Music is a universal art that can touch people across borders and cultures. However, when you’re an artist, building your fanbase can be difficult. Making good music is no small feat, and making your music known, even less so. Once you have identified your target audience, the next step is to build yourself a solid fanbase.
In this article, we’ll look at the best ways to build a loyal fanbase around your music.
1. Determine your goals
Simply wanting to make yourself known isn’t enough to help you gather fans around your musical project. The first step is simple: to build your fanbase, you need to reach your target audience. Addressing a particular audience will allow you to stand out from the flood of songs released every day. According to Spotify, more than 70,000 titles are released every day on the streaming platform. So, you have to go to your audience, not wait for them to come to you. Sometimes, it’s like looking for a needle in a haystack. To build a solid fanbase, your goals need to be established in the short and long term. This is where your action plan begins.
2. Create a strong online presence
With the advent of streaming platforms and social networks, you can now garner a fanbase thanks to an effective online presence. Regularly release music on streaming platforms such as Spotify, Youtube, Deezer and Apple Music, and use social networks such as Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Reddit, or Twitch, to promote your music. Interact with your fans and make sure they don’t forget you.
The choice of your distribution channels will depend on your target audience and your objectives, for example:
- Instagram – What works most on Instagram is the Reel: you can show off your visual universe as well as integrate your music into your reel. The most important way to grow your fanbase effectively is to think about your posting strategy. Writing your posts ahead of time and thinking about how often you want to post is a good way to quickly gain followers.
- YouTube – YouTube remains the most used platform in France. As it turns out, music is what gets the most searches on the video-based platform. Uploading your first music video and combining it with good optimization and YouTube advertising will allow you to grow your visibility and expand your fanbase. Another tip: integrating your lyrics on Spotify or YouTube is a way to create enthusiasm with your audience and to help them discover your musical universe in another way.
- TikTok – On TikTok, videos are short and short-lived. The idea here is to sing live or show yourself in funny or original videos to create a close connection with your audience. This will help them see you from another angle. Beware of haters, though; you can laugh at everything but not with everyone, as a certain comedian would have put it.
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2. Create a striking visual universe
The first thing potential listeners will see of you are visuals or photos. You only get a listen if you pass that stage. A strong visual universe will help you capture more of the attention of potential fans.
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3. Play live
Live performances are a great way to build a loyal fanbase. Play at bars, clubs, festivals and other events. Fans who discover you live are often more likely to become loyal fans because they’ve had the experience of seeing you play in person.
4. Offer exclusive experiences to your fanbase
Offering exclusive experiences to your fans is a great way to build loyalty. Organize exclusive listening sessions with your fanbase, meetups, or offer them the opportunity to pre-order your music or buy merchandising before anyone else.
5. Be authentic and committed to your fanbase
Be authentic and committed to your fans. Share personal stories and experiences, and be honest with your fanbase. Fans appreciate artists who are transparent and honest, and who genuinely care about their audience.
6. Stay active and expand your scope of action
Stay active in the local and national music scene. Participate in events, collaborations, and projects with other artists. This will help you connect with new fans and strengthen your existing fanbase.
7. Offer added value to your fanbase
Offer extras to your fans, such as music tutorials or singing lessons. This will show your fans that you care about them and want to help them become better musicians.
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In conclusion, building a loyal fanbase requires patience, commitment, and perseverance. By creating a strong online presence, playing live, offering exclusive experiences, being authentic and engaged, staying active in the music scene, and providing value to your fans, you can create a strong fanbase that will support you throughout your music career.
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As you will understand, reaching your audience and launching your musical project really is a full-time job, a small business if you will. And to stop if from crashing and burning, you can also call on guidance to promote your music.
– Translated by Kole Wright –
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