While the internet has made it much easier for independent hip-hop artists to share and promote their music, in comparison to the old pre-net days, it can be challenging for new artists to know the best ways to promote their musical talents online.
After all, there is a lot of competition out there, so you need to ensure you know how to position yourself correctly in the market and which tools to use to ensure you and your music stand out from the crowd. As long as you combine making banging tunes with a good head for online marketing, you can grow your audience and become an emerging hip-hop star.
Begin your journey by taking note of the following 10 ways to promote your music.
1. Get Your Music on Streaming Platforms
One of the best ways of getting your music in front of your target audience is to put your music on streaming platforms, such as SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and Spotify. You can create your artist profile and upload your tracks for millions of listeners worldwide to discover them organically.
By regularly updating your profile, uploading new tracks frequently, and curating compelling playlists, you stand a better chance of gaining traction.
2. Leverage Social Media
Social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok have revolutionized the way artists engage with their audience. On these platforms, you can post links to your music, announce new releases, and engage with the community.
When you leverage social media in the right way, you can quickly grow your following.
3. Make YouTube Videos for Your Songs
You should also upload your songs on YouTube. By creating a professional or fun video to accompany your track, you can gain even more traction than you would by posting the song alone, as the internet is made for visual content.
You might even like to hire a freelance filmmaker to create your music video for you, as the professionalism is sure to be noticeable. Sure, it will cost money to hire a professional filmmaker, but it can be more than worth the investment for the promotional opportunities it will bring.
Many music fans discover new hip hop artists on YouTube and other video streaming sites, so ensure you make full use of them.
4. Access Professional Promotional Services
There are several good companies that provide professional promotional services to independent artists, so it is definitely worth investigating them as the right service could help you take your music to the next level.
For instance, Music Gateway is one of the best global platforms for music promotion, including hip-hop music specifically. It offers both free and premium plans.
Through cutting-edge technologies, the team at Music Gateway works passionately to provide services and products that will save you time, enhance your online visibility, and help create a level playing field of opportunity.
Simply apply to the A&R team to discuss your music.
5. Utilize Paid Advertising
One of the most direct ways to gain exposure for your music is through paid advertising. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer cost-effective ad options, allowing you to reach a targeted audience.
By investing a little in social media advertisements, you can significantly boost your music’s online presence.
6. Get Your Tunes Featured on Music Blogs and Review Sites
Getting your tracks reviewed by popular music blogs or review sites is another fantastic way of promoting your work online. For instance, websites like Pitchfork and Stereogum are highly influential and can give your music the exposure it deserves.
Spend time researching the many different sites that could potentially review your music and keep sending out requests.
7. Enter Online Contests
Online contests offer an exciting and innovative way to promote your hip-hop music too. There are several online music contests that you could enter. You could even consider running a contest yourself, where your fans get a chance to win merchandise or your latest physical CD or vinyl drop.
8. Consider Virtual Concerts and Live Streaming
Virtual concerts and live-streaming performances have gained exceptional popularity in recent times. Whether you put on an elaborate, ticketed event or just an impromptu jam session on Instagram Live, showing up on your fans’ screens can do wonders for boosting engagement and promoting your hip-hop tracks.
9. Collaborate with Other Artists
Collaboration is a powerful promotion tool for independent hip-hop artists. By getting involved in exciting partnerships or remixing tunes, you can quickly expand your fan base.
10. Network
To collaborate with other artists, you need to network. Building relationships with operators inside the hip hop industry, such as DJs, producers, fellow artists, and bloggers can also open up many other avenues that could skyrocket your popularity.
Final Thoughts
It can take time to get your music out there and become known, but by utilizing the above methods, remaining patient, working hard, and maintaining a positive attitude, there is no reason why you cannot follow in the footsteps of Baby Tate, Duke Deuce, and Jay Z.
So, do not be disheartened if you do not see results immediately. It is all about slowly building momentum one fan at a time until you finally reach your desired goal.
