connecting with your community
Hey!
This is Michi from Direct Support Music. You might be confused as to why you’re getting an email about social media instead of your typical press release or tour news!
As a public relations coordinator, I am also a social media manager. Social Media is just one piece of your public image and how to relate with your community. Ultimately, it’s the most public part of public relations.
I keep up with the algorithm and news on the platforms so you don’t have to! If you wish to not receive news about social media, please indicate that by clicking this link.
The Instagram algorithm has been pushing still image and Carousel posts most recently.
What’s a carousel post? A carousel post is when you post multiple photos in one post. Currently the Instagram algorithm allows up to 20 photos in one post.
Even just this morning, I used my Instagram to post a reel of my band performing. The post fell flat to a minimal amount of viewers, even with my bandmates added as collaborators.
Seeing this flop as an opportunity to do better, I tried again. I wanted to also make sure I had fun with the post this time. I went ahead and tested if the algorithm was pushing carousels instead. When I posted 20 photos, starting with a photo of myself and including flyers from my shows and memes that showed off my bands’ personality. As the band is known for being a little out there, I made sure the memes were silly.
Comments and likes started coming in much quicker as a larger portion of my followers were now seeing the post.
Remember, when you get a comment that really hits the mark to pin it so that others know what sort of things they can comment. It also always helps the flow of the post if you ask your band mates to be some of the first comments on the post.
TIKTOK
TikTok is making a push for their creators who livestream. Who is allowed to Livestream on Tiktok? Any account that has over 1000 followers and owned by someone over 18 years old is allowed to create live-streams
Many TikTok accounts use the live stream option to interact with followers in real time. As a musician, you might use this time to share what you are rehearsing, live stream your concert, or take song requests. You can also just share other parts of your life if you wish! You can talk to your followers while cooking, putting on make-up or anything that you feel displays your personality as a musician.
For some musicians, they might choose to busk on TikTok Live and you can earn money as long as you’re over 18 years old. If you’ve got a decent cell phone and place to stream, why not consider this as a way to meet new people? Livestreaming on TikTok requires no special gear and is fairly accessible if you have an internet connection.
The newest feature TikTok is offering is called Fan Club. The feature looks to be very similar to being a subscriber on Twitch streaming or a Patron on Patreon. Fan Club levels allow fans to unlock various perks.
Read more about the update directly from TikTok
I know it’s not always fun to use social media but it’s where your folks are. Making a routine to contact your folks 3-7 days a week in different ways will strengthen your community. Every piece of the music industry can be better for this connection. Even for writers, making people excited to hear what you have to say about new music is still so important! People need to know they can trust you and your work, no matter what it is you create.
Remember, the most important part about engaging on social media is that you should try your best to make sure everything you do feels like fun or at least not a drag! If things are starting to feel like a drag and you are looking for support in making your social media marketing more fun feel free to contact me about a consult this month before I get booked up! Email me at Michi@dsprmusic.org
Thanks again! Let me know where I can follow you
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Instagram: DirectSupportMusic
Michi D, Direct Support Music
