If you are an artist and want to get noticed, follow these steps. In today’s cluttered digital space, it’s imperative for an artist to pump images, videos, and text out in a kaleidoscope of ways that tap into the zeitgeist of their target market.
When you develop content that aligns with your personal brand, your fan base will grow. The more fans you have, the more social clout you have when presenters consider booking you and the more leverage you have when negotiating fees (i.e. make more money by building brand dimension).
Below is a quick guide to ensure that you are building your brand dimension in key areas.
Videos
Videos are obviously a powerful way to communicate, but many artists don’t have sufficient digital video content online to attract the attention of others. I’ve often found their videos are hard to find, entirely don’t exist, or not on sufficient platforms (YouTube, Vimeo, and even their own artist website).
Artists should have both their filmed performances and more casual discussion-type videos such as video blogs (vlogs). Fans need to see more than just a performance. Videos that delve into the personality and lifestyle of the artist are very valuable in adding dimension to the on-stage persona that is often limiting when only publishing that type of content. So, produce both performance videos and vlogs. I like to use the example of the Dutch DJ, Dannic. He vlogged his recent tour to China, creatively edited it, and added significant brand dimension.
[READ: Why Video Blogging Is Important]
Think pieces (blog updates)
Someone probably told you to “publish” content on your website somewhere along the road to becoming an artist in the 21st century. This is often scrappy in execution—piecemeal at best. It would behoove artists to share their artistic, personal, or professional ideas and anecdotes with others in a thoughtful manner. One of the best examples of this is the great British pianist, Stephen Hough’s blog. He goes into specific detail about his approach to art and the world.
[READ: Drive More Traffic to Your Website]
Lifestyle photos
Conventional artist headshots are limiting because they don’t capture the ethos and overarching lifestyle of an artist. I’d rather scroll through their Instagram account to get a sense of who they are both on and off stage.
Hire a photographer who specializes in lifestyle content or grab a friend with a good eye and a camera! Fans want to see artists in a personal way devoid of the traditional stage-audience divide.
Whether you agree or disagree with Beyoncé’s business model, it’s worth viewing her Instagram account featuring her new children. The power of image is important and she is clearly using this to her advantage—artfully displaying her personal life that deeply connects with her brand archetype.
[READ: Shape Perception on Instagram Like a Stylist]
Shape Perception on Instagram Like a Stylist (Content Marketing, Part 1)
Remember, regularly publishing content is key! No one wants to see one great video, blog post, or photo followed by radio silence. Go out and get noticed, but invest your money in developing this content by doing it yourself or hiring professionals to manage the job for you.
