Making it in the music industry is a tricky proposition. Not only does it involve having just the right voice or instrumental skill, it also takes years of persistence. Fortunately, in today’s world of online resources, there are easier ways to get your music heard. Here are several ways starving musicians can get their music heard on the Internet:
1. Create a Website
Source Image via Flickr by Spokanefocus
It’s vital that you add brand value to your solo act or band. Find a web designer who’ll create a site that represents who you are as a musician. Make sure to include artsy photos, a fun and interesting biography, current news, and of course, your music!
Before you even start exploring how to sell your music online, you must have professional, engaging, and current site for all of your fans.
2. Offer Free Downloads
Now that you have an awesome website, it’s time to let visitors hear what you’re all about. Offer samples of your best songs as well as complete downloadable tracks to fans who join your e-mail list. Give visitors other incentives, such as a free download when they share your website on Facebook.
3. Promote with Social Media
Social Media is an important tool for budding artists. Not only should you rely on your website to draw in fans, you need a Facebook page, Twitter handle, and MySpace page too. Stay active with these platforms and engage your listeners with silly behind-the-scenes photos, engaging questions, and newsworthy info.
Network and make friends with other musicians on these platforms too. Then, you can team up and promote one another. Get more fans by swapping “shares” and introducing each other to bigger name acts.
4. Join Other Networking Sites
There are tons of great social music sites out there. Websites like Soundcloud, MeeMix, LastFM, Pandora, and Worldsings provide active online communities for musicians and music lovers alike. They allow you to connect and share your music with people from all over the world.
Use these sites to network with your idols and fans, to gain advice from experts on how to sell your music online, and most importantly, to share your music with the world!
5. Submit Your Songs
Although online radio stations may not have the huge audience you’re dreaming of, it’s a great jumping-off point. Plus, online stations don’t have the same kind of cutthroat competition as seen with FM radio.
With online directories like Stream Finder, niche programming is a focus. That means that you can reach your target audience. It also means the people who are tuning in already like the style of your sound.
6. Publish to the People
There are numerous sites out there that charge small fees for music publishing online. Some of them will even offer a free trial period, allowing you to compare several at once. With these sites, you can track how often and how many times your tracks are listened to. Attract new fans to your website and even get your songs on iTunes.
With the Internet providing a vast community for struggling musicians, it’s never been easier to get your music heard. By keeping your eye on the prize and maintaining all of your social communities, you’ll have a record contract before you know it.
Author Bio:
Shaun Chatman is a well published author on many authority sites. He lives in Dunedin, FL, and spends his free time playing with his kids or advising friends on tech, gadgets, finance and travel.