2011 Music Marketing Trends You Need to Know About

Are you familiar with QR codes, Google Goggles, NFC technology, or location-based scavenger hunts? These are just some of the technology and marketing trends I cover in the two videos below.

Download or print this 10-page 2011 Marketing Trends PDF file and follow along as you watch and listen to these free videos.

You can also download the video files and transfer them to your computer, smart phone or tablet and watch them offline. Just use these direct links for Part 1 and Part 2 (these MOV files are 13 to 16 megs each).




What do you think of my 2011 technology and marketing trends list? Do you have other examples of these trends in action? Or ideas on other creative ways to use them for marketing? What did I miss? Please leave a comment below ...

-Bob

Q&A: Do Artists Today Really Need Their Own Website?

This is another in a series of short audio questions and answers I will post here on the blog to celebrate the launch of my Music Marketing Mentorship Program in January.

The question:

Do Music Artists and Bands Today Really Need Their Own Website?

There are two ways to access my audio answers:

1) Listen now using this streaming audio player:


2) Download the MP3 using this link

Visit this page for a list of links to all of the audio Q&A posts.

This audio series was inspired by Jon Ostrow and a list of questions he sent me. My shorter text answers are featured on his MicControl.com website.

Here are links to some of the things mentioned in this audio clip:

• The Mind Map entry on Wikipedia

What do you think of my answer? Leave a comment below ...

-Bob

Q&A: 3 Examples of Guerrilla Music Marketing in Action

This is another in a series of short audio questions and answers I will post here on the blog to celebrate the launch of my Music Marketing Mentorship Program in January.

The question:

Can You Give Me 3 Examples of Guerrilla Music Marketing in Action?

There are two ways to access my audio answers:

1) Listen now using this streaming audio player:


2) Download the MP3 using this link

Visit this page for a list of links to all of the audio Q&A posts.

This audio series was inspired by Jon Ostrow and a list of questions he sent me. My shorter text answers are featured on his MicControl.com website.

Here are links to some of the things mentioned in this audio clip:

• Imogen Heap video blog
• Danna Richards YouTube channel
• Emily Hearn's Kickstarter page

Have any other good examples to share? Leave a comment below ...

-Bob

Music Marketing Q&A with Bob Baker

I recently started posting a series of short audio answers to important questions about guerrilla music marketing, Internet music promotion, and more.

This page serves as a directory of links to all of the individual audio Q&A posts. Return to this page as I add more audio answers in the coming weeks and months.

Audio Q&As currently available:

What Is Guerrilla Marketing?

What's the Best Way to Promote a New Album?

Do Artists Today Really Need Their Own Website?

Can You Give Me 3 Examples of Guerrilla Music Marketing in Action?

What Should an Artist's Goals Be for Their Own Website?

This audio Q&A series was inspired by Jon Ostrow and a list of questions he sent me. My shorter text answers are featured on his MicControl.com website here.

-Bob

The image above is by Roy Blumenthal.

---

Q&A: Best Ways to Promote a New Album

This is another in a series of short audio questions and answers I will post here on the blog to celebrate the launch of my Music Marketing Mentorship Program in January.
The question:

What are some low-cost ways that musicians can promote an album release using guerrilla marketing?

There are two ways to access my audio answers:

1) Listen now using this streaming audio player:


2) Download the MP3 using this link

Visit this page for a list of links to all of the audio Q&A posts.

This audio series was inspired by Jon Ostrow and a list of questions he sent me. My shorter text answers are featured on his MicControl.com website.

What album promotion strategies have worked for you? Leave a comment below ...

-Bob

Photo above by Pooki Lee.

Q&A: What Is Guerrilla Music Marketing?

This is the first in a series of short audio questions and answers I will post here on the blog to celebrate the upcoming launch of my Music Marketing Mentorship Program.

The first question:

What is Guerrilla Music Marketing? And why should emerging artists embrace a Guerrilla Marketing strategy?

There are two ways to access my audio answers:

1) Listen now using this streaming audio player:


2) Download the MP3 using this link

Visit this page for a list of links to all of the audio Q&A posts.

This audio series was inspired by Jon Ostrow and a list of questions he sent me. My shorter text answers are featured on his MicControl.com website.

