Marketing Plan for Hip Hop Artists

In today’s music industry being an independent artist is starting to be common. One of the main reason why many independent are able to achieve success without signing to a major label is through their marketing. If you are an artist that knows how to brand themselves and market and gain exposure for your music than the indepentent route is paying off.  There are several sources out there including articles and videos that explain how to market your music. The article from Hau Nguyen, HOW TO CREATE A MARKETING PLAN FOR INDEPENDENT HIP-HOP ARTISTS goes in to detail on a marketing plan strategy for independent hip-hop artists. The article basically is a guide on how independent artist should brand and market their music. The video below goes in detail for music marketing for Independent Artists.

 Below are the main topics that an independent artist should include when creating a marketing plan.

•       Artist/ Project Introduction- This should include some background information about the artists and an overview or summary of their upcoming creative project.
•       Goals & Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)- this should include the artist goal for the music industry in the next few years and performances/ events that track their success.
• Achievements to Date- These are the artist’s milestones and accomplishments that they have received/ earned.
• Target Audience- This includes who is the artist specific audience that they want target.
• Branding- These include logos, concepts etc. that makes the artist stand out and appealing.
• Press Kit- This is a resume/ portfolio for artists which explains who the artists are.
• Touring- Is an important aspect for independent artist and is who most artist get their money. The artist must choose venues and places that caters to their fans.
• Radio Promotion Strategy- Independent artist have to know which radio stations to contact and gain a relationship/ connection with the local DJ so they can help get your songs played on the radio.
• Fan-base Engagement- Having a fan base is really important if you want to succeed in the music industry. Being authentic with your fans and building up a connection with your fans will help in any artist music career.  Using Email to connect with your fans is a common. 3 Ways Independent Rappers Can Get More Email List Subscribers will better explain why emails are important.
• Website & Social Media- In todays society social media are artist best friend. Artists have to connect with their fans via social media and they have to make their music appear on social media and become popular.
• Distribution & Retail Strategy- This is where you will get your music out to the people either self distribution are free hosting sites such as DatPiff and  My Mixtapes are platforms that independent artists use to get their music out to the people.
• Sponsors & Investors- Investors, sponsors, endorsement deals will help artist market their brand and their music.

 The key for all successful artist is having a smart marketing plan and of course good music. Learning how to market your brand and music is very helpful and many artists are using social media and engaging with their fan base to get their music out to the people. Having a marketing plan is a must for an independent hip-hop artist.