Since the age of 15 I have spent my life learning music, producing music, working for major and Indi record labels, and promoting various night clubs, shows for major artist, and music related events.  Over time I have gained a lot of knowledge and perspective.  My goal is to rid my beloved music industry of No Talent Hacks.  Here are my Top 5 Tips:

#1  Twitter is the Best Social Media Tool

Twitter is an open ended social media site that allows you to communicate with everyone around the globe and at the same time, gives you unlimited access to as many Twitter users as your heart desires.  This is very different from Facebook which holds on to the principles of privacy and limited access.  For an artist looking to gain more popularity and fans worldwide, Twitter is the perfect social media tool.

#2  Represent! Represent!

Your tweets are 140 characters, your profile photo says 1000 words.  I cannot emphasize enough the power of a photo.  Make sure your profile photo represents you, your message, and your music very well.  I strongly suggest that you read my article “How to Market your Music” so that you get the right perspective.  Although you may have spent money and time developing a logo, a photo has a more impact.

#3  Follow Me and I Follow You

The unwritten rule in the Twitter world is, Follow Me and I Follow You.  Find people who are interested in similar artist, work within your genre or industry, who follow the large labels, or who comment on subjects that relate to you and follow them.  You can waste a lot of time begging people on Facebook or Sound Cloud to Follow you on Twitter or you can spend quality time with the people who are already active on Twitter.

#4  #hashtag #content #search

The MOST important thing you can do to gain more Twitter Followers is to provideConsistent Relevant Content.  Tweeting that you are “Bored at School” is not interesting or relevant.  Check out the Trends section.  This will give you the list of the Top Trending Subjects on Twitter.  If there is a subject trending that fits you…add your 140 character point of view.  Make sure you #hashtag the subject.  Photos make the most impact.  Lastly, and most importantly, #hashtag your name (#mfanisinorman) at the end of all your post.

#5  Show them the Money!

Advertising on Twitter is a very cost effective and cheap way to spend money on your promotions.  You can reach more people in a shorter period of time than you will ever be able to with printed flyers, posters, or word of mouth.  Strongly consider using Sponsored Ads.  They work!  Especially for your new releases, Twitter will definitely work wonders for you.

Sales are a numbers game.  You want as many people to know who you are, so that they can make the choice to become your fan.  Spend time on your Twitter account communicating with the world about who are, what you do, and what you have to offer.  You can connect your Twitter account to your Facebook, YouTube, and Instragram accounts which allows you to simultaneously post messages on all of your social media platforms.

Mfanisi Norman, Executive A+R Director