CREATING A SMART BUZZ ABOUT YOUR MUSIC - INCREASE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA "VALUE"

"Once your products are created, simply write about them, talk about them, and create articles from the content and say “Yes” to interviews. The buzz created will point people back to your site." - Kytka Hilmar-Jezek

Same goes for music. Once you have a new "product", begin a smart and well thought out buzz to get it heard and increase your social media "value".

1.) Tell your fans, promote the heck out of it in new, creative ways, not just "here's my new CD" or "check out my video." 

 Create contests that involve fans. Put them in your videos to promote the music. Here's an idea, choose a few random fans that are regular hardcore promoters of your music, pick up the phone & call them, ask them for ideas, get quotes to use in trade publications. Don't just rely on industry quotes. There is no bigger promoter than your fan base. They'll be honest about your music.

2.) Connect w/ bloggers, journalists, and local media. 

Don't turn down an interview request because you don't think the audience won't be big enough - do you really want to put limits on your publicity and possibilities? Anyone willing to genuinely help you and is interested enough to talk to you about your music is a good thing.

3.) Respond to as many tweets and Facebook comments as you can personally without relying on a social media manager all the time. 

A social media manager can never convey the same emotion as you can when it comes to what you want to say and what's on your mind. If you're proud of your new project, take the time to tell people why it means so much to you. If you have time to read your timeline, you have time to interact on it. When fans and potential fans see that you take the time, they'll take the time in return. Nothing means more to a fan than a personal connection. So, 3 things - FIND the time, MAKE the time, TAKE the time.

4.) Don't oversaturate your or your fans timelines and don't swim all into their DM's with the same spam posts over and over. 

There's nothing more of a turn off than constant spam about a new project or show. When you look at an artist's timeline and it's nothing but the same tweet over and over, it's honestly annoying as hell and the quickest way to get someone to move on. Change it up, post about it a few times during the day but differ the wording, make it less "robotic" and make it more personal. You want to create a buzz, not put people to sleep. Also, if you're going to send someone information about your music, take the time to introduce yourself and thank them for listening, don't just DM a link and "Here's my new single." That is the surest way to get the opposite reaction than the one you hope you'll get.

This is your product, your music, your name, your reputation and fans are the ones who make the difference between your career and your hobby. Be buzz smart.

- Jennifer Smith
Follow Jenn on Twitter at @Lovinlyrics

MAKE THE CONNECTION: BRIDGE THE GAP WITH YOUR FANS AND MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS

Are you an artist on social media? Are you noticing a drop in your followers or that you just can't seem to build a social media following larger than you'd like? With social media (Twitter, Facebook, TikTok etc) making such a huge impact in the world of entertainment today, it's almost a must for any new artist to get their music and name recognized. Word of mouth seems to be the best way to get that done these days. People like music and people like to talk, put those together and it's a surefire win-win combination UNLESS you aren't working it like you should be in order to get the most traffic and new fans. As a fan of social media and country music, I thought I'd share some things we've received feedback on from fans and artists alike. It's simple, you have to engage, connect ... you can't just DO social, you have to BE social. Here are some things to consider which may help you bring in a more solid, lasting fan base rather than the touch and go follower.

The first thing to remember is that social media is 

"more about sociology and psychology, more than technology" 

- Brian Sollis

Social media is about getting more personal with potential fans and current fans whereas your website is more about the technical side of your business. Social media is just that, social. Websites are mainly for your "advertisements" such as news stories, merchandise, tour dates, etc. You may have an "online store" on your website but essentially your website as a whole is your on site store, it's there to sell you as an artist. Granted, social media is a way to sell yourself too, but it's a great way for your fans to "sell" you as an artist and that's why you have to connect with them to find out what they want, what they like and how they will be willing to promote you. You'd be surprised the amount of fan promotion going on that you can't see, the "groups", "fan clubs" and "support pages" on Facebook and Twitter. It's amazing how deeply your fans care and want to help you succeed but you have to show them that you're interested and that you care about what they're doing for YOU. They want to be included and you need to show them that you're willing to include them and even more so that you WANT to include them.

