Guest Post by Anna Stephens, Founder of Decent Music PR
In today’s music landscape, artists need to wear multiple hats—not just as musicians, but as marketers too. Gone are the days of waiting for industry gatekeepers to give you a break. Now more than ever, independent artists have the power to take control of their careers, build their own fanbase, and chart their own course to success.
As an artist, you’re already juggling songwriting, recording, and performing, but now there’s the added pressure of being a content creator, DSP strategist, and ad manager. It can feel overwhelming, but it’s essential to master these aspects to market your music effectively and sustainably. Here’s how to get started.
1. Change Your Mindset: You Don’t Need Saving
The music industry has shifted dramatically. Artists are no longer reliant on labels or managers to get their big break. Instead, the key to success today is proving you already have momentum. The days of waiting around for a label or manager to take the reins are over. By building your own audience, engaging with fans, and creating demand for your music, you’ll attract industry professionals who want to be part of your success. And even if they don’t come knocking, you’ll have established a sustainable career on your own terms.
2. Create Content That Connects
Content is king, but it has to resonate with your audience. It’s important to research what type of content works best for your genre and your specific audience. Don’t look to the biggest artists for inspiration—they’ve already made it, and they can post anything they want. Instead, study up-and-coming artists in your niche who are getting engagement. They’re the ones succeeding with the strategies you should be focused on. Test different platforms, like YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Instagram, and see where your content is performing best. If managing them all feels overwhelming, stick to one or two platforms and remain consistent. The key is regular, high-quality content that speaks to your audience.
3. Leverage Social Media Ads
Paid ads are a powerful tool for reaching your target audience and growing your fanbase. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok offer robust ad targeting options, allowing you to promote your music, merch, and shows to the people most likely to connect with your sound. The secret to success with social media ads lies in setting clear goals and working within your budget. Start small, test different creatives, and refine your campaigns based on the results.
With the right approach, social media ads can significantly boost your visibility, streams, and sales.
4. Consistency and Strategy Are Key
At the heart of successful independent artist marketing is a clear vision, ongoing research, and consistency. The music industry may have evolved, but by staying true to your vision and committing to these strategies, you can carve out your own path to success. Every step you take toward marketing your music gives you more control over your career and fanbase.
About Me
I’m Anna Stephens, founder of Decent Music PR. We empower independent artists by helping them connect with the right audiences through targeted press, streaming platforms, and social media ad campaigns. Our mission is to help artists take charge of their own growth and build lasting careers.
Visit www.decentmusicpr.com/ to learn more about how we can support your music journey.
