Releasing a single is the best way to establish yourself within the music industry and build a fanbase. The way you plan the release of your single influences its performance. Here are six things you must do before releasing your next single.
1. Create a marketing plan
The first step towards the release of a single is crafting a marketing plan. Create a marketing plan for a three-month period before the release of your single. Define the different stages of your marketing campaign and sketch out promotional strategies for every stage. Create a timeline for your promo plan and make sure you follow it diligently. Plan how you are going to introduce the release of your single, how you are going to build hype for the release, how to boost sales and keep the momentum of your release going. An elaborate marketing plan is a driving factor in your single’s success.
2. Choose your distribution methods
Deciding how you want to distribute your single is very important. The methods you choose can largely impact your revenue. The first question you need to ask yourself is whether your single will be available for free, streaming, or purchase. Accordingly, you can make your single available on online platforms such as iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, Apple Music or SoundCloud. Make sure your single is also available through your website to increase traffic and obtain email addresses of fans. Note that you can make your single free on one platform and for sale on another. Pick your distribution channels to ensure maximum revenue from the single.
3. Register your work
Obtain the necessary licenses to protect your work and collect your revenue when others use your single. Register your song with the US Copyright office, performing rights organization and SoundExchange. You can also track your analytics if you register your single with Nielsen BDS. Registering your work from relevant organisations will prevent others from misusing it for personal benefits.
4. Update your press kit
Update your press kit to include relevant information about the single. Edit your artist bio to include details about the new single. For instance, you can include a brief description of the creative process or your source of inspiration for producing the single. Additionally, take new press photos to highlight the release of your new single. Update your press kit on your website. Provide relevant streaming and purchase links for the new single. Update your press kit to make it easy for journalists and bloggers to write about your single.
5. Create suitable visuals to complement your single
Keep your marketing materials and relevant visuals ready before hand. Create suitable visuals such as artwork, posters, CD covers and other collaterals to aid a full blown release. Additionally, plan your music video and complete its production before you begin your marketing campaign. Decide on the theme, logistics, script, screenplay, release date and promotional plan for your music video. Your music video should have an elaborate promotional plan of its own. However, make sure all your marketing materials are consistent and seamlessly tie in with the brand.
6. Keep the momentum of your release going
Once your single is released and is caught on by your fans, you must keep the momentum going. The period after the release and before its popularity dies down, is lucrative to release further music. Consider releasing another single, EP or an album, while people are still talking about your single. You can also capitalize on your single’s success by seeking more press coverage, booking gigs at popular venues and looking for sponsorship opportunities. Be proactive and use the period after the release to your advantage.
Several artists have moved up the music industry ladder and built large fan bases with just one hit single. Armed with strategies, you can do the same for your music career. Follow the above strategies to ensure your single is released to a large and widespread audience.
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Manasa Boggaram is a writer and has a strong passion for music, positive news and constructive journalism. When she is not researching story ideas or writing blog posts, she spends her time reading books, discovering new music and eating lots of street food.
