Marketing an upcoming album, sharing a new music video, promoting a tour, these are all aspects many bands and musicians are familiar with when it comes to promoting themselves. It can be difficult to know what to do however, when you are between releases, new music isn’t ready yet or shows are perhaps a while away. Here are a few tips of how to promote yourselves on social media in these periods.
The importance of keeping social media up to date has been mentioned multiple times before both across our Heavy Business Podcast episodes, and blog posts. I won’t dwell on it too much further here, but as festival season is not too far away, it is important to make sure all your channels are updated. Journalists and fans at festivals will most likely be searching for more information about you if they enjoy your setlist. Make sure all profiles contain the correct and working links to your music and merch, your band bio (yes, even the tiny one sentence version on each social platform) is up to date. Remember this is your virtual shop window, make sure it accurately represents you.
In-between releases and shows? Ideas for social media content:
Share Quotes:
- (Re)Share review quotes – it’s best not to share the exact same quote(s) in quick succession but if there has been a gap of a few weeks or months, re-sharing your favourite quotes and especially those from larger publications/ media outlets can be effective.
- Quotes or visuals that inspire your music offer further insight into your art and introduces a different type of content into the mix. Ensure to credit any materials you share that are not of your own making!
Behind The Scenes Material
- Video or photo content from music videos, studios, behind the scenes at photoshoots or at shows. This content is also suitable for resharing (though sparingly with other types of posts included between re-shares).
Live Concert Photos And Video Footage
- This is great content in particular for TikTok, Reels, YouTube shorts etc. Where possible, ensure the quality is high. Sharing photos and videos from fans can also work well for building engagement and connections.
Memes
- Sharing memes doesn’t fit the brand image of every band, but if it suits you, sharing memes among your own content can bring effective engagement. Original memes and more niche ones relating to specific subgenres can be particularly effective. Be careful to use memes sparingly to prevent your profiles becoming viewed as a meme account rather than your band account.
Share Other Interests That Are Relevant To Your Band
- Sharing images, memes, inspiring art, or even short videos of band members discussing their relevant interests showcases more of your personality. E.g., does a particular book series, film or game inspire elements of your music? Talk about it!
Rehearsal Videos
- Linking to the BTS section mention above, offering a glimpse into the behind the scenes spaces is something fans love to see. Rehearsal videos also showcase another side to you as they are often more ‘informal’ displays away from the stage lights.
Social Interactions
- Sharing photos with friends in other bands or fans can be a nice gesture to fellow musicians and people in your local scene. Remember to be genuine, don’t take photos purely for content, and always ask first!
For more tips check out the Heavy Business Podcast: