Although music is the main component of bands, that’s not all that there is to it. Instead, it’s also important to remember that it’s a business you have to market to an audience. Good word-of-mouth can always come a long way, but bands must also do their part in order to widen their reach.
Fortunately, the wide use of online platforms nowadays means that there are now more accessible ways you can market your band online. In most cases, you don’t even have to spend a dime!
Here are 7 most effective marketing materials you can use to promote your brand to reach a wider audience. Let’s get started!
1. Merchandise
Any band that has existed in popular culture has most likely sold some type of merchandise to their fans. According to marketers, selling merchandise can actually be more than just a means to raise funds from your audience. Instead, it’s also a great way to connect with them and even raise awareness about your band at the same time.
As a bonus, your listeners will even be able to keep some form of memorabilia which can be sold anywhere from concert halls to online websites.
2. Promotional Teasers
For any upcoming single or album, promotional teasers are a great way to induce curiosity among fans. It doesn’t have to be anything too complicated—it can be something as simple as a minimal poster or even a short video that can spark interest.
Promotional teasers work much like classic countdown timers in marketing emails. They not only remind people about an upcoming event but also create anticipation by providing a clear timeframe for when it will start.
3. Exclusive Fan Perks
In social media platforms like YouTube and Patreon, there are now various means for an audience to be able to tip their favorite creators or artists through subscription-based models. In turn, these creators will simply have to offer exclusive media that the paying audience will be able to access.
This works similarly to VIP packages sold during concerts, where fans have to pay a little extra if they want to meet their favorite singer. Through the internet, however, selling exclusive packages is now easier and is even an effective marketing tool according to experts.
4. Official Website
Some might say that websites have rare use nowadays due to the prevalence of social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok, but it’s still actually the primary destination for organic search traffic. This means that, while bands should still be active on social media platforms, they should also ensure that they have an official and working website audiences can access.
Through websites, bands can also share official announcements, concert dates, and even sell merchandise.
5. Posters
While important announcements can be delivered just fine through a basic text-based post, pairing them with a well-designed poster can significantly enhance their impact. According to research, combining relevant images with text helps audiences better understand its content.
The best part is you don’t have to spend too much time creating them, all you have to do is load up some free band flyer templates and design them according to your band’s brand identity.
6. Behind-the-scenes Content
Although they are mainly interested in listening to your music, lots of fans are also curious about the process of writing them. Some artists even dedicate time to filming behind-the-scenes or backstage content where they document how they produce their songs or albums.
In doing this, fans are able to engage more closely with the artist and get a glimpse into what their regular day looks like. Not to mention, this also allows fans to get to know their favorite creators on a more personal level and even helps artists create bonus content on top of their main ones.
7. Social Media Pages
Nowadays, bands do not necessarily have to get signed with a record label first before finding an audience. They do not even have to rent or play at concert halls in order for people to hear their music.
With the rise of the digital age, bands can now simply record their songs and share them on social media where they can be viewed by thousands and even millions of people. In fact, various artists are even known to have begun on TikTok before reaching mainstream success. So, whether it be on Instagram or TikTok, try to ensure that you are active in posting content which will help you reach a wider audience.
Ready to Promote Your Band?
You’ve never had more ways to promote your band thanks to social media and digital marketing. Going viral is luck, real success is strategy, consistency and effort. It’s not just about posting content, it’s about engaging your audience, building anticipation and making an impact. Take the time to research, experiment and refine your promotional plan. Whether it’s a teaser, a flyer or a live stream, every move gets you closer to a bigger audience. So, get to it—put your music out there, create some buzz and get ready to play to a packed house!