Learn to Know Your Audience

One of the most powerful things you can do as an artist is understand who your audience is — and how they behave. It’s more than just age or location. It’s about learning where your fans spend time online, how they discover new music, what kind of content they share, and what they love about the artists they follow.

Do they hang out on TikTok or scroll Instagram? Are they playlist junkies or live show regulars? The better you understand your audience’s habits and interests, the easier it becomes to create content, promotions, and experiences that truly connect. When you market with your audience in mind, you're not just pushing music — you're building a relationship.

Your Feed Is Your Foot in the Door

Social media isn’t just for promotion — it’s how you tell your story. Posting often, sharing your creative process, and actually engaging with your audience can build far more momentum than waiting around for A&R reps or chasing outdated music biz tactics.

Fans want to see how you think, how you create, and who you are behind the music. Whether it's behind-the-scenes clips, rough demos, or honest updates, your content helps turn casual listeners into loyal supporters. Don’t just post for the algorithm — post to connect.

Your Website Is Your Hub

In the world of music promotion, your website is your digital home base. It’s often the first place industry people, playlist curators, or potential fans will go when they want to learn more about you — and it says a lot about how seriously you take your music.

A well-structured website lets you:

• Link out to your music on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, and more
• Share the exact videos, tracks, or previews you want people to see
• Highlight upcoming shows or events
• Provide a clean space away from the noise of social media

Unlike social platforms, you have full control over what’s shown and how it’s presented. That control matters — especially when you’re building a brand as an artist. If you haven’t set up a band website yet (or still only using "smartlink pages"), it’s a foundational step worth prioritizing.

Why Your Story Matters

As an independent artist, your music doesn’t speak for you — it speaks with you. The story behind your sound is what helps people connect, remember you, and stay interested beyond a single song. Whether you’re writing a bio, submitting to playlists, or just posting online, how you talk about yourself and your journey plays a big role in how people perceive you.

To write your story, start by answering honestly:

• What made you start making music in the first place?
• Who or what inspires your sound or lyrics?
• Where are you from, and how has that shaped your music?
• What’s something unique about your journey or style?
• What are you working toward with your music?

Answering even 3–4 of these will give you raw material that’s honest, human, and useful.

Success in music rarely happens overnight. Even the most recognizable names had to start from scratch, putting in the work to be seen and heard. Here are just a few examples:.

• Billie Eilish recorded early songs with her brother in a bedroom studio and built a following by consistently sharing music and visuals that felt personal and distinct.
• Chance the Rapper gained momentum by giving away mixtapes and relentlessly promoting his work online — long before any label came calling.
• Steve Lacy produced hits on his iPhone using GarageBand, sharing demos and ideas on Tumblr and SoundCloud to develop his fanbase and artistic identity.
• Doja Cat went viral on YouTube and TikTok with quirky, low-budget videos like “Mooo!” — and kept fans engaged through humor, authenticity, and constant creation.