Here are links to some of the things mentioned in this audio clip:

• The Guerrilla Music Marketing series of books
• Guerrilla Marketing by Jay Conrad Levinson
• Guerrilla Marketing on the Front Lines

Do you agree with my definition? Leave a comment below ...

-Bob

Artist Development & the New Indie Music Reality

Read this excerpt on Artist Development from a Bob Lefsetz blog post:

So if you're a new act, stay indie. You've got to, in order to be in control of your own artistic destiny ...
And indie is about forgetting everybody else and focusing on your fans. If your fans are burned out on your music, you must make more ...

Artist development is not about growing your audience. It's about writing, recording and playing, and finding out if someone is interested. Your music is your calling card. People are only attracted when they can feel the passion and the excitement, which doesn't come from hype, but people, testifying one to another and occasionally in media. In other words, there are no shortcuts.

And if you're really good and have success, business people will come to you. Like flies to sherbet. That's when you hire a lawyer and decide who to play with. Please hire a lawyer. A bad deal can kill a career.

And a lawyer can craft a deal that allows someone to run with your music for as long as he or she generates success, otherwise you're free again.

And you don't want to be with the usual suspects. Not unless you make Top Forty music. The usual suspects only know how to do it the old way. They're all about the money, and you're all about the music. It's a bad fit. They're about instant stardom, you're about paying your dues, discovering exactly what it is you do that appeals to people.

In other words, you're in charge of your own artist development. We live in a DIY world. If you're waiting for someone to rescue you, to make you famous, you're delusional ...

There will always be a few superstars, culture demands it. But the new era is about tons of journeymen. Your goal should be to make a living playing music. If this is not enough, give up.

I'm sold. But I've been preaching this message for a couple decades, so I may be biased. What do you think? Please leave your comments below.

Read his entire post here.

-Bob

P.S. Get more tips like these when you subscribe to my free Buzz Factor ezine -- the longest running music career tips email newsletter on the planet. Since 1995. Go grab your free subscription now here.

Free Report: 10 Success Strategies for DIY Musicians, Managers & Promoters

In the spirit of holiday gift giving, I want to give you a brand new, six-page report called "10 Success Strategies for DIY Musicians, Managers, Promoters and More."

Use this direct link to the PDF file to open and print it.

(If you want to access it later, be sure to save the file to your hard drive or favorite ebook reader.)

I encourage you to share this free report with anyone you feel could use it. Blog about it and link to the file, post a tweet or Facebook update about it ... you know, spread it around!

That's why I published these 10 DIY music strategies - to inspire and empower music people who really need to GET these principles.

The only stipulation for sharing this: Please do not alter the report or charge money for it.


10 Success Strategies for DIY Musicians by Bob Baker is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Enjoy!

And Happy Holidays!

-Bob

How to Be a Holiday Hero This Year!

You're an artist, right? Of course you are -- no matter what role you play in the music biz, there's no doubt you are a creative being.

And because of that, I bet you have lots of friends and loved ones who are also creative types -- songwriters, singers, musicians, as well as visual artists, writers, and performers of all stripes.

Wouldn't it be cool if you gave them something they can actually use this holiday season?
How would the special creative people in your life feel if they received a book from you that was personally signed by the author TO THEM?

Of course, you could just give them a toaster or a gift card. But, come on ... how special is that?

Here's a suggestion that will turn you into a Holiday Hero this year:

Look over the selection of paperback titles on this book page.

Purchase any assortment of titles between now and Friday, December 10 ... and I'll give you 20% off any order of $30 USD or more.

Just enter the promo code DEC10 on the shopping cart page when you check out.

Then list the name of the person you want the book(s) autographed to in the "Comments / Special Delivery Instructions" section of the final check-out page, and you're done. (See my note below in the P.S. for shipping times.)

Remember, these books are not just for musicians. "Unleash the Artist Within" is for creative people of all types -- painters, photographers, actors, filmmakers, you name it.

And "55 Ways to Promote & Sell Your Book on the Internet" is perfect for writers, authors, bloggers, speakers, consultants, and anyone wanting to establish themselves as an expert online.


Do you know anyone who could benefit from this type of guidance and inspiration?

Of course, for the musicians in your life, there's always the classic "Guerrilla Music Marketing Handbook" and "Guerrilla Music Marketing, Encore Edition" titles.

Ready to be a Holiday Hero this year?

Start browsing the available titles and get ready to save 20% and make someone very happy this holiday season!

