As an independent band or artist, getting your music featured on music blogs and media outlets can be a pivotal step in gaining exposure and growing your fanbase. However, there are so many common mistakes that musicians make when pitching their music to these platforms.
Here are the top five mistakes we've found while artists have pitched to The MIC Mag, to avoid:
1. Bio or Band Info:
One of the most glaring mistakes is failing to include basic information about yourself or your band! This includes a bio, your musical journey, and any relevant background information. Without this context, it's difficult for bloggers and editors to understand who you are and what makes your music unique.
2. NO Social Media Links?!:
Your social media presence is not just about numbers; it's also about showcasing your brand and personality. In today's digital age, social media is a powerful tool for building a fanbase and connecting with your audience on a deeper level. By including links to your social media profiles in your pitch, you're not only providing bloggers and editors with insights into your popularity and engagement but also offering them a glimpse into your brand identity and how you interact with your fans.
🤘 TIP: Your social media following is often a deciding factor in whether or not your music gets picked up by outlets! Make this link count.
3. Broken or Missing Music Links:
When pitching your music, it's imperative to provide working links to your music! This may be obvious, but sadly this happens way too often not to note. Broken links or omitting music links altogether can be frustrating for bloggers and editors trying to listen to your tracks, and they will not go searching for your links or music! Make sure all your links are active and easily accessible to streamline the listening process for reviewers.
4. Being Rude or Unresponsive:
Just, why?! Building relationships with bloggers and editors is essential for long-term success in the music industry. Failing to respond to emails or being rude in your correspondence reflects poorly on your professionalism and may deter outlets from working with you in the future. Remember to be courteous, prompt, and appreciative of their time and effort. Music bloggers are taking their time out of their busy schedules to listen to your music, write about your music, and post on social media about you. Respect them!
5. Not Sending an EPK or One Sheet:
An Electronic Press Kit (EPK) or One Sheet is an all-in-one document that contains all the essential information about you or your band in one convenient package. This includes previous press coverage, music videos, high-quality images, and all other relevant materials. Not sending an EPK or One Sheet is a missed opportunity to showcase yourself as a ✨professional ✨ and organized band or artist.
🤘 TIP: Everything in this list, can fit in one EPK! Send a short and sweet email with an EPK, and you're golden!
Top 5 mistakes to AVOID while pitching to a music blog or media outlet!
LONG STORY SHORT: When pitching your music to music blogs and media outlets, don't make one of these silly mistakes! Provide all of your essential informtation, your socials, make sure your music links work, send an EPK and above all, don't be rude!
Making a positive impression on bloggers and editors can open doors to new opportunities and help you further your musical career.
If you need help with your EPK, we can do it for you! Reach out to us today at stef@themicmg.com!