Seven rules for effective social networking for musicians

Image by Rosaura Choa

Not everything in this piece on Music Think Tank is in line with my advice. Read the comments below the piece as well for the full effect!

For example, I advocate Fan Pages rather than personal profiles (or both) on Facebook for promoting your music although I do acknowledge the drawbacks that the comments to this piece talk about.

Nonetheles, it is a GREAT piece that really serves to remind you what is important in the relationship between you and your fans and how you need to nurture that bond.

The most essential point to note in my approach to social media is that it begins with the word social. In order to generate interesting discussions and interactions, you must follow exactly the same practices as you would at a party.  You wouldn’t just stand up on a table in the middle of a room full of people and shout, “come to my show!” or, “buy my music!”  

You need to create engagements where there is a naturally developed interest in your affairs and your music.  If you stick with a party conversation long enough, you’ll inevitably be telling your new friend about your band.  They are a lot more likely to check you out than someone you walk up to on the street and hand a flyer.  

In addition, when you use social media properly, you are promoting the product “you” (I put you in quotes because the “you” in this case is a public persona and is partially distinct from the true you), not your music.  If you want the music you make to stand alone and develop its own social identity without your persona and personal identity backing it, I’d suggest not bothering.

Read the whole piece here.