Do Social Networks Really Help Musicians? Revisited
Dan Morgan asks, “Do social networks really help musicians?” On Music Think Tank, Shaun Letang gives his response to the question and views on the matter of social networks.
“In short, I think social networking websites can be useful if they are used right. Having said that, I don’t think a lot of musicians use them right.” (Read On)
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The problem is most musicians think like musicians when it comes to marketing. You need to think like a fan.
You need to be where your fans are, engage with them first as a fan, second as a musician. It takes time. Iron Maiden didn’t build their following overnight – it took years. They went where the fans were, talked with them, and eventually they built a loyal following. It was hard work, long weeks, and patience. Today, they continue to sell out stadiums w/out the benefit of airplay because the took the time to do it right in the first place.
There was a lot of bad advice in that post (don’t automate your social media campaign at any step – focus on the social, not the media). Getting people on a mailing list doesn’t mean they actually read your emails. You need to fascinate them, and sometimes that means adding people one by one. You don’t go to a party, and yell – “hey everybody, look at how cool I am” – you talk to people, either in small groups or one on one. You don’t only talk about your band, you talk about other stuff.
The blurb above does sum it up perfectly tho – it can help but only if you use it right.
I’d agree that social networks are a great way to maintain existing relationships with fans. However, if you pay close attention to how you build your Facebook page and what content you send out to your followers, you can also increase your fanbase through Likes, Share, and maybe even increased time on page.
Since Indaba Music is a network of musicians and producers, the idea of a social network takes on an entirely new life. Musicians can actively network with peers and get feedback from other musicians and industry professionals, while showcasing their talent by submitting music to professional opportunities.
It’s a social network that is both: Musician <--> Musician and Musician <--> Fan.
Fans get to hear the music submitted to original song and remix opportunities, vote for their favorite tracks, and share them on other social networks. As a result, musicians who submit their music have the opportunity to be heard by a larger group of fans who stop by to hear all the submissions. And, of course, when they start sharing , it works out great for everyone.
http://www.facebook.com/indabamusic
http://www.indabamusic.com
Colin Tierney
Indaba Music Marketing Team
MusicianCafe.com – This site has all the features of all the other websites put into one! – it’s free & they even provide free video production, and actually help promote your music & videos for you! I have found them on youtube, twitter & face book. they seem to be new, but they have the best website out there, hands down!
Musician Cafe is the best musician website I have found so far! They are even starting an online radio station!
Very nice guys & you can talk directly to the admin for any reason!
http://www.MusicianCafe.com