-Bob

P.S. I will ship books Priority within the U.S., so there should be no problem getting the autographed books to you in time for Christmas (if you order by Dec 10).

Books shipped to Canada and all other countries are sent Priority International (and often take 10 to 14 days or longer to arrive). I can't guarantee delivery times. So it's best to order sooner rather than later.

P.P.S. The image above is by greengymdog.

Connection Addiction: Lessons from 28 hours 'Off the Grid'

Yesterday, I tried something that was out of the ordinary for me. I actually -- gasp! -- went a whole 28 hours without posting any new updates to Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.

If you pay attention to my online social media stream, you know that's unusual, as most days I post from 8 to 10 updates.

The idea for this social media retreat came while reading Leo Babauta's new book "Focus" (which you can get in both free and paid versions here).

Leo writes about "Connection Addiction" and how it can distract us from our creative output and enjoyment of life.

Like Leo, I am not bashing all the wonders of technology and instant access we have today. These tools allow me to make a living and serve in a greater way than I ever did prior to their existence. I'm grateful and plan to keep using them.

But it was eye-opening to experience what I went though yesterday. Let me explain ...

My last post before the break promised "I will completely disconnect today. No Tweeting, Facebooking, etc for a full 24 hours. Wish me luck!"

I did live up to my promise to not post anything new for a full day. But I did not "completely disconnect" during that period. And that certainly led to some new insights into the role of technology in my life.

I did manage to stay away from my desktop computer most of the day and get out and do things. But ... of course, my iPhone was always close by.

Throughout the day, I often felt the need to see if anyone was commenting on Facebook or Twitter. Most of the time, I resisted the urge. But many times, I gave in. I checked email, opened the Mashable app to see the latest tech posts, and more.

This technology thing really can be addictive. And like anything, it can be used to enhance and improve your life ... or used to distract you and get you off track.

How often have you logged into Facebook or sat down to check email ... and the next thing you know, two hours have gone by?

Luckily, I don't get sucked into games or cute kitty videos or similar trivial content online. But I admit I get sucked in -- and could benefit from a serious accounting of how I spend my time online and off.

Can you relate?

I'll wrap up this post for now, but I do hope to return to this topic with some specific strategies for dealing with Connection Addiction and making the best "good use" of technology.

I welcome your thoughts in the Comments section below.

Bob

Twitter for Music Promotion: 5 Music Pros Sound Off

Since the music industry was one of the first industries to heavily embrace Twitter, Bruce Warila asked some industry friends the simple question: "What is Twitter?"

Derek Sivers, Ariel Hyatt, Andrew Dubber, and Steve Lawson offer some answers.

Read them at musicthinktank.com.

What do you think?

-Bob

P.S. Did you enjoy this blog post? Get more tips like these when you subscribe to my Buzz Factor ezine -- the longest running music career tips email newsletter on the planet. Since 1995. Go grab your free subscription now.

Engage Music Fans with These Simple Online Tools

If you've never asked your fans for their input using an online poll, you really should consider it. It's a great device to encourage interaction with the people who support you.

You can ask them to vote on:

• Cover artwork for your next album
• Songs you should include on your next album or EP
• What part of the country you should tour next
• Songs you should perform at your next show
• What to get the bass player for his birthday
• Their favorite flavor of ice cream (or some other lighthearted topic)

You get the picture. Use online polls and surveys to make more of a connection with your fans!

But what online polling service should you use?

A couple weeks ago I asked people on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and more. Here are the main results I got, combined with sites I've used. Most have both free and paid options:

SurveyMonkey
www.surveymonkey.com

Twtpoll
www.twtpoll.com

Zoomerang
www.zoomerang.com

SurveyGizmo
www.surveygizmo.com

Micropoll
www.micropoll.com

Wufoo
www.wufoo.com

Google Forms
http://docs.google.com/support/bin/topic.py?topic=15166

Action Step: Pick one of the services above, create a poll, and send it to your fans via email, Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, etc.

-Bob

P.S. Did you enjoy this blog post? Get more tips like these when you subscribe to my Buzz Factor ezine -- the longest running music career tips email newsletter on the planet. Since 1995. Go grab your free subscription now.

What's Your "Internet Influence Index"? (3i)

Do you ever wonder how you're faring in the realm of Online Reach and Influence? Maybe you need to stop and take a snapshot of where you stand.

