The Internet has changed the traditional model of the music industry. In today’s digital age, it is quite possible to distribute your music and reach many potential fans without the help of a record company, but that doesn’t mean learning the secrets of how to become successful in music has gotten any easier. Many independent artists fall into traps that can be detrimental to their careers and prevent them from succeeding in music.
Yet these pitfalls are almost always avoidable in most cases. So, we are here to help you reach success in the music industry and in this article we have decided to share 7 mistakes to avoid if you want to become successful in music.
1. How to become successful in music by… uploading songs to platforms and just waiting?
If you want to achieve success in the music business, you’ll have to engage in hard work far beyond simply placing your single on streaming services like Apple Music or Spotify, where more than 100,000 new music tracks are released daily. Without additional efforts, your recordings, even if masterfully crafted, risk being lost amidst the vast ocean of content. To become very successful and not just another artist who has not been successful, embracing the music promotion stage is vital.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking your job ends once your songs are mastered and ready for release. Many independent artists make the mistake of allocating their entire budget to music production, neglecting the essential aspect of marketing. However, to be successful in music, a significant portion of your resources should be aimed at marketing strategies.
Utilizing tools like Groover, engaging with social media to enhance visibility, and contacting playlist curators are imperative steps. Mistakes are inevitable, but they’re also valuable lessons that help you achieve success in your music career. Through these experiences, you’ll learn the most effective ways to promote your music project, eventually leading you to find the right partner or even secure a record deal.
Adopting a mindset focused on perseverance, learning how to navigate the industry, and possibly finding a mentor can make the difference between success and obscurity. Setting goals, networking with others in the industry, and constantly improving your songwriting and composition skills are also keys to a successful music career. In addition, embracing personal development, overcoming self-doubt, and taking action towards your long-term vision will help you become more successful.
| Check out: How to get more streams on Spotify?
2. How to become successful in music by… doing it all yourself?
While immersing yourself in all facets of your job is crucial for becoming successful, remember that embarking on a self-produced project doesn’t mean you have to go it alone.
It’s easy to lose perspective on your own work, so don’t hesitate to seek advice and assistance. This approach not only broadens your perspective but also equips you with valuable insights necessary for navigating the music industry effectively. Beyond your personal entourage and fans, seek advice from people who work in the music industry.
On Groover, professionals you send your music to give you written feedback on your song within 7 days.
If they enjoy it, it could even lead to some interesting opportunities, increasing your chances of succeeding in music. On the platform, you can send your music to mentors (business managers, coaches, sound engineers or other professionals in the field) who have been carefully selected for their ability to give advice to artists, whether it be on the production of the project or the project as a whole.
Finally, if you don’t know how to do something or if you don’t have enough time to learn how to do it, don’t hesitate to pay someone to do it for you. Don’t let the knowledge and skills you lack prevent you from succeeding in music!
Connect with playlist curators, record labels, and music industry pros effortlessly on Groover ⬇️
3. Not being consistent
A post on social media the day your title is released is not enough to promote it.
Social media plays an important role in the career of a musician hoping for success. It allows you to grow your fan base by having access to millions of people looking for new artists.
Successful individuals in music often share traits such as humility, passion for music, and perseverance against obstacles. They understand that success in life—and specifically in a music career—requires more than just talent; it requires a concerted effort to market and make music that resonates with audiences. Thus, to be successful in life and in music, one must work hard, embrace failures as learning opportunities, and never stop pursuing their dreams, no matter the obstacles they face.
In order to gain real fans who will support you for the many years to come, it is essential to regularly post truly engaging content. Otherwise, your subscribers will end up getting bored and unsubscribing.
Post several times a week to grow your number of subscribers over time and keep followers engaged. It can be useful to anticipate your posts by establishing a schedule around your next release.
Used well, social media is a great tool for connecting bands and artists to their fans, and thus increasing the chances of success in the music industry.
| Check out: How to gain new Instagram followers?
4. Thinking that you have to be famous to appear in the media
Do you have to be famous or signed to a record label to appear in the media? Well no, except of course if you only want to target the biggest media! Might as well warn you, you will probably not be on MTV if you do not already have a certain notoriety! You will also have to wait a bit to get interviews in iconic magazines.
