Why Musicians Should Consider Google Plus For Online Music Marketing

Marketing music online isn’t an easy job these days. There are many places to be and a gazillion tools to use. With all the learning and managing required your head can start spinning pretty quickly and your precious time can evaporate quicker than Windex on sun-drenched windshield. But I think Google Plus might just help us with that.

At first thought Google+ looked like another take it or leave it ploy by Google to grab some attention away from the Facebooks and Twitters of the world. But after reading Chris Brogan’s Google Plus 50 post, I have changed my mind.

He goes through and points out how Google+ – along with some of the new features like Circles (more on that below) – will bring all of their stand alone tools like Picasa, Gchat, Gmail, etc together for a one stop social party. Which got even more weight a day later when Google announces is will rebrand Picasa and Blogger.

Add that to fact 400,000+ Android phones are being activate per day it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see Google might have something here that is useful for music promotion.

Here is the part of the Chris’s post that really perked my interest:

“How long before we see our first Hangout live music “jam?” That’s one record button away from being supercool. And one “name your price” Google Checkout tweak away from being instant micro content for sale.”

How cool would that be? Monetized (or not) push button live shows – with all the promotion tools included – at your finger tips. Almost makes sites like Ustream and StageIt sound complicated.

Circles

CDBaby also recognized the potential of the Google+ Circles feature in a post.

They bring up a great point:

Basically, you can put your friends into different categories and communicate with each of them separately. For most users, circles would probably include “family,” “close friends,” “acquaintances,” “work associates,” etc. But for musicians, this function could have some added benefits if account holders are allowed to create circles for in-town fans, fellow musicians, booking contacts, studio owners, journalists and bloggers, etc.

That will be pretty slick. How many times do you want to share links, vids or chit chat with other artists about music marketing on various social networks but don’t because you don’t want to share that conversation with your fans and vice-versa?

Being able to segment conversations means you may not have to have two Twitter accounts or multiple fanpages to log in and out of.

The Tip of The Iceberg

And really that is the tip of the iceberg. I can’t get in to try out Google+ at the moment to really poke and prod but you can bet I will be in there playing around the minute I get a chance. Stay tuned In the meantime, go check out Google+ for yourself. And I strongly encourage you to go and read Chris Brogan’s Google Plus 50 post and check out the conversation going on in the comments because he goes into way more depth than I have time or first hand knowledge to here.

Oh and as a side note, Google getting bigger and better is kind of freaky. Hell, between my email, my reader, my phone, etc, the conspiracy theorist in me knows they have a crap load of my information. But [fingers crossed] hopefully it is much ado about nothing and I can reap some time saving and fan finding benefits of pretty innovative thinking on their part.

What about you?  Do you know something I don’t? Will you use Google Plus?

PHANTOM POWER
Marketing by Design
http://www.phantompower.co/

Why Musicians Should Consider Google+ For Online Music Marketing

Marketing music online isn’t an easy job these days. There are many places to be and a gazillion tools to use. With all the learning and managing required your head can start spinning pretty quickly and your precious time can evaporate quicker than Windex on sun-drenched windshield. But I think Google+ might just help us with that.

Brogan Knows
At first thought Google+ looked like another take it or leave it ploy by Google to grab some attention away from the Facebooks and Twitters of the world. But after reading Chris Brogan’s Google+ 50 post, I have changed my mind.

He goes through and points out how Google+ – along with some of the new features like Circles (more on that below) – will bring all of their stand alone tools like Picasa, Gchat, Gmail, etc together for a one stop social party. Which got even more weight a day later when Google announces is will rebrand Picasa and Blogger.

Add that to fact 400,000+ Android phones are being activate per day it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see Google might have something here that is useful for music promotion.

Here is the part of the Chris’s post that really perked my interest...

“How long before we see our first Hangout live music “jam?” That’s one record button away from being supercool. And one “name your price” Google Checkout tweak away from being instant micro content for sale.”

How cool would that be? Monetized (or not) push button live shows – with all the promotion tools included – at your finger tips. Almost makes sites like Ustream and StageIt sound complicated.

Circles
CDBaby also recognized the potential of the Google+ Circles feature in a post . They bring up a great point:

Basically, you can put your friends into different categories and communicate with each of them separately. For most users, circles would probably include “family,” “close friends,” “acquaintances,” “work associates,” etc. But for musicians, this function could have some added benefits if account holders are allowed to create circles for in-town fans, fellow musicians, booking contacts, studio owners, journalists and bloggers, etc

That will be pretty slick. How many times do you want to share links, vids or chit chat with other artists about music marketing on various social networks but don’t because you don’t want to share that conversation with your fans and vice-versa?

Being able to segment conversations means you may not have to have two Twitter accounts or multiple fanpages to log in and out of.

The Tip of The Iceberg
And really that is the tip of the iceberg. I can’t get in to try out Google+ at the moment to really poke and prod but you can bet I will be in there playing around the minute I get a chance. Stay tuned

In the meantime, go check out Google Plus for yourself. And I strongly encourage you to go and read Chris Brogan’s Google+ 50 post and check out the conversation going on in the comments because he goes into way more depth than I have time or first hand knowledge to here.

