SoundCloud is a free music streaming platform created by musicians, for musicians. The importance of this platform has grown during the global pandemic. Fans, as well as artists, are flocking to it. Why? Because it’s a deeply connected community (and we all need extra community right now) and it’s free. The platform is working hard to help you make money and connect more deeply right now. To find out more about their efforts read their excellent blog post: 7 Ways To Stay Connected With Your Fans During Covid-19.
We love SoundCloud at Cyber PR because it is the medium music bloggers prefer for PR purposes. Here are our best nuggets of advice for how you can be using this platform to your advantage during this time. Which we are honored to announce is being sponsored by Hypebot and Bandsintown for Artists.
Optimize Your SoundCloud Profile
Many artists have not taken the time to properly do this. Make sure that your SoundCloud profile is fully filled out with a header, descriptive bio, links to socials, albums and singles, as well as artwork. You can design a captivating header for your profile using Canva.
Optimize Your Tracks
Always include your lyrics. If you don’t know how to do this, we have an extensive 3-part post on the Cyber PR Music website that will walk you through.
Use SoundCloud to Make Money
SoundCloud has recently added new direct support links so fans can give you money or donate to your crowdfunding campaign and they won’t take a fee. You can connect to Paypal, Shopify, Patreon, Bandcamp, Cash.app, Kickstarter, or GoFundMe.
Release a Free or Pay What You Want Quarantine EP
Fans love to show their support. Allowing them to do so by offering a pay what you would like option is a great way to provide your music with a paid option.
Message Your Regular Listeners and Form Deeper Bonds
Engagement and connection is so important during this time. This will start new relationships with fans, as well as strengthen connections that are already there. If you didn’t notice, you can’t message your listeners on Spotify, so this is a great opportunity to connect with fans you know are actually listening. If you decide to splurge for SoundCloud’s Pro Unlimited, you can see your analytics on the Stats tab to find out who your most frequent listeners are. You can directly message them and begin to foster relationships. After several communications you can ask them to join your email list, or follow you on social media.
Music Bloggers Prefer SoundCloud
If you are trying to get PR, SoundCloud is still the industry standard for pitching to and posting on music blogs. Why? Soundcloud doesn’t make you login to stream tracks like Spotify does, so music bloggers like it because there is no barrier to entry. Your SoundCloud presence can also be a key deciding factor to having your music covered by music bloggers.
Build SoundCloud #s Before You Pitch
Ask your fans to come stream to get some plays onto your profile. If you are going to pitch for a premiere, set that track or album to private.
Make Sure You Understand How to Create and Share Private SoundCloud Links
SoundCloud allows you to create and share private SoundCloud links which you can share in advance for media and industry consideration. Here’s how.
Promote your SoundCloud on Social Media
The first thing you want to do is promote your SoundCloud page in your newsletter and on other socials. Rounding up fans who are already engaged is always easier than recruiting completely new fans, so it’s best to start where you already have a following.
Plug your SoundCloud page in a status on your Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Like So:
“We are now on SoundCloud! Click the link to stream our entire catalogue of releases. Every follow is appreciated!”
“Have you checked out our SoundCloud page?”
You can also link your SoundCloud page to multiple sections on each social network for people who might have missed the status update.
Facebook: Link to your SoundCloud in the “about” section of your profile.
Twitter: Put a link in your bio, or link to it in the “website” section of your profile.
Instagram: Take a screenshot of your page and put a link in your link.tree. If a screenshot doesn’t fit your aesthetic, try a funny graphic, if funny isn’t your thing try any graphic.
Like So: Follow other independent artists similar to yourself with comparable followings to your own.
Give them a follow, heart their tracks, leave positive and engaging comments. Not only will it make their day, but they will more than likely be happy to return the favor and you might even strike up a relationship for future collaborations.
Start Pitching to SoundCloud Playlists
You can use Submithub to search for playlists that your song would fit into. You will get a few rejections – so toughen your skin before you dive in.
Want more SoundCloud tips? Download our FREE Musician’s Guide to Soundcloud & Spotify.
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