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Free Website Content - Musicians Podcast
Why Musicians Should Podcast
By Sharon Housley
Independent artists have long struggled to
gain recognition and attract an audience. Without the backing
of a major label it can be very difficult for independent
artists to obtain radio play time, that is, until now. Podcasting
a revolutionary new medium, has opened new distribution
channels for independent artists. Podcasting is the process
of distributing audio files using the RSS format and has
become very popular with the younger generations.
With the use of technology, independent artists
have a unique opportunity available, using technology they
can significantly expand the exposure of their music.
Why should a musician podcast?
1. Distribution Channel
The power of distribution is no more evident then when looking
at the iTunes Music Store, with independent podcasts garnering
millions of downloads. Notoriety has been gained and celebrities
have been made. Independent artists who produce podcasts
should include iTunes tags in their podcast feed and list
their podcast in the iTunes Music Store. A listing in the
iTunes Music Sore will significantly increase a podcaster's
exposure.
2. Gain Interest and Fans
Independent artists can attract listeners by creating
a podcast with a music sampling.
3. Send Demos
Indies always searching for the brass ring or wanting
to be signed by a big label can use podcasts for their commercial
demos. Artists can promote their podcast and direct agents
and labels to the demos as an inexpensive means to get signed.
4. Get Gigs
Night clubs looking for entertainment will listen to podcasts
to find bands or artists who target their demographic. Clubs
will have an idea of what to expect from the artist. Musicians
might find themselves with additional booking as their podcast
becomes a marketing tool.
5. Promote Gigs at Establishments
Establishments will be more willing to sign artists who
will bring new listeners to their club. Musician can use
their podcast to provide additional promotion for any booked
events. The additional publicity might be the deciding factor,
if the club management is torn between booking two artists.
6. Build a Community
Developing a community is critical to an artist's success.
Podcasting and consistent communication with loyal listeners
will help encourage and strengthen a musician's fan base.
7. Sell CDs
Shareware has long been a staple in the software community,
adopted as a marketing method, to allow users the opportunity
to sample software prior to making a purchase decision.
Independent artists can use podcasting to sell their CDs.
Sample music files or single songs that are given freely
will encourage listeners to purchase a CD with additional
songs.
8. Reinforce Listener Loyalty
Loyal listeners or "groupies" who listen to podcasts will
share the podcasts with friends and extend the bands reach.
9. Announcements
Podcasting can be used as an additional vehicle to announce
new songs, albums, interviews or other information relevant
to the independent artists performances.
10. Cross Promo Opportunities
Bands who have a similar genre can exchange adverts in their
podcasts and increase both of their fan bases. Quid pro
quo promotion that costs little but can result in huge returns.
Independent artists have a unique opportunity
available to them. Podcasting is a fairly new medium that
has far reaching distribution opportunities. Independent
artists were once restricted by geography, playing at local
clubs to increase their base. Podcasting has no borders.
Producing a podcast can mean the difference
between success and failure for an independent artist.
About the Author:
Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com
software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and
podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for RecordForAll
http://www.recordforall.com
audio recording and editing software.
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This article may be used freely in opt-in
publications and websites, provided that the resource box
is included and the links are active. A courtesy copy of
the issue or a link to any online posting would be greatly
appreciated send an email to sharon@notepage.net
.
Additional articles available for publication available
at http://www.small-business-software.net/free-website-content.htm
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