As an artist, you HAVE to interact with your fans. They are your bread and butter and can make or break you. I know your schedules are busy, so are theirs, yet they make time to spend their hard earned money on YOUR music because they think you've got something worth investing their time and dollars in. That should be a compliment to you and you should want to give back to them, even if it's a simple hello. Now I know it's impossible to personally contact each fan who comments on your Twitter or Facebook pages, but at least make a visible effort. If you never interact, people will stop coming to your page and find other artists who will. Every time a fan tweets or posts about you, that's promotion for you. The least you can do is acknowledge a few of those posts with a sincere and personal thank you. Go through your timelines, pick a random few who have posted about you and say "Hey, thank you for that. I appreciate it!". Simple, easy peasy and will make someone feel appreciated. You can't go wrong with appreciation. Once you do that, chances are they'll probably post it for their friends or other fans showing that you took the time to acknowledge THEM out of a crowd of thousands and that says more than you realize. It will also show potential fans that you pay attention. Social media is a forum that wasn't available 10 years ago, you have the advantage now. Use it to the best of your ability.

Just a couple of fan suggested ideas to really make an impression.

1.)  Pick a few followers (make sure you're following them back if on Twitter), message them and ask if you can call them to personally thank them for buying your music, your merchandise, for telling others about you. That's something they'd never forget.

2.) Watch fans timelines and notice things like special events for them like birthdays, new babies, weddings, etc? Acknowledge those events. For a fan to know that you take the time to pay attention to their big news and that you think it's big news too is HUGE.

3.) Don't just "like" a post. If you really like it and it hits you, share the post to your followers. Then they'll share it to theirs and draw more people to your pages.

"Don't build links, build relationships." 

- Rand Fishkin

By God, keep your page interesting. Don't just self-promote, self-promote, blah blah blah. That gets old really quick and is a HUGE turn off, even to your biggest fans. They want something more personal, something fun, something to keep them coming back for me.

Don't just post about yourself. There is so much more out there to talk about than your business, your shows, your latest Reverbnation standings. Humanize yourself. You don't have to get too personal, but soften your edge a little, let your guard down. Yes, you may be hesitant because let's be honest, there are those obsessive weirdos out there, the overzealous fans who quite honestly want to get too personal, think you are best friends, and probably make your skin crawl a little. The great thing about social media is that you can block those people and connect with those who know their boundaries, who have good and honest intentions and realize that your great aunt Selma isn't their great aunt Selma. Those kind of people aren't the core existence of your fan base and in reality, only make up a minuscule percentage of it. The majority of fans are down to earth, good and honest people who just want to see you succeed and love your music.

"Marketing is no longer about the stuff you make but the stories that you tell" 

- Seth Godin

Many artists like Jake Owen, Dierks Bentley, Benton Blount, Craig Campbell, Jason Michael Carroll, Steve Holy, Mark Wills, JT Hodges and Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum post pictures of their families. Taylor Swift is always posting pictures of herself doing something crazy like her recent "cookie baking". Brett Eldredge is always posting something that will make his fans laugh. These artists have built a huge sincere following from letting people see them as more than their favorite artists, they see them as parents, as spouses, as ordinary people with extraordinary jobs. Let people see that there's more to you than where you're playing, what your latest cd or single is, how many followers you have.

Tell stories - did you bust your butt on stage? Tell them about it. Did you hear a great clean joke? Tell it. Press releases, the latest news and performance schedules are great but what about telling them about something funny that happened at your last show, your latest embarrassing moment, a stupid joke or do a webisode? Keep 'em clicking on your site, that's your goal. The more clicks, the more interest, the more interest, the more music you sell. Focus on quality. The more quality you put into your posts, the better quality fan base you build, which means better quality promotion from them you'll get in return. Be personable, it counts for so much in today's marketing environment. Involve your followers, do random social media contests, you need to do something that the other guy isn't doing.

One other note, don't always post pictures of you with a beer or red solo cup in your hand. We know you're a drinker, a partier, a certified bad ass but it's not necessary to post that in EVERY picture. It doesn't make you look cool, it makes you look like your next performance will be in rehab. It's also unnecessary to post a picture of you throwing peace signs or acting like you're all gangsta thug. You're not a gangsta and well, it just looks dumb. Just post a simple pic without all of the unnecessary posing. That's not how you naturally act all day, don't do it in every picture. That gets old really quick.

