I have two tubs of “butter-like” substances in my fridge.

One of them is ...butter and the other is margarine.

I rarely use the butter even though, I prefer the taste.

Why?

Because the margarine is more spreadable. It’s easier to use. I don’t like the taste as well, but in my busy life simplicity trumps quality.

I imagine your music fans are somewhat like me. If you want them to spread the word about your music, you need to be spreadable. You need to make it as easy as possible for them to promote you AND you have to give them something to promote.

Don’t just create a great CD.  A great CD alone won’t make people talk about you for long.

• Create a great CD - definitely a good place to start.
• Give away a free song (to give them something to talk about and promote).
• Make graphic badges, logos and buddy icons and make it easy for them to use (post the code, host the images on your server)
• Have a story to tell. Give them some background on one of your unique songs or a particular experience you’ve had.
• Offer bios and copy of various lengths so that journalists and bloggers can easily get and use the information they need.
• Post YouTube videos of your live show. Encourage your audience at each show to video your set and post it to YouTube.

Put yourself in their shoes and try to think of any way you can make it easier for your audience to spread your music.

Be spreadable. Like Margarine. Not Butter.

You are so so right! Seriously, you gotta give if you want to recieve, and that holds really true in the music biz. As the oldschool record label cookie continues to crumble, those you give more out to the fans will be the ones reaping the benefits.

Thanks for the comment evolvor!

That’s an awesome article! Great thoughts about music markeitng and being fan-friendly (nad well written, too)!

I have a similar blog over at http://www.fatkidrecords.com.

Thanks and I’ll be checking back soon!

Another great post, Kat! I love both your blogs!