Music Publicity Secrets From Top Music Editors
Online music marketing success comes down to knowing how to work with music editors in your desired newspaper or magazine. No matter how good your songs are, or how electric your live show is, you will not get publicity for your music unless you know how to give a music editor what he or she needs to promote you properly.
After surveying a roundtable of music editors and other music publicity experts, I learned what separates the well-known bands from the obscure ones. Below are secret online music marketing tips you can use to get better publicity for your music:
Plan Ahead. Give media outlets enough lead time to make room for your story. Newspapers and local magazines need to have your press release and promo package at least three weeks before your gig. National print magazines need your info two to three months ahead.
Do Your Homework. If you are a pop artist, do not send your press kit to a country music editor. Regardless of how great your songs are, you are wasting her time and yours. If you want to send your press kit to a national or regional paper, find out beforehand if they review unsigned and independent bands.
Be Patient. You may have to call more than twice before you are able to reach a music editor on the phone. Try calling different times of the day. Leaving too many phone messages should be avoided.
Keep a Contact Log. When you are approaching more than one media outlet for a music publicity campaign, it is not easy to keep your information straight by using memory alone (or scraps of paper). Keep a chart or database with editor names, dates contacted, and other info so you can keep track.
When They Answer. Before delivering your telephone pitch to a music editor, ask if they are on a deadline. This shows that you are professional and respect their time. If the music editor says yes, ask for a better time to call. If you ignore their deadline schedule, the editor will not be able to give full attention to your pitch, and you run the risk of annoying the editor and blowing your music publicity opportunities with that media outlet.
Rehearse Your Pitch. Know what you are going to say before you dial the phone number. Practice your story a few times so you will be able to deliver your pitch in a brief and succinct way. Speak slowly and clearly enough so that you are understood.
Follow Up. Confirm receipt of your promo package. If you are asked to resend any materials that went missing, send right away without complaint. Ask if the music editor would like to be added to the guest list, or if he or she would like to send music writers in his or her place. If they do want guest passes to your show, make sure that those names are on the club guest list.
Creating an online music marketing strategy may seem difficult at first, but mastering these tips will lead to more exposure for you and your music.