Keep Political Views / Rants / 4 Letter Words and Unfounded Gossip 

to a Minimum, If At All

If you're an artist, the worst and easiest thing to do is offend someone. Don't forget that not everyone who reads your posts is going to agree with you and that's fine, however those potentially harmful posts can cause you to lose a fan, who in turn, is going to tell someone else and so on. Also keep in mind that not everyone who reads your post is an adult, kids tend to read these pages just as often as adults and while you're not a babysitter, you still have an obligation to those who essentially put food in your mouth and a roof over your head to keep it clean, keep it friendly and keep it worth coming back to. People are connecting with you because of your music, keep that the forefront. Yes, you have the freedom of speech, but remember so do other people and you don't want people using it to talk about you negatively.

Keep Your Timelines and Streams Current

Again, I know how busy you guys are, but have someone keep your page updated regularly. There is nothing more disheartening to a fan than to check your page everyday only to see that the last update was 6 months ago yet they know you've have more activity with your music than that. Most everyone has a smart phone these days, get the free apps and UPDATE often. Keep their interest and they'll keep buying your music.

Take Social Media Seriously. It's NOT a Waste Of Your Time

When Myspace first hit the limelight, people were interested in it, not as a marketing tool but as a way to catch up with old friends. Once professionals saw the traffic they could drive to their business, Myspace was no longer a way to kill free time, it became a lucrative way to interact with potential customers. While Myspace is still out there, Twitter and Facebook have become the top ways to interact with the public, to grow your business and trust me, people take this VERY seriously once they start their account and promoting it.

In essence, think like a potential fan. See yourself from their point of view. Do you like what you see? What can you change? What can you stop doing and begin doing? What can you do to better your personal connection?

- Jennifer Smith
Follow Jenn on Twitter at @Lovinlyrics

#ARTISTTIPS - HOW TO PROMOTE YOUR MUSIC EFFECTIVELY AS AN INDEPENDENT ARTIST

As an independent artist, the world of self-promoting is opening up with a much wider door every year with the addition of new technology and ways to get your music heard. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1.) PLAY LIVE SHOWS OFTEN. LEAVE THEM WANTING MORE

Can you imagine if your favorite artists never played live or just played a few shows a year? As an independent artist, you NEED to stay in the forefront. You can't just rely on recorded music to get by. Fans want to see you and so do fans who don't know they're fans yet. BE SEEN. GET OUT THERE.

While on the topic of being seen, don't just play at the same 2 venues over and over again. Reach out to new venues, look at venues outside of your local area. Yes, it can be costly, but if you do it right, you won't break the bank. Remember, you're not the Rolling Stones so high dollar hotels and tour buses aren't required starting out. Being cost efficient and doing things on a smaller scale will allow you to reach more fans in more locations. 

- APPLY FOR FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

Here are some of the big country music festivals in the US. There are also a ton of smaller festivals in towns across the country that you should look into that also draw good sized crowds.

Barefoot Country Music Fest

Big Country Bash

Big Valley Jamboree

Boots and Hearts Music Festival

Buckeye Country Superfest

Carolina Country Music Fest
Cavendish Beach Music Festival

Chillin' On the Lucie

CMA Music Festival
Country Concert

Country Fest

The Country Fest (Ohio)
Country Jam Colorado

Country Jam USA

Country Stampede Music Festival

Country Summer

Country Thunder

Crash My Playa

Dauphin's Country Fest

Faster Horses Festival

Gulf Coast Jam

Headwaters Country Jam

Hodag Country Festival

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

iHeartCountry Festival

Merlefest
Moondance Jammin Country Fest

ND Country Fest

Night in the Country NV

Oregon Jamboree

Railbird

Rock the South

Stagecoach Festival

Sunfest Country Music FestivalSuwanee River Jam
Tailgate and Tallboys IA

Tailgate and Tallboys, IL

Tailgate and Tallboys MI

Tidalwave Music Festival

Tortuga Music Festival

Trailblazer Country Music Festival

Voices of America Country Music Fest

Under the Big Sky

Watershed Music Festival

WE Fest
Windy City Smokeout

Winstock Country Music Festival

- HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU BE CHARGING?

