How Do I Build a Fanbase?

I hear a lot of artists say, “I want to build a fan base,” but the real question is, do you really know what a fanbase is? Because you can’t build one until you comprehend what that means.

We aren’t talking about social media followers. I mean actual fans. The people that will come and spend their hard earned money on seeing you perform.

Most music artists don’t know much about building a fan base. They associate “fan base” with social media metrics like Twitter followers, and Soundcloud plays–which holds them back from taking their music career to the next level. See, gaining fans will usually result in an increase in Twitter followers, SoundCloud plays, and so forth. But it doesn’t work the same way in reverse.

So, in this post, I want to help guide you down the correct path for building fans.

But, understand, the tips and advice in this post are not the only ways to build a fan base. The further along you get in your music career–the more you’ll understand what works best for you when it comes to building true fans.

The secret is to give people a reason to like you as a person first. Think about it. If someone walked up to you at a gas station that you didn’t know, and asked you to buy their new CD, you probably wouldn’t buy it. Unless you’re a really nice person. And, even then, you wouldn’t actually listen to it.

Now trade that person with someone you know, and actually like a lot. That changes your perception on the entire situation right?

Of course it does. Because you have something invested in that person. Whether it be time, or emotions, there is something there.

So, how do you get people to like you. Well to like you, they have to know you. To get know you, you have to to be present. That means going to open mics, going to any event in your city, and even throwing events in your city to get people used to seeing your face. Because eventually they will get curious as to who you are, and will naturally want to get to know you.

Now, when this happens, don’t force your work into the conversation. Because you look desperate, and we definitely don’t want that to be the case. Let them talk, and ask them about what they do, make them feel like you're genuinely interested in the conversation, be engaging. Let them bring your work into the conversation.

Also be sure that they can find you on the Internet. If you’re a musician, get a distributor. If you’re a photographer, get a Flickr. Whatever you do, be sure you’re visible on the internet, when someone goes to search for you.

You gain a lot of visibility by getting posted on blogs, and collaborating with other artists. The more work you have your name on, the more visible you are to the internet. And the more frequently you put out work, the more active your current fanbase will be.

Hopefully this helped you–I will be posting part two soon, so thanks for reading!

Find me on all streaming, and social, media.

Streaming–Joee Giovanni

Social Media–_poetrysfinest