This is Matt from Legion Beats,
Record labels want you to have a large fan base BEFORE they offer you a deal. Major labels don't “discover” artists anymore like they used to.
They only consider artists who have already gathered a big following.
Why? Because they have already shown potential for profitability.
But why would you want to sign your profits away to a label when you have already blown up independently? Why would you want to give away 80% of your profits in a 360 deal AFTER you have been making good money from a fan base who consistently buy your songs and go to your shows?
Now, a lot of popular artists, like Chance the Rapper and Tech N9ne, are choosing to stay independent so they can keep 100% of their song profits and show money.
As the power in the music industry transitions from large, corporate record labels to us smaller, independent artists
…its' now more important than ever to build a fanbase on your own and create lasting relationships with your fans.
Here are 4 things that you MUST do to grow your fan base. Let's see how many you are doing.
1. Get your music on ALL platforms
It's really important to make it as easy as possible for people to hear your music.
Don’t just put your music on SoundCloud. Put it on Youtube, Spotify, iTunes, Bandcamp, etc. You can use a service like Tunecore to get your songs on major streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
Having your music readily available for all potential listeners will dramatically increase your chances of gaining fans.
2. Engage with your listeners
The easiest way to do this is through direct communication. Take the time to send direct messages to these fans and communicate with them. Be friendly and let them know you appreciate their support.
Social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram and Facebook make it easy for artists to nurture these relationships with fans. You don’t have to be their best friend, but a little communication (like an email or facebook message or retweet) can go a long way.
This step can be very time consuming, but, luckily we have a service for our Inner Circle members that can automate many of these tasks for you. Check out legionbeats.com/join and let me know what you think!
3. Create a call to action
Whenever any individual shows interest in your music, create a “call to action” – this means telling them what you'd like them to do. Don’t be afraid to ask something of your fans!
Curate a list of email addresses of all your potential fans. Ask for your listener's email address. Always offer something in return, like a free download to your new single or a social media shout out.
You can use this email list to let your listeners know when you’re performing in their city or you can send them unreleased content and ask for feedback.
4. Create lasting relationships with your fans
Open up a dialogue with these listeners and encourage conversation by replying and staying in contact.
This is where that email list will come in handy. The more times you can create personal connections between you and your audience the more likely you are to convert them into true fans.
My advice is don’t wait to get signed to start building your fanbase, start right now.
What’s one thing you could do today that will help build your fanbase for tomorrow?
Let me know!
-Matt from Legion Beats
PS: Click Here to get the book I mentioned earlier. The full title is “Get More Fans: The DIY Guide To The New Music Business.” I definitely recommend it!
