So, you've just dropped a track. Congratulations! The hard work of recording, mixing, and mastering is over, but the journey to making your song a hit is just beginning. Now, it’s all about keeping that momentum going and getting your music heard by as many people as possible.
In this guide, we’ll cover the essential post-release strategies that will help you make the most of your music release, from social media engagement to playlist submissions and email marketing.
1. Engage Fans on Social Media
Social media is your first line of connection with fans post-release. Here’s how to make the most of it:
Behind-the-Scenes Content: Share some behind-the-scenes moments from your recording, music video shoot, or even the creative process behind the song. Fans love to see the journey behind the music.
Fan Interactions: Give shoutouts to fans who share your track, tag you in stories, or add it to their playlists. This makes fans feel appreciated and creates a community vibe around your music.
Interactive Stories or Q&As: Use features like Instagram Stories to go live or run a Q&A, where you can answer fan questions about the track, your creative process, or what’s next for you.
Once your release is submitted, Madverse Music generates a fan link (a single link directing listeners to your music on multiple streaming platforms), it’s perfect for sharing on social media. Make it easy for your fans to find your music, regardless of the platform they prefer!
2. Submit Your Track to Playlists
Playlists are a major avenue for organic music discovery. Many fans discover new tracks through playlists curated by both platforms and independent creators. Here’s how to get your music in the mix:
Pitch to Curators: Major streaming platforms allow you to pitch your new release to their editorial teams. Don’t skip this step! Also, reach out to independent playlist curators who align with your genre.
Collaborate on Playlists: Consider partnering with other artists or influencers to create collaborative playlists. Cross-promoting with artists in a similar genre can help expose your music to their fanbase as well.
Some distribution services like Madverse Music also offer pre-save features that allow fans to save your track before release, boosting early engagement and increasing the likelihood of playlist placement right from the start.
3. Use Email Marketing for Direct Engagement
Email marketing is often overlooked but incredibly valuable. Unlike social media, emails allow you to engage fans in a more personalised way without having to compete with algorithm-based visibility. Here’s how to make the most of it:
Send a Release Announcement: Inform your email subscribers when your track is live! Share a link to your song and add a personal message to get fans excited about listening.
Offer Exclusive Content: Reward your email subscribers with exclusive perks, like an acoustic version of the song, a behind-the-scenes story, or even early access to a music video.
Encourage Engagement: Include links to your social media or encourage fans to add the track to their personal playlists. This keeps your music top of mind and boosts its visibility.
Consider creating fan links to make it easy for listeners to access your music on any platform, or even add additional features like “Follow on Spotify” or “Subscribe on YouTube” prompts to build your audience across platforms.
4. Tap into Influencer Marketing
Collaborating with influencers can give your music an extra promotional boost, reaching fans who might not have discovered you otherwise. Here’s how you can get started:
Identify Relevant Influencers: Look for influencers who align with your brand and music style. They could be lifestyle content creators, vloggers, dancers, or even niche music influencers who have an engaged audience.
Create Authentic Content Together: When partnering with an influencer, aim for content that feels natural and resonates with their audience. This could be a reaction video, a TikTok dance, or a shared playlist.
Even a simple shoutout in an influencer’s Story can help you tap into new listeners. Just be sure the collaboration feels genuine, as today’s audiences are savvy and can tell if something feels overly promotional.
5. Analyze Your Results and Adjust
Finally, as your track gains traction, it’s essential to track its performance and make adjustments to your strategy as needed:
Monitor Your Streaming Data: Check your streaming analytics for insights on where listeners are tuning in, how long they’re listening, and if they’re adding it to their own playlists. This information can help you refine your promotional approach.
Evaluate Engagement Levels: Keep an eye on your social media interactions, email open rates, and the performance of any collaborative content. Noticing a dip in engagement? Try a new approach, like releasing a remix or collaborating on a fan-generated content challenge.
Many music distribution platforms provide analytics tools that can give you a detailed view of your audience demographics, listening habits, and streaming platforms. This data can guide future promotional efforts and help you identify areas for improvement.
Wrapping It Up
Post-release strategies are crucial to keeping your music alive in listeners’ minds and building a sustainable fanbase. With a strong mix of social media engagement, playlist submissions, email marketing, and influencer partnerships, you’ll be well on your way to amplifying your reach and making your music resonate.
Remember, promotion is a marathon, not a sprint. The key is to stay consistent and keep experimenting until you find what resonates best with your audience.