Advertisements aren't nearly as effective today as they were ten years ago. With all the technology we have today, most people completely bypass advertising altogether thanks to their iPods or TiVo. A much more effective and less costly way to get your band's image out to a large audience is through publicity. When a potential fan reads about you in the latest popular music blog or sees your picture in Alternative Press, they are going to be way more likely to pick up interest about your band. People generally believe what they read about bands on sites like The Scenestar or The Music Slut. There are countless amounts of music blogs out there. When your band gets mentioned on one and especially one that already has a large following, it will greatly help you to build your fan base.
In order for your band to get more publicity through either music magazines or online music blogs, there are three important keys you need to remember. First, you need to find that blogs or magazines that specifically cover the type or music you play. You wouldn't want to send your press kit to a music blog that only covers country if you're a rock band. You're also going to irritate those editors or bloggers by sending them information they can't use. So make sure you take the time to find out what blogs or magazines your target audience is already reading. Those are the publications you really want to focus on.
The next key you want to pay attention to is the press release. If you want a particular publication to write about your next big event you're having, you will want to send that publication a well written press release at least two to three weeks before this event. That way it gives them enough time to figure out how it's going to benefit their publication and include it. There are numerous sites you can go on to learn the current format for press releases. Also the more you read other press releases, the better you will get at writing your own. Just like playing music, writing press releases takes practice. Don't have enough time to do it on your own? Then hire a publicist that already knows how to write releases and already has contacts with the media.
Lastly, your band needs to always have an updated press kit. This is a packet that has your band's image, bio, all the press you've already gotten, a list of venues you've played at, and contact information. You can also make a Electronic Press Kit (EPK) through your ReverbNation account, which I would highly recommend doing. A lot of the time after you send a journalist a press kit, they will want to see your press kit. You can also send your press kit out when you're looking for sponsorships. It's definitely a tool you need to have.
Just like everything else, you have to be consistent at it. Once you get in a routine of keeping all these materials up to neat, it will eventually become much easier. If your band focuses on the publications your target audience reads, masters writing effective press releases and always keeps an updated press kit, these three keys are going to increase your chances of getting publicity and building your fan base quicker.
To find out more ways to effectively and quickly start building your fan base, visit Boost Your Music Career. It includes a step by step guide with advice on how to start boosting your career today. You can find more information at http://boostyourmusiccareer.wordpress.com.
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