How to Build Your Brand
25-April-2024
Hey there, fellow artists! Today, let us dive into the exciting world of building your brand as an emerging artist. It takes more than just musical ability to stand out and leave your mark in a world of varied talents and imaginative voices. Let's explore some essential tactics that can improve your visibility and enable you to establish a stronger connection with your audience. But before that let us understand the term 'Brand'.
What do you understand by brand?
What makes you who you are is what makes up your brand. It's a distinguishing element—a caption, symbol, description, or quality—that sets you apart from rivals in your field.
But branding needs content, and your music fulfills that need. As the saying “content is king,” and having good music significantly impacts how far it can naturally spread via sharing and word-of-mouth.
However, branding worksdifferently. It is possible to become famous even if you lack talent. It depends on the kind of audience you cater to as well as the standing and perception of your company. Now, let's look at some steps to develop your brand.
· Develop a Unique Sound and Style Owning music makes sense because it's personal. Your music reflects your personality and life philosophy. Let it resonate with your audience on an authentic level. Once you have this knowledge, you can create your brand image strategy. It becomes crucial when submitting your songs to music blogs for review.
Do not attempt to imitate others. Even though it might be helpful, in the beginning, you can't stick with it for long. Whether you're rapping, singing, or playing an instrument, such as a guitar, your music must be distinct and original. It ought to be a reflection of your inner truth. Don't be scared to try new things and add your flair. Your objective is to have your signature style recognized by listeners right away. Several well-known music artists, including Moby, Algiers, Lea Bertucci, Lana Del Rey, and Taylor Swift, are renowned for having distinctive musical styles.
Create a logo and select a color combination The next step is to create a logo for your brand. It helps to identify who you are. Your logo must reflect your preferred musical taste and the image you wish to convey on stage. To understand the importance of brand image and branding elements, examine logos, branded t-shirts, and other merchandise of any well-known music artists.
After you have created a logo, choose a color combination that helps to convey information. It develops the desired mood and attracts attention. You can experiment with different color combinations to see which works best. Remember to maintain your music brand's image throughout all channels and promotional materials. Changes to colour, shape, or typography will cause you to disconnect.
Strategies for Branding To develop a brand strategy and marketing ideas for music, you must first acknowledge that branding for conventional business differs from that of the music industry. It is a result of the profound emotional resonance and individuality of music. Follow these strategies to market your brand and yourself as a music artist.
Identify Your Audience Knowing your audience is similar to having a secret weapon in your musical arsenal. Platforms like SoundCloud, Spotify, and Apple Music provide invaluable information about who listens to your music. Analyze the data - age, gender, location - and tailor your content accordingly. And, after a live performance, mingle with the audience; get to know the people who enjoy your music. It's about connecting with real people, not just numbers.
Communicate Your Brand Story Your music is more than just melodies and lyrics; it tells a story, and you are the narrator. Define who you are, why you make the music and what distinguishes you. Authenticity attracts, so be honest about your journey. Allow your brand to be an extension of yourself, whether you're a high-energy performer or a chill Instagram personality. Consistency is essential; whether you're on stage or online, your audience should know you.
Create a Strong Online Presence Welcome to the digital age, where social media serves as your platform. Engage your audience on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Share highlights from your life, behind-the-scenes footage, and, of course, your music. Having a clean Electronic Press Kit (EPK) on your website is like having your virtual headquarters - a place where fans and industry professionals can get to know the real you.
Make sure to post frequently and use relevant hashtags to expand your audience. Engage with your followers by responding to their messages and comments, and collaborate with other artists to reach a wider audience.
Merchandising Merchandizing is a great way to generate revenue and establish your brand. Creating and promoting merchandise, such as t-shirts, hats and posters featuring your album art or brand logo, can help you promote your music. Selling your merch online or at live events is a great way to engage with your fans and build a loyal following.
Using some of the top-tier merchandize websites for bands, artists, and DJs in the industry, like Shopify, Big Cartel, Printful, Dizzy Jams, and others, can conveniently sell your products to fans.
Stay Consistent Consistency is your superpower in a world where attention spans are short. Continue to fine-tune your sound, message, and overall brand image. Maintain a consistent image whether you're releasing a new song, posting on social media, or updating your website. Consistency breeds familiarity, and familiarity fosters trust among your target audience.
Conclusion
Building your brand as a new artist is an exciting journey. It's about creating a world around your art that people want to be a part of, not just music. So, stay true to your sound, connect with your audience, and let your distinct brand shine in the vast and diverse music industry landscape. Your journey is just getting started; make it one to remember!