your local scene thrive which helps you in long-run. Always have a business card handy as well, it not only looks professional but makes it easier for people to remember and contact you.
4. Promote - The most important tool in a bands arsenal is their ability to promote themselves. You need to promote everything you do; shows, tours, cd releases, videos, etc. In fact the three previous items in this list can be considered as promotional tactics but they are only a small part of promoting. Every industry and field relies on promotion, even massive internationally recognized brands and companies constantly focus on promotions and marketing, so for a local band it should be no different. Think outside the box and try to find innovative ways to promote your music and brand but most importantly come up with a game plan. Set goals for yourselves and make sure everyone is on the same page, a team effort is your best shot. Don't limit yourselves because sometimes crazy things may work like when Alien Ant Farm crashed a Justin Timberlake concert, Gay Pride parade, and the BET Awards. Some artists go other routes such as Lil' Dicky who paid to get professional music videos made of his songs and released a new one every few weeks.
It takes a long time and a lot of work to build up a fanbase but with the right attitude and a lot of ambition you may end up surprising yourself.
Be sure to check out similar articles;
7 Things Bands Do To Make Promotors Frustrated
8 Things Every Musician Should Know About Music Publishing
6 Reasons Why It's Important For Bands To Tour
1. Brand Visibility - Every band has a brand, whether they work on it or not, and this brand is the
band's identity. From the band logo and songs to the way the band interacts at shows and on social media, they are all part of a band's brand. To become successful a band needs to not only create this brand to best represent them but they must make their brand visible and rememberable. Merchandise is one of the best ways to get your brand out because it allows your current fans to advertise for you, especially items that can be given away for free such as stickers, buttons, or posters. Just getting your band's image and name out there is very important because you are establishing your brand recognition or as many in the industry say; creating a buzz.2. Perform - Performing live is an essential part to building your fanbase as well as making your current fanbase even stronger. An amazing show can turn someone who just enjoys your music into a loyal fan who passionately promotes your music to their friends. Be sure to book smart and not overplay certain areas, if you play an area too much it can burn out your audience and start to hurt your draw. Some of the best places to play are venues and bars in small towns near your area, small towns often appreciate live bands more because they get less of them and it is often one of the only things to do in town that night.
3. Network - One of the most important things in all business fields is networking. As the saying goes "It's not what you know, but who you know" and in the music industry it especially rings true. Luckily there are a ton of ways to network in the music industry and with the right attitude and drive you can easily open yourself up to many opportunities you may have never thought about. Shows are some of the best places to network in the music industry and it's also a great way to show support to fellow musicians. Just by going out and showing support for other local bands you are helping your local scene thrive which helps you in long-run. Always have a business card handy as well, it not only looks professional but makes it easier for people to remember and contact you.
4. Promote - The most important tool in a bands arsenal is their ability to promote themselves. You need to promote everything you do; shows, tours, cd releases, videos, etc. In fact the three previous items in this list can be considered as promotional tactics but they are only a small part of promoting. Every industry and field relies on promotion, even massive internationally recognized brands and companies constantly focus on promotions and marketing, so for a local band it should be no different. Think outside the box and try to find innovative ways to promote your music and brand but most importantly come up with a game plan. Set goals for yourselves and make sure everyone is on the same page, a team effort is your best shot. Don't limit yourselves because sometimes crazy things may work like when Alien Ant Farm crashed a Justin Timberlake concert, Gay Pride parade, and the BET Awards. Some artists go other routes such as Lil' Dicky who paid to get professional music videos made of his songs and released a new one every few weeks.
It takes a long time and a lot of work to build up a fanbase but with the right attitude and a lot of ambition you may end up surprising yourself.
Be sure to check out similar articles;
7 Things Bands Do To Make Promotors Frustrated
8 Things Every Musician Should Know About Music Publishing
6 Reasons Why It's Important For Bands To Tour
No comments:
Post a Comment