How to Grow A Fanbase [Angela Tyler]

Learn how to leverage social media, email marketing, and fan collaborations to build a loyal and engaged audience.

by Angela Tyler, owner of Muddy Paw PR.

Your fans are everything. While creating great music is the baseline for a long, successful career in the music industry, it’s your fans that will take you to superstar status. Or, even just to being able to do music full time.

That said, how do you do it?! 

Here are some fan engagement tactics to help you grow your fanbase, nurture your existing one, and keep them coming back for more.

Leverage Social Media

I know, if you’ve heard this once you’ve heard it a million times. But don’t worry, I’m going to give you actual tips and examples so that you can put these into action ASAP.

Be Consistent

Let’s get this one out of the way. Consistent posting keeps your audience engaged. BUT only if you’re putting out the right kind of content. (We’ll get there)

If you’re not really a spur-of-the-moment poster, or have trouble keeping to a schedule, put together a content calendar and schedule your posts in advance through the IG app or something like Planoly.

For example, you could post a weekly update on your music progress every Monday and share throwback photos or stories every Thursday.

Authenticity Matters

There’s no use trying to be someone you’re not — your fans will always know.

So don’t worry about being perfectly polished or *aesthetic*, just share yourself and be you.

Fans love to see behind-the-scenes glimpses of your creative process, you at rehersals, and even get a look into your personal life. It gives them that feeling of being connected to you on a much deeper level than just superficial posts.

For example, you could post short video clips of your recording sessions or share candid moments from your daily life and relate it back to your brand. 

Engage 

If your fans want to talk to you, talk back! Respond to comments, answer questions, and participate in conversations to show your fans you appreciate their support. 

For example, you could host a weekly Q&A session on Instagram Live where you answer fan questions and discuss your music journey. Or, take requests for cover songs and perform anywhere from one a week to once a month and share to socials.

Utilize Email Marketing

What’s even better than social media you ask? An email list! And yet so many artists don’t have one. That’s a HUGE missed opportunity! 

Build an Email List

The first thing you have to do if you don’t already is start building that list. Encourage sign-ups at your shows, on your website, and through social media. Give them a little incentive for signing up. 

For example, you could offer a free download of one of your tracks in exchange for joining your mailing list or a free high five at your next show. Have fun with it.

Provide Value

For the most part, fans will sign up because they’re interested in supporting you, but to keep them opening your emails and excited for them, they need to feel like they’re getting something out of it.

Offer exclusive content, early access to new music, or special discounts. 

For example, you could send out a monthly newsletter with a behind-the-scenes look at your latest project and a link to an unreleased demo.

Regular Updates

Once again, consistency is key here. Even once a month to start is great.

As for what to put in your newsletter, everything from upcoming shows, to releases, and other news is fair game. But again, let your personality shine here. Do what makes sense for YOU and your brand. What do your fans want to see? 

For example, you could create a bi-weekly or monthly newsletter that includes upcoming tour dates, new merchandise releases, and personal updates. You can also ask for fan opinions on things like new merch, design colors, cities to come to, and so on. The more you can involve them, the better.

Collaborate with Your Fans

I’m such a fan of collaborating with other artists and businesses, but what about also collaborating with your fans? Here are some ideas.

Fan Contests and Challenges

Organize contests or challenges to boost engagement and foster creativity. KingSumo is great for this, because you can also collect emails for your newsletter!

For example, you could challenge your fans to create a cover of one of your songs and offer a prize for the best one.

Personalized Interactions

Personalize your interactions with fans whenever possible to make them feel special and valued. Little touches go a long way. It’s why artists have names for their fans and sneak little hidden references and jokes into their songs. People like to feel a part of something. They want to feel seen.

For example, you could send personalized thank-you messages to fans who purchase your merchandise or attend your shows, send holiday cards to your biggest supporters, or make a Reel or TikTok calling out some of your top fans and thanking them.

Join Our Free Fan Growth Masterclass

We’re just scratching the surface here! I’ve spent the last fifteen years helping artists build their fanbase, and put everything I’ve learned into a free masterclass. You can sign up and get instant access here.

What are your favorite ways to interact with your fans? What about the ways you prefer artists to interact with you?

Angela Tyler is the owner of Muddy Paw PR. Our artists have secured placements on Earmilk, American Songwriter, and more, signed to labels, played top festivals, and significantly increased their fanbase and audience engagement. You can sign up for her free Fan Building Workshop here.