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Did you know that over 90% of music artists are completely unknown?
Even the vast majority of that remaining 10% will never hit superstar status. It’s no longer enough to be talented.
Getting recognized for your music in 2022 requires serious brand marketing. That’s right: you’re not selling music, you’re selling your personal brand.
We’re here to talk about developing a brand so you can give yourself a shot at success. Read on to learn more.
First: What’s Your Persona?
All successful musicians have a persona of some sort. Even if they seem authentic, there’s still a “mask” in play. There’s a difference between who you are in your private life and who you are in your professional life, even if the difference is subtle.
This doesn’t mean that your persona has to be “fake” per se. It can be the best version of yourself. It’s the face that you put on to make your brand appealing.
When you’re trying to market yourself as a musician, you become a product. This is difficult for some people to wrap their minds around, but when you frame things this way, it’s easier to develop your brand.
Look at popular musicians and analyze their personas. Are you going to be aloof and “too cool” like the young and trendy Billie Eilish? What about goofy and confident like Lil Nas X?
Make sure that your persona still feels authentic to you. You want to be able to maintain it long-term.
Utilize Social Media
Social media is key in the digital music industry. Most of your marketing is going to happen through your social media channels. Many artists get their first “big break” through platforms like TikTok.
Post frequently and keep promoting yourself. Don’t worry about being “cringy.” This is your career and people understand that you’re trying to make your way in a difficult industry.
Make sure that you don’t forget the “social” part of “social media.” Interact with your followers and stay gracious. Not only is this the polite thing to do, but it will also boost your engagement so more people see your work.
Be Consistent
Consistency is key when it comes to musician branding. You want your followers (and ideally, fans) to know what to expect from you. Make sure that your persona and branding materials are all cohesive.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t experiment with your music. As a matter of fact, a consistent “brand” gives you more musical flexibility.
Consider Lady Gaga. She’s gone through many transformations throughout her musical career, but because her personal brand is so strong, she’s never lost fan support as a result of those changes.
Ask the Pros for Help
If you’re struggling with personal branding, there’s nothing wrong with asking professionals for help.
Musician marketing and branding is tough, and if you’re not lucky enough to go viral on your own, utilizing artist development services or professional marketers is a great way to get a boost.
Hiring professionals might seem like an expensive choice, but the return on investment will be worth it.
Music Artists Need Strong Brands
Music artists in 2022 need strong personal brands if they want to succeed. Even the best musicians will fail if no one sees their work.
Use these tips to develop and solidify your brand so you can start getting your name out there. Good luck!
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