I saw this from Dave Ruch, a performing and teaching artist and thought I'd share:

"SCENARIO A: WHEN THE VENUE TELLS YOU WHAT THEY PAY

Step 1 – you think back on what you’ve been paid for gigs in the past
Step 2 – look around at what other acts are being paid for similar gigs
Step 3 – consider what you are being offered
Step 4 – say “OK”

SCENARIO B: WHEN THE VENUE ASKS YOU WHAT YOU CHARGE

Step 1 – think back on what you’ve been paid for gigs in the past
Step 2 – look around at what other acts are being paid for similar gigs
Step 3 – dream about getting what you actually deserve
Step 4 – quote a price that’s not much better than Scenario A, or perhaps even worse!

What if, instead of taking what you can get, you start with a number, on paper, representing what you need to be making per week or per month, and figure out your rates from there? Would this change the way you do things? Would it force you into some different areas of work that pay better?"

- REACH OUT TO YOUR LOCAL NEWS OUTLET AND SEE IF THEY'LL DO A FEATURE ON YOUR MUSIC AND LET YOU COME ON FOR A SONG OR TWO.

2.) CONNECTING THE "OLD FASHIONED WAY"

- HAVE A MAILING LIST

I hate them, but I ALWAYS read them and I know what's going on with my favorite artists. I bet I get 50 a week, but that's how I know where they are going to be, when their new album is coming out and sometimes, they let fans in on things that haven't been announced to the general public yet. It's another necessary form of engagement and direct communication with your fan base. If a fan takes the time to sign up for your list, that means they're genuinely interested in what's happening in your life as an artist. Email is also the only real way besides your website to reach out to fans who have turned their noses up at social media and don't have Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or whatever book-a-gram-chat. This is how they get their information. Keep that information going out. FYI, email has 4-5 times the users as social media ... do the math. Everyone needs an email these days, we don't NEED a social media account. Social Media sites come and go, looks like email is here for good.

Oh yeah, try to avoid as many junk filter trigger words in your emails as possible to avoid having your emails go smack into the spam folder. Below are some of the most common. If you have to use them, use them sparingly. TIP: Use a thesaurus to find a similar word to keep you out of the email doghouse.

As Seen On, Buy, Buy Direct, Clearance, Order, $$$, Affordable, Bargain, Cheap, Discount, Free, Incredible Deal, Lowest Price, Save Up To, Accept Credit Cards, Cards Accepted, Check or Money Order, Accordingly, Chance, Here, Never, Miracle, Sample, Success, Stop, Dear, Friend, Hello, Click, Click Here, Click Below, Open, Opt In, Performance, Sale, Visit Our Website, 100% Free, 50% off, Deal, Giving Away, Offer, Prize, Prizes, Terms and Conditions, Trial, Win, Winner, Winners, Winning, Won, You are a Winner, You Have Been Selected, You're a Winner, Free Gift, Free Membership, All New, Amazing, Congratulations, Drastically Reduced, Fantastic Deal, Great Offer, Limited Time, Now Only, Offer Expires, Order Now, Supplies are Limited, Urgent, Bonus

3.) DON'T BE A NUDNICK ON SOCIAL MEDIA (*YAWN *) 

When it comes to social media, creativity and authenticity wins, EVERY TIME. Be YOU. Be open, be transparent (Good googily moogily, that almost sounds political doesn't it - or like a piece of scotch tape). Talk about what you find interesting, what captivates you. Post teasers of what's coming next, keep 'em coming back to find out more. If you have a new project on the way, post a taste of what to expect, a sample clip, a behind the scenes video. Don't be afraid to be creative. No one wants to see boring, auto bot, repetitive overindulgent self promotion about the same thing over and over. Change it up, keep 'em coming back, not yawning.

Connect with a larger brand and possibly double your traffic on social media. Establish a rapport with other artists, bloggers or venues. Start conversations with them that are sure to draw interest from fans on all sides. You will see your numbers start to grow.

