You want to promote your music online, yet you are a musician, not a professional marketer. Have no fear. You may not be an expert marketer, but how are you with building relationships? Sounds a little bit more doable, doesn’t it?

Marketing is essentially meeting new people and developing a relationship with them, which is something you have likely done over and over again throughout your life. In our current times, digital marketing experts advocate putting relationships first as you build your following. So why not learn how you can meet new people, introduce them to your music, and develop your music following through online marketing? Here’s how to do it.

Encourage A Natural Progression

You wouldn’t meet someone at a party and immediately try to sell them your CD, would you? Think of online platforms as large parties. When an individual first comes into contact with you as an artist, they are in a “getting-to-know-you mindset.” Don’t pressure them to buy. Instead, tell them about your background, your journey as a musician, and your creative work.

This is precisely what you might do at a party, isn’t it? The content that you target to a cold audience shouldn’t focus on a sales call to action. Instead, just give your audience information about you, as well as a link so that they can find out more.

Offer Value

Think about a friendship that you currently have in your life. You might ask that friend to do a favor for you once in a while. In return, you do a favor for your friend. You would never repeatedly ask your friend to do things for you, and never do anything in return.

This give-and-take is a foundation for friendships and marketing alike. Think about ways that you can give to your fans before asking them to purchase an album or tickets to your show. Give out a free song, video, or merchandise.

Show Appreciation

Married couples have happier relationships when appreciation is frequently shared. In just the same way, you should be showing fans that you appreciate them. This is true even regarding loyal fans. Don’t forget about the customers who have been with you for years. Instead, nurture those relationships actively by offering tokens of appreciation on a constant basis.

Online marketing may sound foreign to you, but it is based on an activity you have done many times throughout your life: building relationships. Build relationships with people through online platforms by sharing your story before trying to sell, and offering value in the form of gifts. Show appreciation frequently, even to your loyal followers.