On the other hand, many blogs are constantly on the lookout for new artists to discover. The regional press also likes to talk about emerging local talents! And when the hour of success has struck for you, they will be happy to say that they were the first to have detected your talent!
Likewise, if Spotify’s editorial playlists are hard to reach, contact independent curators. With only a few euros, launch a Groover campaign and approach magazines, radios, blogs, and playlisters in search of emerging musicians.
Little by little, you will develop a fanbase and you will get noticed by the bigger media outlets. Pave your own way to success by creating these opportunities for yourself.
| Check out: How to use Groover to promote your music with success?
5. Buying fake streams, followers, or likes
Many sites now offer you the opportunity to buy Spotify plays, Instagram followers or likes. Even if this offer seems tempting at first glance, it could prevent you from succeeding in music!
The various platforms track down those who use this technique. You risk being spotted and getting your account suspended! Instead of spending money buying lots of fake followers, take the time to grow your audience. Instead, invest that money in advertising to introduce your music to real new people.
After all, it’s better to have a community of a few hundred engaged fans than thousands of fake followers; with real fans, you will feel more legitimate in your success.
6. Not having a mailing list
Not having a mailing list is a critical oversight for anyone aiming to be successful in the music industry. Contrary to what some might believe, mailing lists are far from obsolete. While having a large following on social media platforms is great, it’s essential to recognize the risks associated with over-reliance on these platforms. What happens if your account gets hacked, or if a platform suddenly becomes irrelevant? Unlike Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, you have full control over your mailing list, making it a crucial asset in your music career.
A mailing list is immune to the whims of social media algorithms and platform policy changes. Given that individuals seldom change their email addresses, a mailing list represents the most reliable method for maintaining long-term contact with your fans. Therefore, prioritizing the creation and expansion of your mailing list is a key to success in building a successful career in music. It ensures direct access to your audience, enabling you to share new music, touring updates, and exclusive content without fear of algorithmic suppression or platform instability.
A mailing list is an invaluable tool for achieving success in your music career by enhancing your ability to directly engage with fans, promote your work, and overcome the challenges of the ever-evolving digital landscape. It empowers you to define success on your terms, build your brand, and foster a community around your music. By taking action to establish a robust mailing list, you’re not just investing in a marketing tool; you’re securing a lifeline to your most dedicated fans that can lead you to success, regardless of changes in social media trends or platforms.
Thus, for aspiring musicians, composers, and music producers looking to make a living from their craft and achieve success in the recording industry, recognizing the value of a mailing list is crucial. It’s not just about having another communication channel; it’s about owning a direct line to your audience that can significantly enhance your ability to succeed. This key to a successful music career should not be overlooked by anyone serious about making music and wanting to be successful in the competitive world of music production and performance.
7. Failing to analyze your results
Devoting extensive time to promoting your own music without a strategic approach is counterproductive. Many musicians find themselves trapped in a cycle of repeating the same marketing strategies, failing to evaluate their effectiveness or to accomplish meaningful engagement. To become successful in today’s music industry, it’s essential to set goals, analyze outcomes, and be willing to adapt and overcome ineffective methods.
Success in your career requires more than persistence; it demands a willingness to learn from failures and embrace new approaches. Identifying the keys to success often involves experimenting with different genres, digital music platforms, and promotion techniques to discover what truly resonates with your audience. Taking action based on these insights can transform your efforts into a powerful tool for achieving success.
- Claim your profiles on Spotify for Artists or Deezer Backstage
- Take a little time to analyze your statistics on streaming platforms as well as those of your various social media accounts
- How old are those who listen to your music?
- Where do they live ?
You will get the answer to these questions, and many more, in your statistics. And why not just ask your new fans how they heard about you? Then, adjust your marketing strategies based on the information you have gathered.
– Written by Fabienne Kervella, founder of the Dream It Yourself Musician blog, in its original version, translated by Betty Gonzalez Gray –
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Send your music on Groover and gain visibility! 👇