Post frequent live video - performances, commentary from the road, chats with random fans before or after a show, interviews, contests, and other great content. Everyone loves a chance to watch what goes on behind the scenes live.

Polls and Surveys - Ask your fans for their opinion. They LOVE to have input and know that their voice makes a difference. Ask what your next single should be, where you should play next, what things they like or don't like about your website.

Blog Posts - People read these, they really do. Write about an experience that meant something to you, advice you were given that you'd like to share, a fan moment that made you smile, how you feel about shooting your first video. Write from the heart and you'll reach the heart of those who love your music.

Be Consistent. Don't post regularly then stop. Don't post personally then let a social media manager take over, fans notice these things.

Hint: Shorten your links. No one wants to see a link that takes up half a page. Use Bitly or something similar and clean up your posts.

4.)  SUBMIT YOUR MUSIC FOR STREAMING PLAY LISTS

Find out who runs the play list, connect with them. They're pretty easily found on Spotify or you can use social media or the Internet to research this information. Some are run by Spotify itself. In that case, reach out to the digital streaming outlet's Artist Liaison. Don't write them a book, keep it simple with easy access to samples of your music and DON'T BEG. FYI, the more music you release and the most streams you have, the better your chances of getting "playlisted." However you choose to release, just make sure it's of a good quality and doesn't sound like a second rate, back yard shed, garage sale 80's Dollar Store equipment.

Send your listeners to the digital streaming outlets to listen. The more streams you have, the more you're likely to be noticed.

5.) SURROUND YOURSELF WITH TEAM PLAYERS

Your team is one of the most important parts of your future. Those on your team need to be 100% in or 100% out and be working in YOUR best interest. Make sure your team is experienced in connecting with potential investors, radio programmers, management representatives, tour managers, venue owners, etc. Make sure they know how to do this on a professional level and not an "I'm a super fan and this band is the best thing ever" level. If you want to be taken seriously, make sure your team is batting for you with the serious intention of knocking it out of the park. Promotions need to be done with care and quality by someone who knows your music, knows your background and knows who your core audience is. Your management needs to be someone who has a background in management and knows how to handle situations you might not be comfortable dealing with such as contracts, bookings, monetary transactions, travel details, press arrangements, etc. Make sure you are surrounded with the best of the best that you can afford and don't be afraid to spend a little money to get that quality. They should be working not only FOR you but WITH you.

And Finally ... DO NOT GET DISCOURAGED.

It's not easy. It's not going to happen overnight. It might not even happen in 5 years. Remember, the biggest names didn't always play arenas and stadiums. They didn't always sit at #1 on the charts. They started out just like you, sometimes playing to a handful of people who have no clue who they even are, in stale smoke filled bars. They probably thought about giving up more than once until someone gave them the nudge they needed. Wait for the nudge, it's coming. If things don't work out, you ALWAYS have the music which is what got you started and it will always connect with someone and could very possibly make a positive change in their lives. It's not about what the music brings to you, it's about what you bring to the music and what your music brings to listeners. Don't get so caught up in the business that you lose sight of the art. It takes 10 years to be an overnight success according to Travis Tritt.

- Jennifer Smith

Follow Jenn on Twitter at @Lovinlyrics

#ARTISTTIPS - EVERYBODY'S TWEETIN' AND POSTIN'

Social Media is a HUGE platform for new artists. It not only allows you to get your music out there, it allows you to bridge that gap between you and your fans, bring you closer to the front lines and get to know them better and allows them to get to know you better. If you're not active and regular on social media , you're missing an important opportunity to expand your audience.

Not Sure What to Post?

People are hesitant about what they should or should not put on social media and that's a good thing because there are some things that just need to be left off your timeline, especially if your purpose is to GAIN fans. Stay away from inflammatory subjects such as politics, tabloid garbage, "personal" details, etc. There is such a thing as TMI.

Try These Instead:

- What Are You Doing???  - Are you working on a new CD? Tweet about it. Are you on the road and discovered a cool new venue? Tweet about it. Did you adopt a rescue animal? Tweet about it, people LOVE animals.

