Instagram users know the platform and all of its amenities well. But what about up-and-coming musicians trying to make a move, build momentum towards their latest single, or looking to gain follower-ship to promote an upcoming release?
Here are some tips for users just getting started as an artist on the platform and ways that Starlight PR can enhance engagement and listenership.
Create An Easily Found Username
If your music is building a buzzworthy name for itself and people are taking notice, fans will want to follow you on social media for more content. But what happens if they can’t find your social links when searching on the app? From a misleading underscore, to an alternative spelling, followers and other musicians might have a difficult time searching for you on Instagram. Be sure to include something straightforward, and if your name or group name is taken, use keywords along with it while trying to avoid numbers or symbols (unless the name has one included). With a 30-character limit, usernames can be lengthy, but if your group has a longer name, using a nickname or term that’s relevant to your music can help in promoting it better. A username that’s memorable but simple can spread just as rapidly as the music being promoted on it.
Consistency is Key
Ever have an account you follow barely showing up on your timeline? Instagram’s algorithm was created in order to show content most relevant to a user's interests, and activity, as well as how frequently their followers post.
As a musician, keeping listeners updated on your activity with quality posts that grab attention towards your music, tour dates, and other relevant content, is an important component of advertising with Instagram. Posting once a day as your account grows, whether it’s on your Instagram stories, photo and video posts, or fun Instagram reels, increasing engagement with your followers that also keeps them up-to-date. Adding a Linktree or a link to new music in your bio is a key component to getting people listening, all while providing them with unique content that represents you and your music.
#Hashtag Your Way To the Charts
Hashtags are an easy way to index posts into categories, but also to find new and relevant content. Using basic hashtags such as genres and your location, the type of musician you are (i.e. #singersongwriter #rapper, #DJ, etc.) and more specific ones like the group’s name or a slogan that brands your content can help up your followership organically–as if you have entered a market of similar interests with potential fans searching for new music.
Take Advantage of Marketing Tools
Instagram’s built-in marketing tools include paid ads to boost posts, and multi-platform ad campaigns. With Starlight PR’s “Social X” campaigns, artists can enhance the amenities that Instagram and other platforms provide, choosing between three types of Starlight PR campaigns for their artists, ranging from playlist placements and social boost campaigns that raise social engagement, followers, and streams that include press release and radio campaigns.
