how to brand yourself (for music artists and bands)

Here are my 7 easy steps to building yourself an authentic brand that represents your music and you as an artist (or band)!

1. Define your musical style and audience

Make sure you're happy with your sound and that it feels authentic. Don't try too hard to sound a certain way or to be commercial, do what comes naturally and feels like your truth. It's also important to understand your audience; these are the people who will be listening to your music and investing in you as a music artist. ​

2. Define your message and values

These are basically the things you care about. They will probably come through in your music anyway, but spend some time to work out what you really care about and the themes that would reoccur through your music and content you produce. These can be deep-rooted issues like racism or climate change or can be things that everyone can relate to such as relationships, love and friendship dynamics. 

3. Decide on your image and aesthetic

Again, this has to come from the heart and might take some time and research if it's not something you're familiar with. Delve into the depths of your fashion style and what sort of aesthetic you feel would capture your artistry and be consistent with that throughout your social media presence, staging and album artworks. If this feels like an overwhelming or impossible task then I'm here to help, wink wink (email me on [email protected]). 

4. Find your communication style

How you communicate with fans and general everybodies also needs to be authentic and consistent. This is true for website text, social media copy, how you respond to comments, how you talk when on stage... Define this style and stick to it!

5. Plan your social media strategy

Which platforms will you focus on primarily? What sort of content suits your personality, skills and brand that you're currently building? How often will you post? How will you prompt interaction from your fans? Consider all these points and put together a schedule that will make it easier for you to get your head round. Also, have a space where you can braindump any content ideas or campaign musings that come to mind. 

6. Understand your fanbase

This leads on from defining your audience. Delve deeper into it! Look at their behaviours, brands they like, other bands they listen to, what sort of content do they prefer? What kinda merch would they buy? What prompts them to interact? How can you serve them in the best way whilst staying true to yourself as an artist? 

7. Tell your story

Help your audience connect with your further and get them to invest in your journey by sharing your story. Make it entertaining, relatable, exciting! And, of course, authentic! 

If you want me to elaborate more on each of these steps then you're in luck, because here's a handy video! 
HOW TO BRAND YOURSELF IN 7 STEPS

Let me know if this is helpful to you and feel free to ask any questions in the comments!

#musicbranding #musicartistbranding #artistbranding #brandconsultant #musicmarketing