LinkedIn 101 for Musicians

When it comes to social networking, newly formed bands and artists tend to focus on platforms like TikTok, Twitter and Instagram, where their current fans and new listeners are most likely to engage with their music. But what about the more professional-themed LinkedIn? Is this app worth your time as a musician?

by Ditto Music

Ok, so LinkedIn probably isn’t the best place to be reaching your fans with links to your latest track or your glossy press shots. It is however, a great place to make music industry contacts that can help to develop your career in the long term and build up your professional network.

While it may not directly grow your fanbase, the social platform does offer the opportunity to start appearing on the radar of influential music industry figures. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits LinkedIn can offer independent, emerging musicians.

Linkedin profiles for musicians and bands

Find music industry connections

LinkedIn is brimming with potential music industry connections, but this doens’t mean you should be spamming record label execs with your latest tracks. In fact, sending your new EP to a label employee over LinkedIn is actually not a particularly good idea.

You should however be reaching out to the people who can do the jobs you might not have the technical ability or experience to do yourself. From graphic designers, music promoters, music photographers, web developers and social media gurus, to sound techs, promoters and producers – there are plenty of useful, professional connections to be made on LinkedIn.

These are the people who can transform your image, polish your tracks and expand your reach. And yes, you’ll need to pay them for their services – but doing so is an investment in your music.

Join music industry Linkedin groups

A great feature of LinkedIn is being able to join groups relevant to your industry. They are useful places to make new industry connections and put your face and profile in front of people who can make a difference to your career.

While you might be tempted to simply join groups of other musicians, it’s important to look beyond this to all areas of the music industry. Try looking for groups of promoters, music supervisors, bookers etc. You can even find a music manager through LinkedIn. It is here where some of the most useful relationships can be built.