Tips for Growing Your Email List as a Musician

As a musician, having an email list to communicate to your fans is essential. Whether you are updating your audience on your upcoming tour dates, virtual events, or a new record, having an email newsletter keeps you connected to your fans in a way that social media. Getting inside of your fan's inbox means that you have their direct attention, and they won't be so distracted by the next tweet, Facebook post, or Instagram share. Not to mention, social media changes fast, but email newsletter is as relevant as ever. So today, we have a few tips for you to use to grow your email list: 

• Add an opt-in form to your website.

Any email marketing service gives you an easy way to add an opt-in form to your website. You will want to add this to your website. Ideally, place it on your website that will catch your visitor's attention and use encouraging words that will lead them to that subscribe button. Keep things as simple as possible by asking for only their name and their email address. If you ask for anything more, you run the risk of your fan not subscribing at all. 

• Give your fan a freebie.

One of the best ways to encourage email subscribers is by offering a freebie in exchange for their email addresses. Most musicians will offer a free song in exchange for their fan's email address, but you may want to offer something different so you can stand out. Offer a monthly giveaway to your email fanbase and send out free swag to the winner. Depending on your genre and fanbase, you might also want to release "first heard" or unreleased songs, tutorials, or acoustic songs. Don't be afraid to change it up based upon what becomes the most desirable to your fans. 

• Promote your email newsletter on social media.

Social media is a great way to reach the people who already like you and follow you. Utilize your social media platforms to promote your newsletter. Consider promoting a virtual event where email newsletter subscribers get access through an exclusive link. Or you encourage people to subscribe by telling them they will hear how you got that specific idea for a song. 

• Start a blog or a podcast.

Having a place where you can post regular content that gets shared on social media, and potentially found on Google, is a great way to encourage email subscribers. For blog content, in addition to updates about your music, consider offering up tips for up-and-coming musicians or details about the inspiration for a specific song. A podcast is also a great way to promote your work because you can bring guests onto your show. 

While it may seem like a lot of work, promoting yourself through email newsletter marketing is a low-cost, efficient way to reach your fans. If you only stick with social media, you risk not engaging with followers regularly. Not to mention, the popularity of social media platforms fade. Need help with your music in a bigger way? Contact us at Plug Brudaz for assistance.