- What Is Coming Up? - Do you finally have a release date for your new video? Put it out there. What's next on your tour schedule? Upcoming TV appearance? Talk about it!

- Share Interesting Content - It doesn't always have to be music. Did you see a new movie that you really liked? Did you hear a song by another artist that you fell in love with? Share what interests you with your fans.

- Retweet, Re-post, Repeat - Simply liking a post isn't getting the word out. If someone tweeted something nice about you, complimented your new song, raved about your latest performance - like it AND re-post it so others can see the positive feedback you're getting.

- Ask Questions - Ask your fans what THEY want to hear, ask what their current favorite song by any artist is, ask for ideas. You could get an idea for your next hit single or video just by asking a simple question. You may also find out what fans DON'T like that you're doing which is always helpful and might make you rethink some things. You may even discover that your "team" isn't exactly doing what they should be doing like updating your website, posting as often as they should be, etc.

- Fun Stuff - Post funny videos that made you laugh, non-offensive memes, jokes ... make your fans laugh, let them see the not so serious side of you. Brett Eldredge, Mark Wills, Joe Bonsall, and Blake Shelton are some of the best at this and they know how to keep 'em coming back just by making them look twice and laugh.

- Recommendations - Thinking about seeing a movie or looking for a new book to read on the bus? Ask your fans for their recommendations. Want to try a new restaurant on your next tour stop? Ask the people that live in that area.

- Likes and Dislikes - Find out what your fans like or dislike about your new single, video, social media account, website, etc.

- Snapshots from The Road - People love pictures.They love anything visual and social media is big on visual content. Post pics from the road, pics of you with fans, pics of your new dog, etc. Give your fans the bigger picture.

- A Simple Acknowledgement Goes a Long Way - Acknowledge random tweets on your timeline. Respond unexpectedly and make someones day. Thank them for showing off your new t-shirt in their latest tweet, thank them for making the 5 hour drive to see your last show, congratulate them if you see they're celebrating something such as a birthday or birth of a new baby. Show them that it's not all about you. Show them that they matter.

- Take Part in Social Media Events - Answer questions in a Twitterview, live tweet from events, etc Facebook Live, Stage It and Periscope are great ways to bring yourself to your audience when they can't physically get to your show or when you just feel like doing something off the cuff. Imagine if Elvis had been able to Facebook Live from the Jungle Room at Graceland or if Merle Haggard just performed an acoustic Stage It show from his couch?

- Post Random Thoughts on Life - share quotes, advice or photos that have helped you through rough times. If they helped you, they may help someone else who really needs it.

Don't be afraid of social media. It's an advantage that wasn't around for artists until just a few years ago. It can be a machine that can move your career forward rapidly or if you use it wrong, it can move you in the wrong direction. Use it wisely, use it regularly ... just use it to your advantage!

- Jenn

Follow Jenn on Twitter at @Lovinlyrics

#ARTISTTIPS - VIDEO AND AUDIO CONTENT IDEAS FOR SUCCESS

I see a lot of new artists struggling with what makes for interesting and worthwhile media content. With social media, video goes a long way and can really help boost your following. It also shows that you are more than just your show dates and new cd or single release date posts.

- Interviews

Do these, do them often. People love to hear what's going on right from you and they love to find out what makes you tick. Your fans want to get to know you. Interviews give them that opportunity and give you the chance to say in your own words what's happening and to personally express your gratitude. Interview with ALL size media outlets, not just well known names. These days independent bloggers and music reviewers are gaining traction on the big corporate blogs and catching up quickly in numbers. The difference? A lot of independents WANT to help you, they CARE about your music and they're not in it to just make a fee and lump you in with a hundred other artists. Corporate blogs are great too but you also can tend to get lost in the shuffle so don't blow off a small fish in a big pond. Remember, piranhas are small fish too but they sure do leave an impression and make their presence known. 

