As an indie artist, nothing is more rewarding than your fan base singing your song back to you, or sending you messages about how much they love your music!
As much as we all love making music, the feeling of impacting people with it is a special thing!
When it comes to building a fan base the first thing that might come to mind is spotify playlists or growing a social media following… While both of these are great, they don’t build a fanbase. They get you in front of new people, and the moment of attention you get from them is your chance to convert them from someone mildly interested in your music, to a follower, and then hopefully a lifelong fan.
How do you build a fan base that’s as loyal as No Shoes Nation? Or goes crazy for you like the Beleibers? (sorry not sorry :D)
It’s all about community and connection. It’s human nature to want a tribe. To fit in. To be connected. Once you understand this aspect and take it forward with what you do with your marketing and music, you can really start to build a dedicated following.
Connection and community builds raving, lifelong fans.
The first step to building a solid fan base is to get people on board with what you are doing and who you are. People will connect with your story, so you have to make sure you know what that story is!
What do you stand for? What are your values? What makes you unique?
Some things to note here would be “quirky” things that you incorporate into your brand that are “you”
Do you love mac and cheese? Are you a crazy cat person? These things are relatable and will help you connect with potential fans PLUS give you a much wider audience to reach.
When you incorporate your story and who you are into your artist profile, it allows people to find you through those mediums as well.
Maybe someone sees a post on Instagram from a cat hashtag, starts to follow you, and only then discovers your music. This person is way more likely to become a dedicated fan because they already like you and have something in common with you. See the power of connection?
A really popular way to build connections is through email and SMS marketing. SMS is really heating up and provides direct access to people’s phones.
Staying connected with simple updates, free offers, and updates is a great way to stay at the top of someone’s playlist!
Once you start building connections with people, this is where you can really get them on board with what you are doing.
Once you build interest based, personal connections your fans are much more likely to sign up for what you have to offer.
Most artists are afraid to ask for financial support… But those who ask most often get it!
One of my favorite ways to help artists do this is through a platform called Rocket Fuel. They provide amazing training and resources to artists so they make the most out of their current fan base.
If people truly feel like they are part of something they are much more likely to help out financially. This can easily be done with your music career. Ask for input on your next single, get fans to help choose your album art on social media. Make your fans feel like they are along for the ride with you, not just doing something for you.
