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Guest post by Becky HoltonThe present-day music industry is making it harder for aspiring musicians to gain fame and recognition. It’s not enough to just be talented or unique – you have to know how to advertise your skills and target the right audience. With the rise of social media and streaming services, the competition is tougher than ever and the stakes are sky high.So, how does one achieve recognition in a competitive market? It’s not that hard; all you have to do is strategize and know your strengths. To help you rise from obscurity, we’ve assembled 7 essential ways to promote your work and expand your fan base. Implement them wisely and you will see the results you’ve been waiting for. You can do it!1. Have a simple websiteNo matter how adept you are at social media management, you should always make your website a #1 priority at all times. The reason for the persisting importance of websites for musicians is the isolation factor. This means that you’re in total control of the look on your website. You don’t have to adhere to rules that exist on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. What websites offer musicians is a chance to establish their branding.Social media might be useful for extending your brand influence, but the website is where it all begins. It’s your territory and you should adjust it so that every component helps you express your music. What should a website include anyway?- Your logo and brand colors
- The bio of your band/project
- Artists that influenced you (so that people who like those artists have a reason to give you a listen)
- Links to social media and streaming services
- News
- Media gallery
6. Get visual!
Even if you don’t have music videos for every song, that doesn’t mean you can’t add visual components to your songs. When you upload music to YouTube, add an animated video with geometric shapes. UKF Drum and Bass are known for their simple, but enticing animations. If you don’t want to spend money on animations, you can always design immobile graphics that grab attention. They work, trust us.7. InteractWhen someone comments on your videos or social media posts, interact with them. Too many listeners are sick of musicians thinking they’re bigger than everyone else. While PPC campaigns, music videos and launches cost money – it doesn’t take even a dime to act human and interact with fans.Be a musician that you wanted your idols to be when you were a kid. Fans will recognize this and will spread good word and stories about you. It’s free, but it can have lasting effects on your fanbase and be profitable in the long run. Don’t be a jerk. ConclusionApplying these tactics will not only expand your influence but also solidify your image. As your fanbase grows, each and every fan will know what to expect from you and know you are. Image is important in modern music, as much as finances and influencing. Don’t let so many tools scare you – use them to your advantage and don’t give up on your dreams. If you don’t believe in yourself, who will?