On the subject of interviews, try a "reverse" interview and YOU be the interviewer and turn the tables on your band members, crew, publicists, manager or even fans! How awesome would it be for a fan to be questioned by their favorite artist and it be posted on the artist's website? If you're in Nashville, do a random pop in at a honky tonk, the Country Music Hall of Fame or any other country music themed attraction and talk to visitors on camera and ask them about country music related subjects. That would make a HUGE positive impact for both you and your fans and would definitely pull in some new ones! Interview anyone related to your target audience and watch that audience grow.

- WEEKLY WEBISODES

No, I don't mean the drama that goes on after the show between band members or that kind of soap opera webisode. Give your fans a personal backstage on the road glimpse into your daily work life. Playing the Opry? Take your fans with you and show them what goes on in the backstage area before your big performance. Playing a small bar? Let them walk through set up with the crew and see all of the work that goes into the "before the show" show. Shoot from the bus on the road, singing show tunes with the band and crew, whatever. Just do something on a regular basis and keep the fun going while the camera's rolling. Ready? Set? Action!

- COUNTRY GIVES BACK

Do you participate in charity events? Charity causes are a big plus about country music. Country artists seem to always find a way, any way, to give back when needed and help. Take a video camera along and record the moments of the day, talk to the people involved and let them talk about why they choose to give back and let your fans know how they can participate. 

- SHARE ADVICE AND TIPS THAT HAVE HELPED YOU

If you're a more well known artist, post video giving advice or tips that have helped you along the way that may help a struggling artist. Don't be afraid to give away industry "secrets" to advancement, practices that you've found to be helpful. You can let fans know what they can do to help you, let them know things that aren't so helpful as well. If you're a songwriter, talk about songwriting tips and how to's. 

- BE A TOUR GUIDE

If you're an artist on the road, be a video "Tour Guide" to some of the places you visit when you're in certain areas. 

- Recommend local restaurants and the best eats on the menu. 

- Showcase the venue you're performing in and the staff that work there

- Spotlight some of the locally owned businesses around town

- Turn the spotlight back on the local media in town that have supported you. Let people know!

It doesn't take high dollar video equipment to produce a high quality enjoyable video so don't let cost scare you. Most smart phones are perfectly capable of producing a fantastic quality video and there are plenty of editing apps out there to make you look like Spielberg.

Get out there, have fun, stand out and show your fun side! Grow your audience!

- Jenn

Follow me on Twitter at @lovinlyrics

#ARTISTTIPS - GOT FANS? WANT MORE OF THEM?

Many unsigned artists are creating some of the best music, but without the help of a label, have no idea of how to reach and increase their audience. It can be done, just look at Florida Georgia Line. They started as independents and put their focus into building their fan base before even trying to go to radio. If you don't have a solid following of supporters behind you, all the radio play in the world isn't going to matter. Start with the foundation and build it from there. Radio is gonna be there so don't stress about having to get radio play first, build the fan base and do it right, it will come on it's own.

It's really common sense, if you want to be heard, you have to put yourself out there and these days, that means social media and personal connection. Yes, it's a time sucker, yes, it can be annoying, but yes, it makes a valuable difference.

1. Music + Quality = Promotions Worthy Product

You have to put out music that people want to hear and want to tell others about. Put out a product you're proud of, that you care about. Make sure it's up to par as far as production and quality. Make sure it's "promotion worthy". This is YOUR career and YOUR reputation, those are two things always worth the most money you can afford to spend and always worth the effort.

2. Establish An Online Presence

Many artists seem to grasp the reality that in today's market, you have to have an online presence via a website and social media. It's great that they understand but are they making the most of it? The saying used to be, when referring to children, "they should be seen but not heard". When it comes to artists trying to get their music out there, the saying changes a little to "you have to be seen to be heard."

Social media is a tool that artists today are blessed to have access to. Artists as little as ten years ago didn't have the luxury of getting to know their fans and actually having a way to personally reach out to them, to build a relationship beyond just sales, radio and magazine interviews and TV appearances. Now you can reach out to millions of potential fans at once and that's huge for potential growth! You have these amazing FREE tools (Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Snapchat, Instagram, Tumblr and so many other websites), use them to your advantage. Consider social media the bridge that connects you to the world because that's exactly what it is. Without it, you're stuck and aren't gonna move much.

