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Overall Checklist
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Optimize Your Profiles
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Profile imagesAll channel visuals align on branding - make sure all social media accounts have the same pictures, banners etc
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Artist bioAll social media profiles have the same, up-to-date bio
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AnalyticsMake sure you keep an eye on your analytics (on all platforms), understand them, make informed decisions from them and grow them
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ShortURLMake sure links to your key DSPs are available on any shorturl's you use and that they are always up-to-date
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Define Your Brand and Audience
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Identify Your Unique Sound & ImageDetermine your unique selling points (USP) – your music genre, style, visual identity, and overall brand persona
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Understand Your AudienceIdentify your target audience demographics (age, location, interests) and where they hang out online
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Craft a Brand VoiceDevelop a consistent tone for your posts, whether it’s casual, professional, humorous, or inspirational - be your authentic self but stay consistent
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Colour schemesChoose a color palette that reflects your music & personality. These colors should be consistently used across your socials, album covers, merch, & any visual content
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Fashion & styleFashion choices can be an extension of your brand. You can pick a style that aligns with your music & resonates with your audience
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Visual AestheticsConsider how all visual elements – color schemes, fashion, logo, background items, wall colours, filters & imagery – come together to create a cohesive brand identity
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Content Strategy
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Content ThemesDecide on 3-5 core themes for your content, such as music releases, behind-the-scenes (BTS), live performances, fan interactions, personal stories, your pet!
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Content CalendarPlan out your posts weekly or monthly to ensure consistency. Align your content with upcoming releases, tours, or events. Here is a folder with templates.
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Mix Up Content Types: PhotosHigh-quality images, album covers, BTS shots
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Mix Up Content Types: VideosSnippets of music videos, acoustic versions, studio sessions, live show, acapella, Behind the song
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Mix Up Content Types: Reels/shortsCreate short, engaging videos to showcase highlights, quick announcements, or fan shoutouts
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Mix Up Content Types: StoriesUse for more personal, day-to-day interactions, sharing in-the-moment content, or promoting new posts
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Posting & Engagement
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FrequencyPost regularly, but quality over quantity! Platforms have their own guidance on amount of posts per week but decide whats doable for you & stick to that
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Peak TimesUse analytics to determine when your audience is most active and schedule posts accordingly, if you have a global audience, don't forget to take that into account
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EngageRespond to comments, DMs, & mentions. Acknowledge fans, engage in conversations, & show appreciation. I personally avoid engaging with negative comments
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HashtagsResearch and use relevant hashtags to increase visibility. Mix popular hashtags with niche ones related to your genre - only useful for certain platforms, not all
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TaggingTag relevant people, brands, and locations in your posts to increase reach
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CollaborationsPartner with other artists or influencers for shoutouts, collabs, or features to tap into each other's audience
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Promote Music Releases
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Pre-release your musicPre-release your music to social media channels via your distributor to TikTok, META & YT - use that in your social strategy to hype fans before release
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TeasersPost teasers leading up to a release – snippets of the track, album art, or BTS
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Deliver your musicDeliver your music to all social platforms via your distributor so people can find itand share it in their content
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Launch dayOn release day, post across all platforms with a clear call-to-action to listen, stream, or purchase.
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Post LaunchShare fan reactions, reviews, and any media coverage. Keep promoting the release for weeks after it drops
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Playlist contentRegularly update and share your playlists, tag any playlist curators, tag local DSP accounts (for example Spotify have local accounts for different territories)
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Grow Your Following
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LivestreamsHost live Q&As, mini-concerts, or studio sessions. Use this time to connect directly with your fans
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Giveaways & ContestsRun contests or giveaways (e.g., free merch, concert tickets) that require following, sharing, or tagging friends
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Cross-promotionCollaborate with other artists, influencers, or brands to cross-promote content
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Paid AdsIf you know what you are doing & when you're earing something from your music - Invest in targeted ads to promote music releases, tours, or specific content
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Features & RemixesWork with artists from similar or complementary genres (or totally different genres) on features or remixes. Promote these collaborations across both socials
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Fan groups/communities
Create & nurture fan groups on platforms where your most dedicated fans can interact with each other & you. Share exclusive content, announce news first here, & actively participate in discussions
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Fan art & UGCEncourage fans to create & share their own content related to your music. This could include fan art, cover versions, or dance challenges. Repost on your socials
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Leverage TikTok, Reels, ShortsPlatforms like these are ideal for reaching a wider audience quickly. Create short, engaging content like challenges, music snippets, or BTS moments that are shareable
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EventsWhether it’s a music festival, award show, or a fan meet-and-greet, document these events and share them on your social media
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Email List IntegrationUse your socials to grow sign-ups to your email list, offering exclusive content or early access to tickets or music. Then, use emails to drive traffic back to your socials
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Host exclusive eventsOffer exclusive online or in-person events, like secret gigs or listening parties, for your most loyal followers. Promote these events through your socials
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Analyze & Adjust
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Analytics ToolsRegularly check your platform analytics to track growth, engagement rates, and audience demographics
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Content PerformanceIdentify what type of content performs best and refine your strategy accordingly
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Feedback LoopListen to fan feedback (within reason), feedback from your friends/network & adjust your content, messaging, & approach to better connect with your audience
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Stay Up-To-Date & Adapt
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Trending TopicsParticipate in relevant trends or challenges that align with your brand
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New PlatformsStay open to exploring new platforms or features (e.g., TikTok, Threads) that might be relevant to your audience
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Continuous LearningStay updated on social media trends, algorithm changes, and best practices to keep your strategy effective
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Stay safe & look after your mental health
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Stay safe on social mediaYour mental health is the most important, if you feel you are struggling, take a break. Google offer a free Intro to Digital Wellbeing course you can check out here too.
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