5 Ways to Grow Your Fan Base as a Singer-Songwriter!
Growing your fan base is one of the best things you can do to get your music out into the world. Following a multi-faceted approach can help your most loyal fans find you and follow you online and in-person. Let’s check out some of the best ways to grow your fan base as a singer-songwriter in today’s modern music world:
1. Utilize (consistent) Social Media: Social media is a powerful tool for reaching new fans and building a loyal following. Making sure you have a strong presence on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and Twitter, gives you the ability to share your music, connect with fans, and promote your shows. Being able to target specific fans in different locations is key to live show promotion and pushing your digital sales and streams. Being consistent with posting is key here.
2. Perform Live: Performing live is one of the best ways to grow your fan base as a singer-songwriter. Play local shows, participate in open mics, and perform at festivals and other local and regional events. These performances will not only help you reach new fans, but they will also give you the opportunity to interact with your existing fans and build a stronger connection with them. Make sure your fans can keep in touch with you after these shows are over. QR codes, name branding, and selling merch/records are great ways to give fans an opportunity to see you, connect with you, and remember who you are.
3. Collaborate with Other Musicians: Collaborating with other musicians can help you reach new fans and expand your network. Be on the lookout for opportunities to work with other artists, whether it's through something like a split EP, a co-tour, being an opening act, or a collaborative writing session. These collaborations can help you build relationships with other musicians and tap into their fan bases. Working with musicians who are in the same genre, or would attract similar fans, would be helpful here.
4. Engage with Your Fans: Engaging with your fans is a simple yet effective way to build a loyal following. Respond to comments and messages, offer exclusive content, and run contests and giveaways. Free show tickets, backstage passes, limited edition merch, and meet and greets, are all proven ways to build fan engagement. By showing your fans that you appreciate their support, you can foster a strong sense of community and excitement around your music and brand.
5. Create a Professional Website: Creating a professional website is an essential step in growing your fan base in the modern era. At a minimum your website should include information about you and your music, tour dates, merchandise, and a way for fans to contact you and sign up for your mailing list. This will help you establish a strong online presence and make it easy for fans to find and connect with you. Having your own email list will allow you to provide news to YOUR fans whenever you need to. You don’t want to overdo it, but an occasional email about big shows, record releases, and other notable events can help get your most loyal followers and listeners to your shows and buying your records.
Making sure fans can find you online (and in-person) and being consistent with your fan engagement does take time, but the time invested is worth it. Having a strong online presence is imperative to growing any kind of following these days and it is no different for the singer-songwriter. Be consistent with your interaction and socials and watch your fan base grow!