3. Enough with the SPAM and Over Indulgent Self-Promotion

We know you're hurting for promotion and have to do it yourself, but no one wants to be bombarded with 25 emails a week saying "come to my show, see my new tshirts, hear my new song." Sending out never ending self-promoting SPAM is a surefire way to lose new fans. Likewise, when you're online using Twitter or Facebook, there is no need to promote the same news over and over again, to promote the same show more than a couple of times a week, or to keep telling fans that "I'm #110 on Reverbnation." We know. Don't overkill.

Along the same lines, when you're sending your music to bloggers, industry reps, etc, be thoughtful in how you present yourself. If you send an email or online message, tweet, whatever and it starts off with "Here's my new song" or "I'm the next big thing", guess where it's more than likely gonna wind up? The garbage or recycle bin. Introduce yourself, ease into it without smacking the reader in the face with link, video or file. Let them know who you are, what you've done and why they should listen to you. Consider yourself a product. You have to pitch your product, make it attractive and make people want to buy your product. Would you buy a product you knew nothing about?

4. Feature a Regular Webisode, Artist Blog or Just Post Random Fun Videos

Keep fans in the know, keep them in the middle of your loop. Artists like Lady Antebellum, Florida Georgia Line and Chase Rice do regular webisodes on the road that feature highlights from that week's show and special events. Fans LOVE this. It gives them an insight behind the scenes and let's admit it, we all like to be a little nosey. Craig Campbell does a regular "Craig Cam" that even features his family from time to time, this is going over great with his fan base. Steve Azar does a "What's in the Pot" feature from his kitchen. Brett Eldredge posts some of the funniest videos out of the blue and he is hysterical and keeps it fun. If you can't do video, just write a blog and let fans know what's going on, interesting things that they might have missed or that happened at a show or just to thank them now and then.

Here is an example of Brett Eldredge's "Sing It Wednesday" Webisodes


5. Be the Fan

View yourself from the fan's perspective. Would you honestly be interested in what you're doing? Would you find your website appealing, your tweets engaging, your Facebook posts worth commenting on? Do you take the time to get to know your fans? Do you read THEIR timelines and keep up with THEIR special announcements like birthdays, weddings, engagements, deaths in the family? Do you acknowledge these? One or two days a week, put yourself in their shoes and read the things they're putting out there whether it applies to you or not. If you see an engagement announcement, wish them the best of luck. Send random fans a simple "hi, just wanted to thank you for all you do" tweet or post on Facebook. If you can take the time to tweet about the latest news, your new show, etc, you can take the time to engage with them one on one. It's not hard to do and it's worth your time. If someone tweets about you, acknowledge it with a thank you. Every tweet eventually leads to a record sale or a new fan somewhere down the line. It's basically virtual sales for you. Your fan is your biggest promoter.

6. Don't Rely on a Social Media Manager 24/7

If you're going to take the time to have an online social media account, take the time to participate and engage personally. There is no bigger turnoff than a page that is obviously run only by a social media manager. It's so impersonal, obvious to fans and too "starched white shirt" stiff. We all know you're busy, fans are just as busy as you but still find time to tell people about you. You can take a few minutes a week to tweet, it's only 140 characters and takes less time than drinking a single beer.

7. Enjoy Your Fans!

They're mostly great people, just wanting to help you, that see something special in you. They see something so special in you that they're willing to drive hours just to see you in person, they spend money that should be spent elsewhere on your shows, your merchandise. Hold fan participation events like online chats, video hangouts, interactive contests, pick out random fans at each show and upgrade their tickets to front row or grab a few and invite them backstage and take them to catering to sit down and grab a bite to eat and talk for a few minutes. Do something other artists aren't doing, make yourself a fan favorite just by showing them that you enjoy them.

If you want to be know, you have to let people get to know you and get to know them. It's a reciprocal world out there now. Take part in it, have fun, be the artist that fans want to tweet and connect with. Don't be the artist who never responds, who never posts, who never makes an effort to connect with the very people who keep you going. They're your biggest promoters, so you need to give them a reason to talk about you.

- Jennifer Smith 
Follow Me on Twitter at @LovinLyrics