1) Make it easy for them.<\/b><\/p>\n
It\u2019s your job to define your story and tell the world why it is that you need to make music.\u00a0\u00a0<\/b>Laura Goldfarb at\u00a0Red Boot Publicity<\/a>\u00a0explains,\u00a0\u201dGetting coverage is much more likely to happen if your story is compelling and\u00a0your content is streamlined throughout all available social media outlets. \u00a0So much of PR is about pushing your brand to the next level \u2013 and consistency is key.\u201d<\/p>\n 2) Become newsworthy.<\/b><\/p>\n When you have news to share, write\u00a0an attention-grabbing\u00a0press release<\/a>. \u00a0Do a little investigating and compile a\u00a0media list for your style of music (or purchase one online). \u00a0Make sure you only send news that is relevant to the editor\u2019s interest. \u00a0Remember:\u00a0It\u2019s better to write fewer, well thought out emails to appropriate contacts, than to SPAM a random list of\u00a0industry contacts. \u00a0For a detailed breakdown of\u00a0how to best represent yourself, check out\u00a0PR You! \u00a0The essential do-it-yourself guide to public relations<\/a>\u00a0by Becky Vieria and Michele Smith.<\/p>\n 3)\u00a0<\/strong>Be quotable.<\/b><\/p>\n I was recently retweeted by a Billboard writer. \u00a0When she followed me on Twitter, I asked if she\u2019d consider listening to a new project of mine \u2013 that was Step 1. \u00a0Step 2 was to send over new music for her review \u2013 that\u2019s when my music had to speak for itself. \u00a0She loved what she heard and offered to not only feature my music but to also do an interview. \u00a0Mission accomplished! \u00a0No publicist necessary. \u00a0BOOM!<\/p>\n 4) When the embers start to burn, blow. \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n The hardest part is getting those first few believers. \u00a0After you\u2019ve gotten those first bits of press buzz and you\u2019ve started to create a name for yourself, keep that fire\u00a0burning!\u00a0\u00a0When you approach new leads, reference the most credible publications who have featured you and your work. \u00a0That\u2019s usually all it takes for new contacts to see that you\u2019re the real deal and jump on board. \u00a0After all, they don\u2019t want to get left behind. \u00a0This is no time to rest. \u00a0Go, go, go!<\/p>\n 5) Write an informative blog.<\/b><\/p>\n We all have expertise in something. \u00a0Perhaps you\u2019ve toured a lot on a small budget. \u00a0Or maybe you\u2019ve created a successful Crowdfunding campaign. \u00a0Shoot \u2013 maybe it was\u00a0unsuccessful<\/i>\u00a0and you can share what NOT to do. \u00a0Point is, we all have helpful information to share with one another. \u00a0Include a link to your music or website in every blog post you create. \u00a0As it circulates, readers\u00a0will likely check out the link you\u2019ve provided and\u00a0stumble upon your music. \u00a0Stay visible. \u00a0Find opportunities to share your music outside of your current circle of friends.<\/p>\n 6) Be more like Keaton.<\/b><\/p>\n While touring with indie-artist\u00a0Keaton Simons<\/a>,\u00a0I was able to watch first-hand as he worked his magic. \u00a0When I asked for his best advice on getting press without a massive PR budget, he didn\u2019t hesitate to share his secret. \u00a0\u201dI think it\u2019s about persistence and consistency, and\u00a0valuing every member of your fan base. \u00a0Nothing substitutes the\u00a0direct contact you get from touring, and true fans are the best free publicity we could hope for! \u00a0In today\u2019s industry, we have the ability to\u00a0write, record and release a song in ONE day, so\u00a0releasing new\u00a0material on\u00a0a\u00a0regular basis\u00a0is a great way to stay\u00a0connected to our fans.\u201d \u00a0I agree with Keaton. \u00a0It always\u00a0comes\u00a0back\u00a0to the music and ultimately the fans are King. \u00a0You can see Keaton onThe Ellen Degeneres Show<\/i>, June 10th, which I think is evidence enough that building a loyal fan base is what it\u2019s really all about.<\/p>\n 7) The Best PR = Free Advertising<\/b><\/p>\n Beth Hood Fromm of\u00a0OMG Publicity<\/a>\u00a0graciously offered up a few incredible resources available to the hungry artist, willing to think outside the box. \u00a0Go sign up now!<\/p>\n I used to think that great art should be able speak for itself. \u00a0I was dead wrong \u2013 if we don\u2019t speak up for our art, no one will. \u00a0Buzz, press, fans,\u00a0etc. start and end with us.<\/p>\n The key is realizing that, as artists, we are selling more than music \u2013 we are putting life experiences into songs so that others can sing along and say to themselves, \u201cThat is so true.\u201d \u00a0Music can be life altering, and in some cases even life saving. \u00a0What an honor we have been given to share the gift of music.<\/p>\n So go ahead \u2013\u00a0PROUDLY SHARE YOUR MUSIC<\/b>\u00a0and\u00a0BOLDLY TELL YOUR STORY<\/b>. \u00a0Make sure you are putting your best\u00a0foot\u00a0forward, and you might just get that lucky break!<\/p>\n\n