These days, it's relatively easy to get a few people to hear your music, share your music, and even download your music.
But when it comes to shelling out cash in exchange for your talents, getting fans to buy your music as an independent artist without any label backing you or without a huge marketing budget is a whole new ball game.
When it comes to getting people to pay for your music, merchandise, and tickets, it's all about understanding and building a relationship with your fans. Not all fans are made equal. Some fans want to hear your music but not buy it.
Other fans may buy anything you create due to their undying love for your music. Some may just need a push that you can provide by reaching out to them!
There usually are three levels of fandom when it comes to music. You have your new fan, your true fan, and your super fan.
Your new fans are the type of fans that have heard a few of your songs, maybe even a full album, from you. They may be strangers; they may be family members that enjoy your work and help share your songs here and there.
These types of fans are open to adding your music to their playlist, but they probably won't be buying anything from you.
They probably don't have you on their TOP playlists or put you on repeat yet, but there's a chance for you to reel them in more over time if you consistently provide them with good music.
These are the people you want to make sure don't forget about you. Encourage them to follow your journey; continue to update your music and social pages to make sure they see you now and again.
There are several paid and free ways to attract new listeners.
Paid ways include ads on social media, paying influencers, paying marketing companies, and paying for DIY PR through a site like SubmitHub or IndieBible, which is quite affordable. These sites connect you to radio stations, labels, magazines, playlists, blogs, and similar places for exposure.
Related Post: Read the truth about marketing companies like SubmitHub.
There are also a lot of free ways to get fans, but of course, this method is way slower, time-consuming, and possibly annoying to the people you'll be reaching out to.
Free methods include reaching out to your friends and family and getting them to spread the word, reaching out to strangers on social media, blogs, and forums in the hope that they will give you a chance, and securing gigs or competitions to perform in front of a new audience.
A significant key to building a fanbase is to get people into your fanbase as new fans consistently.
A lot of people think that the process is done once you get to these new fans, but there is way more to it when it comes to cultivating the type of relationship that will grow your fanbase into a really great community of people.
Related Post: How To Get People Wanting To Hear Your Music
Next, your true fans are the people that really enjoy your stuff and even do research to find you and the latest news on your musical journey. They've probably shown off to a friend or two by mentioning your work to make their taste in music look good.
Some of them may buy a single or CD, and may even scrape up enough to go to a local show if they can, but it isn't a priority.
A lot of them will search far and wide for free songs of yours without spending a dime. Something may be holding them back from being really invested.
These are the type of people you should try to reach out to personally and build a lasting relationship with.
These are the folks that you need to follow back on Twitter, send personalized emails when promoting your new album, and shout out on Instagram. They're so close to being super fans!
It may be hard to locate true fans since they're hiding in the background, but try to find them by tracking your downloads, followers, likes, and even some Google search results you may appear on.
These are the people that will most likely support you by buying your music. They're usually so supportive that they don't even need to hear your new stuff before buying it.
They don't even need to know how long you'll be performing; they'll buy a ticket to your show just to so you for 5 minutes.
These are people who may even be willing to buy premium tickets and merchandise over $100. To get fans to this level, you need to regularly release and perform new music, reach out to fans in person or digitally, and, most importantly, have GREAT TRACKS!
Related Post: What Makes A Song A Good Song?
Most independent artists with a good amount of super fans also have a great brand image and unique style about them that sets them apart.
Once you are able to get your fans to this level, selling music won't be a chore or an impossible task. They'll be itching to pay you for your great work!
As a session singer, writer, and producer that has worked with over 300 clients to provide high-quality jingles, singles, and features, Yona spends her time creating and marketing new music and helpful resources for creators. Check out Yona’s latest releases on her Spotify, her Youtube and share if you like it!
If you are in need of singer, songwriter or song producer services, see what Yona Marie can offer you on her services page.