I call it your Internet Influence Index (or 3i for short).
A 3i is a listing of your current number of friends, followers and other statistics that indicate how well you're connecting with customers and fans online. It's a quick measurement of your Internet presence.

I refer to it as a snapshot because, if you're proactive at all online, the numbers will be in constant flux -- hopefully in an upward direction.

I probably need to create a form or checklist you can use to track these important statistics. But here's a rundown of my current Internet Influence Index (as of Nov 12, 2010) to give you an idea of different ways you can measure your own 3i:

Twitter ...
Followers: 4,294
Total tweets I've posted: 5,322
Lists I am included on: 277

Facebook ...
Friends (personal profile): 3,229
Fan page "likes": 253

YouTube ...
Total views: 197,222
Channel subscribers: 985
Videos posted: 60

Music Promotion Blog ...
Feedburner subscribers: 1,994
Total # of posts: 521

Artist Empowerment Radio podcast ...
Feedburner subscribers: 583
Total # of episodes: 54

MySpace ...
Friends: 3,309

LinkedIn ...
Connections: 1,306

Scribd ...
Documents: 6
Total reads: 9,957

FriendFeed ...
Subscribers: 363

Google Buzz ...
Followers: 57

Guerrilla Music Marketing Handbook on Amazon.com ...
Sales rank: #260,722 in Books
5-star reviews: 8
4-star reviews: 4

As you can see, there are many ways to measure your Internet Influence Index.

What am I missing? Would you like me to create a checklist form that can be used to track your 3i?

Let me know in the Comments.

-Bob

The image above comes from opensourceway.

P.S. Did you enjoy this blog post? Get more tips like these when you subscribe to my Buzz Factor ezine -- the longest running music career tips email newsletter on the planet. Since 1995. Go grab your free subscription now.

FREE Music Marketing Tip Sheet - And Your Opinion Wanted

I want to give you a free six-page digest of great music marketing tips and news from the past week. You can download and print the PDF right now using this link.

No opt-in required. Just download these free promotion tips and start using them.

What's included in these six pages?

• Trent Reznor's Advice for Up-and-Coming Artists and Bands
• 10 YouTube (and Online Video) Tips & Tricks
• Holiday Music Marketing Angles That Will Grab Attention
• 19 Effective Twitter Update Ideas
• Engage Your Fans with These Simple Online Tools
• Breaking News About the New MySpace

Why am I giving you this?

There is a good reason, and I really want your direct input about it.

As you may know, I spend a lot of time scouring the Internet every day looking for the latest news, info and best practices on music marketing for independent artists.

A lot of those links I post on Twitter, Facebook, and other social sites. But even if you follow me on these sites, I bet you miss a lot of them.

Plus, who's got the time (like I do) to obsess about these things and sift through the avalanche of new marketing blog posts, articles, podcasts, videos and more that are posted every day?

After all, you need to spend time writing songs, rehearsing, recording, booking your next gig, and making sure your equipment is maintained. Not to mention eating, sleeping and ... Whew! The list goes on and on.

So here's my idea ...

What if I created a regular digest of the best new music promotion ideas, breaking news, success stories, highly useful marketing tips, and more?

It would basically be my top picks for the best of the best every week -- probably delivered four times a month as a PDF file like this one.

I'd also throw in some of my more in-depth articles along with some from my favorite authors and marketing bloggers.

My question to you is ... Would a Music Marketing Digest like this be of interest to you?

And would you be willing to pay a modest fee for it?

It takes a lot of time (many hours a week, believe me) to research this stuff and then package it in this format. So enough people would have to step up to the plate and be willing to invest a small amount to make this happen.

(I'm only talking about $10 a month per person. Anyone can afford that. But would YOU be willing to actually click the "Subscribe" button?)

Please do this:
If you are interested, send an email to MrBuzzFactor A-T Gmail DOT C*O*M (please rearrange those gobbled-up letters into a proper email address) with the words "Music Marketing Digest YES" in the subject line.

I'll put you on a special list of music people who want the Digest, and if the demand is sufficient, you'll be the first to know when I launch it.

Thanks for reading this free sample of my proposed Music Marketing Digest and hearing me out.

-Bob

P.S. I hope this works out for both of us, because I would love to create this for you on a regular basis. But I have to know that enough people want it and see the value. So let me know if you are one of them!

