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If you are an independent artist trying to grow your presence on Apple Music, you may already be aware of the struggles involved. Uploading your music is just the first step- promoting it effectively is where the real work and eventual payoff happen.
As one of the most popular global streaming services, Apple Music is a platform where your music can reach listeners who are keen to discover new music. But if you want to break through the noise, you do not need just good songs; you need a strategy, too.
Here is what you need to know about promoting your music on Apple Music and how you can do it effectively.
Claiming Your Apple Music for Artists Profile
Before anything else, make sure you have claimed your Apple Music for artists’ profile. This is your control center where you get data on who is listening, where they are, etc. You can also add a profile picture, your bio, lyrics, and more.
This means that fans will not just land on a blank page when they discover your songs on a playlist. Why does this matter, you may ask? Because when you have a complete profile, you appear more credible. This credibility leads to trust, and this trust can earn you more plays, shares, and saves.
Using Social Media to Funnel Listeners
As an up-and-coming artist, you do not need to go viral every week. What you do need is consistency and smart promotion.
Share teasers for your drops with 15-30 second snippets on other social media platforms. Also, share glimpses from the creative process, some behind-the-scenes content of the writing or recording process. Make your listeners feel like they are part of the journey, too.
And yes, while organic growth is the ultimate goal, do not sleep on promotion tools that do not give you a push. Explore options to boost your visibility, like growth services where you can buy streams, playlist following, or boosting your social presence.
Given today’s oversaturated market, this gives you a head start that can make quite a difference.
Pitching to Playlist Curators- And Not Just the Official Ones
Landing on an official Apple Music playlist may feel like you have won the lottery! But there is a middle ground too- independent curators! These are the people who build niche, loyal followings. Their playlists may not have millions of followers, but they are more engaged and genre-specific.
Reach out to these curators with a personalized message. Include a streaming link, your story, and why your track is a good fit for their playlist. Keep it short, respectful, and human!
Also, make your playlists to boost your presence on Apple Music. Give your fans access to exclusive content to keep them engaged and leave them wanting more. You can also feature music from other artists alongside yours. It shows you are active in the scene and not just keen to promote yourself, but others too.
Leveraging Smart Links and Embedded Widgets
If you are sharing music on socials or in emails, always use smart links. They are dynamic and will redirect your fans to Apple Music regardless of which device they are using. There are various services available that can bundle all your streaming links together. This is perfect if you are also pushing your music on other platforms like YouTube or Spotify.
Want to go one better? Embed Apple Music badges or widgets on your website or press kits. It adds polish and makes it very easy for new fans or media outlets to access your music.
Dropping Music Consistently
Consistent releases do not mean dropping a song every week. It means creating a schedule that your fans can anticipate. It could be every two months, six weeks, or so on. Just do not vanish for months and then expect people to remember you.
Quality has to be the utmost consideration, but momentum is important too. Every release builds on the last, and each track is another chance to be discovered.
And while you are at it, consider collaborations with other artists too. This way, both of your fan bases benefit. You can drop verses on each other’s tracks and share each other’s music for more exposure, too.
Endnote
When it comes to promoting on Apple Music, the game is all about experimenting, being genuine, and being consistent with your efforts. You will need to combine organic growth strategies with smart tools to ensure success.
Lean into storytelling, and use every asset at your disposal- be it a playlist plug, a social growth service, or just a loyal fan sharing your songs.
If you have great music, it is time to make the world hear it, too.
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