Music Marketing: 100 Days till Christmas!
While Covid-19 has definitely made Santa’s naughty list, it’s not scared Christmas away. Believe it or not, Christmas is fast approaching and it can be a fantastic opportunity for musicians to grow their brand and boost their fan base. Here, we are going to help you make the most out of the festive season… Apologies in advance for all the Christmas Puns, I was sleigh-in’ it and they are just tree-mendous. But this is snow laughing matter!
It’s estimated that around 20% of all music sales take place in the last six weeks of the year. It’s a great time of the year for promotion, the trouble is, many artists don’t tap into the potential.
Christmas comes just once a year and so, many see it as a waste of time. But there is a reason that every shop you see has Christmas plastered everywhere. The holidays are a huge excuse for shameless self-promotion and if you put some time in, you can see great benefits from this short period.
With a little preparation, and getting into the holidays before they land, you can turn this into growth season. In the christmas period, people are in the mood to give, to have fun and to sing along to some truly terrible christmas songs. So, why sit back and let an opportunity pass you by? Let’s have a little look at some of the things you could do this winter season.
Release A Christmas Track
So, this is probably the first thing that comes to mind. If you believe in your-elf enough to pull off an amazing re-creation of a classic, or you have an original hidden in your sleigh, then you should do it! It may seem cheesy, but that’s Christmas for you! Consumers enjoy hearing a modernised and updated rendition of their favourite holiday music. From an EDM version of “All I want for christmas is you” to a rock version of “White Christmas”, there is so much room for you to be creative this festive season. Just steer clear of “Baby It’s Cold Outside”. That song is hella creepy.
When it comes to creating a cover song, be sure that you’ve obtained the correct licenses to distribute the song.
If you strike gold, frankincense or myrrh with your track and it’s an absolute sleigh-bell, it could land on holiday playlists on Spotify, Apple Music and Pandora. That’s bound to drive some listens, fir sure.
Sell Some Holiday Merchandise
Come on, check out those ugly christmas sweaters in the supermarket and tell us you don’t want one! I already have mine!
You can print special xmas merch and sell it as an exclusive offer. This will be a hit with your fans, and any of your fan’s family who are stuck on present ideas.
Be sure to only invest in this if you have a history of selling merch though, otherwise you might end up stuck with a whole lot of christmas stuff for another year. Check out our recent merch blog for more advise on merchandise!
Social Media
Social media probably forms a big part of your marketing already and at christmas time there are some fun and festive things you can do to get in the spirit. Change up your profile pictures and graphics to show your christmas spirit. Plaster them with snow, wreaths, baubles and christmas trees! Whilst you’re there, be sure to do something that boosts engagement opportunities like a live stream or a christmas Q&A.
Perform a Live Show
Okay, this one is a little more challenging this year due to the ongoing pandemic. However, we covered this in our recent blog on live streaming! Play your own holiday music or do some covers without the commitment of mastering a whole christmas track. More than that, you can also promote your products and give listeners the facilities to tip you.
Holiday E-Card
If you have a mailing list, this could be a great way to boost that personal connection and make your followers feel special. You can send an email with a special message, some artwork or a video. If you’re feeling extra generous, try adding an exclusive preview of an upcoming release or a discount code for your merch.
Gift Giving
It’s time to be a little santa-mental and show some thanks. Think about all the people who have helped you push your career this year. This could be a manager, A&R, blogger, promotions team, venue manager, anyone you think has provided you with support and growth. This is a good time to show thanks, and it will likely keep you in their good books, helping you in the year to come.
Fundraiser
Don’t be an efl-ish grinch. It’s important to give to those less fortunate than us in the christmas season, and you have a platform to do so. Present your fans with the opportunity to give to a good cause. Pick a charity that is close to your heart and encourage fans to give in the festive season. Not only will this help people in need, this will help you create a positive image.
Competition
Start a social media competition that involves fans sharing, retweeting or mentioning you to boost exposure. Make sure there is a reward at the end too.
For Example: A “worst christmas jumper” competition, where your fans have to tag you in their post. The winner gets an item of merchandise sent to them!
If you want to get further as an elf-made artist, you really need to get involved in big promotional opportunities like Christmas. Holidays around the year present you with so many opportunities to boost your content strategy and reach new fans. So what are you waiting for? Put your santa hat on and sleigh queen, sleigh!
Oh, deer! I did way too many Christmas puns.
Are you looking to get your music out there? With Identity Music you can get your music all over the globe in order to gain the maximum exposure. By using our distribution and music promotion services, you’ll be able to take control while watching your music reach new heights.
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