Get Your Name in My Next Book: "Guerrilla Music Marketing Online"

Kathleen Gage called it "One of the most creative book launches I have seen."

She is talking about what I started doing last week, when I opened the door to a way my readers and supporters can get their name in my next book -- and start reading it now!

What's all this then?

I'm about to publish my 8th paperback book. It's the third title in my "Guerrilla Music Marketing" series.

And I'm offering a way for you to get your name in it ... and also be part of a select Advanced Group to start reading it now and give me feedback that will make the final version (due January 2011) even better.

This newest title is called "Guerrilla Music Marketing Online" -- and I think it
will be my best resource to date.

I won't bore you with the details here. So go to the official Guerrilla Music Marketing Online page to learn more.

-Bob

P.S. Did you enjoy this blog post? Get more tips like these when you subscribe to my Buzz Factor music ezine -- the longest running music career tips email newsletter on the planet. Since 1995. Go grab your free subscription now.

Door-to-Door Musician: An Inspiring Story!

Last week I received an email from a Canadian named John Ioannou. The message opened this way:

"Hi Bob. Here's a true story about a musician, his dream, and proof that opportunity knocks!"

I was on the verge of closing the email to read later, but something prompted me to continue. I'm glad I did.

I've often reminded aspiring musicians that there are many paths to success. There are no guarantees. What works well for one artist often will not work at all for another.

And some of the things that end up working seem so outlandish (and even foolish) at first glance. Such was the case with John's story.

The message continued ...

"There's a really talented kid named Scotty James who attended high school in Canada and decided after graduation that music would be his full-time job.

"Armed with only a guitar and a dream, Scotty humbly has been going door to door to people's homes busking for cash - ten bucks a song to raise money for his first album."



"He came to our house on August 27 late in the evening to play. I was a bit skeptical at first, but gave him a listen and paid the ten bucks. The kid honestly blew me away - unique voice and some of the catchiest songs. I was hooked. I told him I run a music company and admire his hard work."

John met with Scotty a few days later and told him he would be interested in working with him. But ... Scotty had to take on three challenges:

Challenge 1 - Take Nelly's popular hip-hop song "Just a Dream," do an acoustic version of it, and give it the Scotty James sound. Here's what Scotty came up with:



Challenge 2 - Go up to random girls at universities/colleges, sing to them and record it on video. John wanted to see their reaction to Scotty and his music. Here's what happened that day:



Challenge 3 - Go up to random people and sing to them on a city bus.



John continues ...

"On September 23, less than a month after Scotty James first knocked on my front door, we met with a record producer. Scotty is now in the studio recording his debut album, called 'Crazy.' He met all of my challenges and for that I am paying to record his album."

John ends by saying "That's proof that opportunity really does knock!"

What actions are you taking to create your own musical opportunities?

-Bob

Apple's New Artist & Band Guide to Ping

Amid all the stink raised from independent artists over the new iTunes Ping network, Apple just published an Artist Best Practices 1.0.

Read it below or on this page:



What do you think of Apple's new Ping guide? Do YOU find it helpful?

-Bob

How to Create an Indie Artist Profile on Apple's Ping Network

When Apple launched it's new Ping network with the new version of iTunes, a lot of independent musicians were frustrated that they couldn't immediately set up an artist profile page on the network.

So most of them just grumbled and sat back to wait for Tunecore or CD Baby to work out the details for them.

But not Frank Colin of Gulture Enterprises.

"I assist the legendary independent blues and rock musician Jimmy Z with his website and social media," Frank writes on his blog. "As soon as I upgraded iTunes ... it became my mission to get his profile on Ping ..."

That's an understatement. Through persistence and some creative communications, Frank was able to set up a Ping profile by working directly with Apple. But it wasn't easy.

Frank chronicles how he did it, in great detail, in a great series of blog posts:

First read "How an Independent Musician Might Get a Profile on Ping."

Then read "How to Create an Independent Musician Profile on iTunes Ping" for even more of the nitty gritty."

Congrats to Frank for finding a way to get inside the machine and work the system!

-Bob

P.S. Have you had any luck setting up a Ping artist profile? Let me know in the Comments section below ...

Guerrilla Music Marketing Comes to Memphis & Nashville Oct 9 & 10

I always thought it would be cool to drive down from St. Louis (where I live) and present babk to back workshops in the two music cities of Memphis and Nashville.

