6 Things Musicians Need To Do Before A Promo or PR Campaign

Promotion and PR are significant parts of getting your music heard and in the hands of the masses. They are important but in order to run these two types of campaigns or any other for that matter, you have some starter work to get the ball rolling.

1. Music ready to be Released

The music is the basis for everything you do. Have that all recorded and mastered before you confirm your first show, book your first hotel, flight rental vehicle, or begin a PR campaign. Your music will dictate what everything should sound, look and feel like for you and your audience. Have that ready so you can do everything correctly the first time and not pressure yourself to meet what may be an impossible deadline later on down the line.

2. Professional Photos

Imagines are extremely important. Everyone from fans/followers to venues and media will want a visual representation of you and your brand. Make sure it is professionally done. They need to stand out (this does not mean they have to top any idea Michael Jackson ever had) but they need to be of high quality and say something about you and most importantly be memorable.

3. Social Presence

Promoters and venues are definitely going to look at this as well as your potential audiences before they purchase tickets or invest their time to see you. Make sure you have made the effort to successfully connect with your audience. It's not about just plugging your work away all day, everyday, you need to have conversations and share a bit of yourself with your followers. I don't mean they have to know the moment you step into the bathroom but they will likely want to know what you are like off stage. Let them know and others like you will follow and you base will start to grow.

4. Niche

Your sound should be narrowed down to something that you specialize in. No two people are the same and no two people's sound should be the same either. What exactly is your sound? Before you start anything, figuring out whether you sound like a mixture of Darius Rucker and Bob Marley or Rihanna and Dawn Richards.

5. Compelling Bio

This is not a simple story of when were you born, people want to know your musical journey. When did you start to really perform and record? What makes you different from everyone else doing it and why should people listen to you?

6. Mailing List Ready

Once you have something to offer audiences, you need to have your own mailing list. Facebook and twitter do not count because you cannot take those names with you. If something happens to those accounts, you lose touch with those people who really want to keep up with you. They are like SuperFans! Make sure you keep up with them!