Oh and as a side note, Google getting bigger and better is kind of freaky. Hell, between my email, my reader, my phone, etc, the conspiracy theorist in me knows they have a crap load of my information. But [fingers crossed] hopefully it is much ado about nothing and I can reap some time saving and fan finding benefits of pretty innovative thinking on their part.

What about you?  Do you know something I don’t? Will you use Google Plus?

PHANTOM POWER
Marketing by Design
http://www.phantompower.co/

Are You A Band Or Are You A Brand?Get Over Your Fear of Selling Out & Start Marketing

Like any other profitable endeavor, music is a business. And as a musician, it's important to understand the basics of musician marketing if you want to be successful in this highly competitive industry. Start by developing a branded image, one that immediately tells your fans who you are and what you do. The following lays out the details on how you can develop a branded image that will help you take your music to the next level.

Importance of a branded image

In business, a branded image is your logo, tagline, colors, fonts/typesets and other attributes that visually represent one's company. In music, the same is true: Every band should develop at least a band logo to instantly gain recognition and set a mood for your audience. The more your audience sees your branded image, the more likely you are to gain credibility and earn fans... paying fans.

A branded image establishes you as a legitimate musician and makes it easier for your fans - or "customers" - to identify with you, and it presents upsell opportunities such as apparel, hats and other merchandise. Without a branded image, all you have is a name. With a branded image, you have a unique style that sets you apart from all other musicians.

How to identify your branded image

To identify your branded image, think about what genre of music you represent. Consider your fans, their likes and dislikes, their passions, and what they respond to. Research competitors to see what how they represent themselves - your most successful competition can lend great insight, indeed. Identify how you are different from your competition.

Next, list the results of all your research: Write down everything you know about who you are in a few words and phrases. Now, consider your own passions - what unique aspects you bring to the music world - and jot those down as well. Put everything together and come up with a preliminary tagline to describe yourself as a musician.

Finally, take your musician definition and consider creative ways to represent that in a word or two. Synonyms and rhyming dictionaries, historical texts, and other resources might be extremely beneficial. Come up with three potential concepts and choose the best - the one that resonates with you - as the name for your band or as a tagline for yourself as a solo artist.

Branding through design

Skilled graphic design can transform your musician's branded identity from a written concept to a visual motivator. This image is what the world will see, and the public will perceive the ideals and emotions that your image expresses.

Your logo doesn't have to be complicated - a simple text style or a few shapes will do. Consider Metallica's first logo (with the lightning bolt "M" and "A") or the Stone Temple Pilots' "STP" logos - they're both simple brand images for exceedingly popular bands. Though simple, when you see these logos you instantly know who they represent, what style of music they play, and whether you're a fan. When you achieve this, you've developed a powerful musician brand identity.

PHANTOM POWER
Marketing by Design
www.phantompower.co

50 Ways to Promote Your Music

Some you probably have thought of, many you probably have not. Maybe some you just need some reminders on some of the more obvious ones! Either way, there are some new ideas, and links to very useful websites that can help promote your music, website or social networking pages. If you have feedback on any of these particular websites, or if you have ideas to add to the list… let us know!

1. Build a Professional Website
2. Play Your Instrument In Odd Places (think flash mob)
3. Have business cards ready to give outVistaPrint is about the best and cheapest
4. Keep your fans in the loop with Email Marketing GET A 60 DAY RISK FREE TRIAL AT CONSTANT CONTACT
5. Ask to Open For More Established Bands
6. Create/Produce/Sell/Giveaway Wearable Merchandise
7. Promotional Giveaways with your logo is TANGIBLE ADVERTISING
8. Supply local hot spots with branded supplies
   Have a local bar that hosts musicians? Do they need disposable pints? Customize!
9. Create a Facebook Fan Page
10. Hire A Social Media Marketing Expert
11. Embrace Video Marketing and post your performances on YouTube
12. Post In Online Community Forums and Message Boards
13. Post in Free Online Classifieds Such as Craigslist in the Musicians Section
14. Build a mailing list; one for fans, one for venues and blast with postcards
15. Promote your website, social networks and blog in a Local Bands Directory
16. Promote Your Gigs using Facebook Events
17. Get As Many Links From Other Sites to Your Website as Possible
18. Builds your pagerank on Google.  Perhaps a link exchange with other artists?
19. Install and Maintain a blog on your website
20. Submit Articles to EzineArticles.com
    The top article syndication website online.  Don’t forget to link to your site.
21. Post about your Music in the Music Forums for your local newspaper
22. Create and Distribute Online Press Releases 
23. Take Out TARGETED Facebook Ads
24. Play As Many Open Mics As Possible
25. Play At Festivals and give Out Stuff
26. Be Willing to Play For Free 
27. Dress your poodle in a doggie sweater with your name on it
28. Hire a Booking Agent (choose carefully)
29. Stay In Contact With Your Fans with an Email Marketing Program
30. Give out branded Scratch-and-sniff Stickers With Strange Smells
31. Compete for prizes and band exposure on websites like ourstage
32. Recruit Hot Girls To Act As Groupies
    This tactic isn’t for everyone
33. Always provide your venues signage and use stage banners
34. Create Promotional Post Cards / Calendar Cards and Distribute
    Music venues, record stores, coffee shops, commuter hubs, gyms, salons
35. Hire A Publicist 
36. Release Demo CD's to Record Companies
37. Blow up Beach Balls with your Logo and leave them on the beach
38. Network, Network, Network
39. Hang out/Perform at Karaoke Bars 
40. Attach Promotional Material, Bumper Stickers, Lettering, to Your Vehicle 
41. Host Local Open Mic Nights
42. Participate in Local Charitable Functions 
43. Upload Your Songs Anywhere Possible
44. Give out as Much Stuff As Possible With Your Logo on it
45. Advertise Upcoming Shows and Events on Community Websites
46. Advertise Upcoming Album Releases On all Fronts
47. Frequently Update Website, Facebook, Twitter and Blog if you have
48. Give Music Lessons 
49. Launch a Street Team and Recruit Local Fans to Help Promote Your Music for Free
50. One of the Absolute Best Ways to Promote Your Music is by Word of Mouth! Don’t just tell people, but give them incentives to “share” your message online.

