Build A Loyal Fanbase - 13 Tips On How To Turn Fans Into Superfans

 

I've just read an interesting article on Hypebot, all about what's needed to build up a loyal fanbase. The interesting thing about it is how they have noticed it is quite similar in a way to building a cult! And as artists i guess you all want a little praise every now and then, so it is boiled down here into 13 tips on how to turn your fans into superfans! ( err and not the darkside!).

 

Building A Loyal Fanbase:

1. Give Your Fans a Name

2. Tag Fans in Your Panoramic Concert Photos

3. Give Approaching Fans Your Undivided Attention

4. Always Have [Cheap] Merch Handy [For Free Giveaway]

5. Share Dark Secrets on Your Blog

6. Send Special E-mails

7. Develop Shared Symbols

8. Use Loyalty-based Apps to Connect to Your Fans

9. Play in Smaller Venues

10. Stay on Your Merch Table

11. Conduct Live Webcast

12. Showcase Them In Your Music Video

13. Post [Photos of] Their Gifts on Your Website and Social Networks

 

You can read each part of these 13 tips here on the oiriginal post by Unified Manufacturings blog site.

They manufacture merch both sides of the atlantic for majors acts, hence the emphasis on merch, but hey in this DIY approach we push here at Make It In Music, merch is a really good thing. It can really strenghten the relationship between you and your fans, as well as being packaged in a deal in your online store.  Topspins figures prove that music and merch packages sell far better than just music, cds or downloads.

 

Check out Hypebots Cult analogy here.

 

Links 

http://www.unifiedmanufacturing.com/blog/transform-fans-super-fans-build-loyal-fanbase/

http://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2012/05/13-steps-to-turn-your-fans-into-a-cult-of-superfans.html

http://www.topspinmedia.com/

Music marketing case studies

Image by Hryck

This is a great post from Music Think Tank that I had missed.

6 case studies of memorable marketing efforts by musicians that will hopefully inspire you.

I particularly like the band that gave out personalised fortune cookies directing fans to their web address for a free download. This is well worth copying - or, don't be as literal, but think how you can use the same tactic to engage fans at gigs and get them to your site later.

Connecting with fans is imperative in today’s music industry. It’s that connection that can give them a reason to buy and support your music. Utilizing social media and having a strong online presence makes connecting with fans much more achievable. Below are some good case studies of bands that found success through an online campaign. I encourage musicians to review these examples and pay attention to the elements that made them successful. Then think about how to implement those strategies into your own marketing plans.

Read them all here.

How can I offer value to my fans?

I just took this video from the Topspin Blog.

If you can't see the video embedded below, you can watch it here on their blog - Ian Rogers Interview.

It's a great interview with Ian Rogers, CEO of Topspin - the artist direct-to-fan software - and it ranges over a wide range of topics, ALL of which are important for the diy musician to be thinking about and knowledgeable of!

I've timestamped the video below to start at the point (10 mins 38s) where Ian answers the question above and gives some great insight.

That's one great bit but the whole thing is well worth watching.