Got fans?

This is the number one mistake musicians make on social media

I know, I know. The sub-headline I used sounds like clickbait.

Phrases like “number one mistake” usually lead to an empty post ending with a link to a 30-day template package for $19.

So firstly, I promise I’m going to tell you everything I have to say about this topic in this post. By the end, you’ll have an action plan to use for fan growth - if you want it.

I’ve been coaching musicians on marketing and audience growth for 2 years now, and recently I realized every single client I’ve worked with has one thing in common.

It’s glaringly obvious in hindsight and very simple to change, so I think it’s worth talking about today, but before we dive in, who is this applicable to?

If you’re a musician who plays or sings (or both!) to a good level, and you are trying to network or build an audience online - it you!

If you’re just learning how to play, you don’t want to grow a fanbase, or you’re not a musician at all - you probably won’t find this very useful - sorry!

So what’s the number one mistake musicians make with their online profiles?

This: not sharing enough (or sometimes, any!) content of them playing music.

“Pfft - that’s not me!”, you might be thinking…

OK then - if I went to your Instagram or Facebook profile right now how deep would I have to dig to find some videos of you playing?

Of the most recent 12 posts on Instagram, how many are photos? All of them? Most of them?

Playing music is the hands-down greatest tool musicians have for building an audience, so why is it the thing people do the least?

Does this sound familiar?

“I just need to buy a tripod before I can start making video content”

“I want to use my studio mic but it takes so long to sync up the video and audio I never have time to do it”

“I don’t have a proper light and my room is too dark”

“I’ll get a haircut first”

We care so much about our content being amazing that we get crippled by perfectionism and end up doing nothing.

Here’s the thing you need to remember, your audience doesn’t need perfect, they need you.

One more time for the people in the back:

Your audience doesn’t need perfect, they need YOU.

Authenticity and intimacy will always win over something highly polished but lacking in realness, so you’ll actually do better if you keep things relaxed.

People want to see you in your natural environment. They want to be brought into your world. And mostly, they want to hear you play music!

So here’s what I suggest you do: commit to posting 2 short videos of you playing music per week.

Not convinced?

Here are all your arguments rebutted :)

“I don’t know what songs to play?!”

Make a list of the top 5 artists who influence your music. Now write down 2 songs by each of them. There are your first 10 songs. Playing cover songs by artists who influence you gives people insight into your music and also a subtle cue to fans and the algorithm for where your music fits in with genres and other artists.

“I don’t have a fancy camera!”

Do you have a phone? I would bet that phone has a camera. Use it.

“I don’t have a great microphone!”

Use the microphone on your phone. It’s easier and most people listen to social media on their phones, not on good speakers, so even if you did take the time to use a great mic, they’re probably still going to hear it compressed and coming through the shitty phone speaker. ONLY use a professional mic if you can plug it directly into your phone and use it while recording. The goal is to remove any post-editing work that is going to prevent you from getting this done regularly.

“I don’t know the whole song!”

All you need to record is the first verse and first chorus. Cut out any intro and start right on the verse. People have short attention spans and you only have a few seconds for someone to decide whether to keep listening or scroll away. Get straight to the good stuff and limit the video to 15-30 seconds max. (Bonus: now you don’t have to learn the bridge!)

“I don’t have good lighting!”

Do you know what the best lightbox in the world is? The sun! Head outside, set up in the grass, by a tree, or on the porch, and use daylight. If you catch some birds tweeting, or background chatter, that’ll just add to the ambiance.

“I don’t have a tripod!”

Lean your phone against a pile of books, prop it on a chair, or use a music stand.

“I don’t know what to put in the caption!?”

Talk about why you love the song or the first time you heard it. Tell a story.

The best way to build an audience for your music is to share it with them! So make a list of songs, prop up your phone, record 20 seconds, and hit post.

Repeat in a few days and do the same next week, and the next, and the next...

This is going to get you instantly creating more content, put your music in front of people who want to hear it, and start teaching the algorithm which potential new fans to show your music to.

Got any other objections or obstacles? Drop em in a comment and I’ll tell you why you’re mistaken ;)