PHANTOM POWER
Marketing by Design
http://www.phantompower.co/

50 Ways to Promote Your Music

Some you probably have thought of, many you probably have not. Maybe some you just need some reminders on some of the more obvious ones! Either way, there are some new ideas, and links to very useful websites that can help promote your music, website or social networking pages. If you have feedback on any of these particular websites, or if you have ideas to add to the list… let us know!

1.    Build a Professional Website

2.    Play Your Instrument In Odd Places (think flash mob)

3.    Have business cards ready to give out
 VistaPrint is about the best and cheapest

4.    Keep your fans in the loop with Email Marketing
 GET A 60 DAY RISK FREE TRIAL AT CONSTANT CONTACT

5.    Ask to Open For More Established Bands

6.    Create/Produce/Sell/Giveaway Wearable Merchandise

7.    Promotional Giveaways with your logo is TANGIBLE ADVERTISING

8.    Supply local hot spots with branded supplies
 Have a local bar that hosts musicians?
 Do they need disposable pints?
 Customize!

9.   Create a Facebook Fan Page

10. Hire A Social Media Marketing Expert

11. Embrace Video Marketing and post your performances on YouTube

12. Post In Online Community Forums and Message Boards

13. Post in Free Online Classifieds Such as Craigslist in the Musicians Section

14. Build a mailing list; one for fans, one for venues and blast with postcards

15. Promote your website, social networks and blog in a Local Bands Directory

16. Promote Your Gigs using Facebook Events

17. Get As Many Links From Other Sites to Your Website as Possible
 Builds your pagerank on Google.  Perhaps a link exchange with other artists?

18. Install and Maintain a blog on your website

19. Submit Articles to EzineArticles.com
The top article syndication website online
Don’t forget to link to your site

20. Post about your Music in the Music Forums for your local newspaper

21. Create and Distribute Online Press Releases

22. Take Out TARGETED Facebook Ads

23. Play As Many Open Mics As Possible

24. Play At Festivals and give Out Stuff

25. Be Willing to Play For Free

26. Signup For Battle of the Bands in your area

27. Dress your poodle in a doggie sweater with your name on it

28. Hire a Booking Agent (choose carefully)

29. Stay In Contact With Your Fans with an Email Marketing Program

30. Give out branded Scratch-and-sniff Stickers With Strange Smells

31. Compete for prizes and band exposure on websites like ourstage

32. Recruit Hot Girls To Act As Groupies
This tactic isn’t for everyone

33. Stage Banners

34. Create Promotional Post Cards / Calendar Cards and Distribute
Music venues, record stores, coffee shops, commuter hubs, gyms, salons

35. Hire A Publicist

36. Release Demo CD's to Record Companies

37. Blow up Beach Balls with your Logo and leave them on the beach

38. Network, Network, Network.

39. Hang out/Perform at Karaoke Bars

40. Attach Promotional Material, Bumper Stickers, Lettering, to Your Vehicle

41. Host Local Open Mic Nights

42. Participate in Local Charitable Functions

43. Upload Your Songs Anywhere Possible

44. Give out as Much Stuff As Possible With Your Logo on it

45. Advertise Upcoming Shows and Events on Community Websites

46. Advertise Upcoming Album Releases On all Fronts

47. Frequently Update Website, Facebook, Twitter and Blog if you have

48. Give Music Lessons

49. Launch a Street Team and Recruit Local Fans to Help Promote Your Music for Free

50. One of the Absolute Best Ways to Promote Your Music is by Word of Mouth! Don’t 
 just tell people, but give them incentives to “share” your message online.

PHANTOM POWER
Marketing by Design
http://www.phantompower.co/