It's no secret that social media has changed the landscape of marketing. And it can be a very beneficial tool for artists. (It can also be a very harmful tool if used poorly.) Social media presents a very unique opportunity for artists to connect with fans on a regular basis and really build solid connections.

Here are some tips to help you grow on social media:

1.  Be there.

You don't have to be on every social media platform, but at least pick one and do it well. Try to pick the platform where most of your audience is active. Check recent stats to help you decide where to go, and consider which platform would be most enjoyable for you.

2.  Be complete.

Social media profiles offer many places where your audience can learn more about you--your upcoming shows, your favorite things, how to book you for a gig, where to buy your music... So, fill out each section as much as possible, and use photo and videos to connect and inform your audience.

3.  Keep it positive.

Be careful when airing grievances on social media. Remember that it's not just fans reading your posts. (Although, they probably don't want to hear negativity either.) Potential sponsors, potential booking agents & potential managers are also reading your posts. If they consistently see you whining about something or speaking poorly about other artists, you risk looking like a whiny artist who might be hard to work with, or someone they simply wouldn't want to be around. Try to stay positive and avoid making things personal.

4.  Be engaging.

Don't just talk AT your fans, actually engage with them. Ignoring someone on social media is very similar to having someone compliment you at a gig, and then you ignore them. Even if your fan base is rather large and you can't possibly respond to every single comment, make sure you make as much effort to reply as a whole, acknowledge as a group, at least "like" their comments...

You need to engage with fans and listeners instead of blasting them with links, videos, and requests to buy your album. Ask them questions, answer their questions...just interact.

5.  Keep the quality.

Avoid posting overly blurry or pixelated photos.

Be thoughtful about what you post, too. Is it really something your audience will enjoy? Does it represent you well? This doesn't mean you must always post "perfect" things. A great way to connect with your audience is to show them the "candid" or "imperfect" posts such as band practice or brainstorming for a new song.

6.  Be balanced.

Go for content that is educational, funny and sometimes inside info about you that many people might not know. Post your polished moments, but balance that with authentic posts. This doesn't mean to post your dirty laundry or post during an after-gig drunken stupor. This just means balance your posts so that people see the image you want them to see, but also know that you're a real person, too.

7.  Be considerate.

Remember that it's easy to offend or irritate others online, so avoid doing things that will for sure leave a bad taste in your audience's mouth.

For example, don't hijack someone else's post. If another artist posts about their new single, DON'T comment and include anything similar to "check out my new single." Just don't. Be happy for them, and keep it about them.

Also, people might not tell you that it irritates them when you add them to groups or tag them without their permission, but unless they're highly involved in your projects, chances are, they're probably irritated that you've tagged or added them. I'm not saying it's not ok to do that but just think carefully about the people you add. Make sure it's someone who you really think wouldn't mind or actually would be glad you included them.

Feel free to reach out to me with any questions you have, and I'll do my best to either answer them directly or post about them in another post. 

Happy posting!

Chrissy Bernal
Fractional Marketing & Creative Partner Specializing in Customer Perception & Communications

CE Communications