You've built your label, signed some killer artists, and everything is ready to make your musical universe resonate. Now, it's time for the crucial step: getting the music heard . Your goal? For your label's sounds to reach the public's ears, catch the eye of streaming platforms, and create a huge buzz. Come on, we'll guide you to highlight your artists in a cool and impactful way!
🗺️ 5.1 – Prepare an exit plan in strategic mode (but chill)
Releasing a song or an album is not just about posting a link and crossing your fingers. It has to be a hit, it has to attract attention from day one . So, to avoid the release going unnoticed, prepare a solid launch plan.
Some basics for an effective launch plan:
- Choose the right date : avoid dates where there are already too many big releases, or on the contrary, those where the audience has other things to do than go on Spotify (like, during the end-of-year holidays).
- Prepare a teaser : share some excerpts, images or videos from behind the scenes of the recording, in short, make people want to watch it without revealing everything. Use your networks, and even stories to create anticipation.
- Plan your posts : Have a schedule with each milestone: the release announcement, the pre-save link (which you can create yourself or get provided by your distributor), lyric posts (if that fits your style) – basically, keep people engaged until the big day.
🎶 5.2 – Streaming platforms: your best allies for broadcasting
It's 2024, and let's be honest: Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, and company are the stars of the game. But to maximize the visibility of your releases, there are a few things to know.
The basics for being successful on platforms:
- Prepare the metadata : make sure everything is perfect: title, artist name, musical genre, etc. This is what allows the algorithms to highlight your label's music.
- Submit your tracks to curators : On Spotify, for example, you can submit your tracks to editorial playlists via Spotify for Artists. One appearance on a good playlist, and it could be the jackpot for streams.
- Promote fan playlists : Encourage your followers and community to add your label’s tracks to their playlists. It seems simple, but the accumulation of small streams makes all the difference!
📱 5.3 – Use social networks to maximize reach
Social media is your playground for your music to reach as many people as possible! Whether you're an Insta pro, a TikTok buzz creator or even a Twitter (or X) ace, each platform has its potential to stir up the excitement around your releases.
Some ideas to boost your publications:
- TikTok challenges : if your label produces music that makes you dance, launch a small challenge or a cool choreography with an excerpt. TikTok is a goldmine for musical discoveries!
- Lives and acoustic sessions : do small Insta or YouTube lives where the artists from your label play live. People love to see behind the scenes and it brings them closer to the artists.
- Collabs and cross-posting : do collabs with influencers or other creators in your musical genre. This is perfect for new fans to discover your label.
📰 5.4 – Don’t neglect the press and blogs
Even in the era of social networks, music media and blogs are valuable allies to give your label credibility and give you more visibility. Many blogs love to talk about new talents, so go for it!
Steps to get press attention:
- Prepare a press kit : a good press kit with a bio of the artist, professional visuals, a link to the EP or single, and some nice anecdotes, this is the key to attracting journalists.
- Contact specialized blogs : target the media that talk about your musical style and send them a personalized message. No generic copy-paste; show that you know their editorial line!
- Think about independent radio stations : yes, they still exist and they love new sounds! Contact local radio stations or music podcasts that share the same universe as your label.
👂 5.5 – Encourage word of mouth: create a real community around your label
Word of mouth is the most powerful (and free!) tool to spread your label's music. Creating an engaged community is the best for an independent label . Here are some ideas to bond your audience:
- Create a private group or mailing list : on Facebook, WhatsApp, or even via a newsletter. Share exclusive news, previews of new tracks, or anecdotes from the recording. Fans love content that’s a little exclusive!
- Organize events : private showcases, preview listening parties, or even live online sessions. It creates powerful moments of connection with your fans.
- Run contests or giveaways : Offer goodies, concert tickets, or even studio sessions with the artists. It's fun, engaging, and it grows your fanbase.
🧠 5.6 – Analyze, adapt and keep making noise!
After each release, take a moment to review what went well and what could be improved. Statistics are your friend! Look at stream numbers, social media shares, and even fan feedback to adapt your strategy.
Basically, here’s the secret: every release is a new opportunity to experiment, try new things, and better understand your audience. Keep refining your release plans, adapting your communication according to trends, and above all, have fun! Making your label resonate in the ears of the public is a marathon – so be patient, persistent, and always keep your unique vibe in mind.
With all these steps, you have what it takes to explode the visibility of your label and your artists! All that's left is to go all out, be creative, and above all, enjoy each step of the adventure. Let's make some noise!