Well, that idea is finally happening in one big weekend in October as I present two workshops on Guerrilla Music Marketing.

If you're in the area, I hope you can make it. If not, I would appreciate if you could spread the word to music people you know who live nearby.

Here's the scoop on how to register and attend:

Saturday, October 9
Guerrilla Music Marketing
Memphis Music Foundation
431 S Main St. #201
Memphis, TN 38103
1 to 4 PM
Map and directions
Bob presents a Guerrilla Music Marketing Workshop at the Music Resource Center. Free admission compliments of the Memphis Music Foundation. But you need to register here.

---

Sunday, October 10
Guerrilla Music Marketing Worshop
Nashville, TN
7 to 9 PM
Bob presents a Guerrilla Music Marketing Workshop in Nashville. Go to this page to register. Get $10 off admission when you enter this code into the coupon field: INDIE1

---

There you have it. Let your friends know. Hope to meet you in person at one of these events.

-Bob

The Black Keys Guide to Shattering Excuses

We creative types have so many good ideas: new ways to vocally interpret a lyric, guitar sounds that make a song pop, using unexpected instruments on a recording that bring it to life, etc.

These ideas serve us well.
We also have equally creative ideas that hold us back, such as:

• I don't have enough contacts in the business to be able to get anywhere.
• Everybody else knows more than me, so I'm going to be taken advantage of.
• I'm too old to do much with my music now.
• This music project is doomed because I don't have enough money to promote it.

These are all very creative ideas, in my opinion, because none of them are actually true.

Think about it. Your guitar sound or vocal arrangement isn't actually "cool" or "awesome" until someone decides for themselves that it is. Otherwise, it's just sound vibrations and noise.

Someone has to determine they think it's good for it to be so.

The same goes for the negative beliefs listed above. They're just ideas without substance -- until you decide they are real.

Seriously, do you REALLY need a bunch of music biz connections to make progress? Are you REALLY too old to make an impact with your music? And are you REALLY doomed due to a lack of money?

I don't think so.

Consider the topic of graphic design for your next album. Ideally, you want to hire a professional designer to create a stunning cover. That would be great. But ... you're short on funds. So that means you're destined to be stuck with a crappy looking album cover, right?

That brings me to The Black Keys and the cover art for their CD, called Brothers.

I saw this in a store recently and was struck by the simplicity. I found it both funny and eye-catching at the same time. Very creative indeed.

So let me ask you ... Did they spend a fortune on graphic design for this release?

Could YOU have done something similar, if you had thought of this idea?

Of course, you could.

My advice: Put all of your creative ideas under a microscope. Examine them for what they truly are. Keep the ones that serve you, and discard the rest.

-Bob

P.S. Did you like this blog post? If so, subscribe to my long-running Buzz Factor ezine and get a semi-regular dose of music promotion tips and tools delivered to your inbox (about once a week).

You can also follow me on Twitter and Facebook.

Is Apple's Ping Network Shutting Out Indie Bands?

I have yet to download the latest version of iTunes, but that hasn't kept me from hearing the buzz (and controversy) surrounding Apple's new Ping.

It's described as a "Social Network for Music" that is built into iTunes. Apple is hyping it this way:

"True fans know it all: What their favorite artists are playing - and when and where they're playing it. Set your inner groupie free by following your favorite artists on Ping."

That's why a lot of independent musicians were excited by the prospect of creating their own profile on Ping and using it as a way to engage with more fans on the hugely popular iTunes platform.

But excitement quickly turned to frustration as indie artists could find no way to create a profile (as they can a band page on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc).

So, is Apple slamming the door on indie artists and bands?

Hopefully not. Apple is reportedly working with CD Baby, Tunecore, and other indie music aggregators to allow artists of all kinds to create profiles on the site.

The prevailing logic behind it is to make sure that the artist or band itself is creating the profile -- instead of a fan or imposter claiming to be the band.

Makes sense -- but it was short-sighted on Apple's part to overlook this aspect before launching Ping with so much hype.

It also demonstrates the company's overbearing need for control -- and raises a lot of questions about their being in bed with major labels instead of championing the indie underdog (which was a big part of their brand identity as the "cool company" going up against Microsoft).

I hope Apple wakes up and finds a quick way to make Ping artist profiles available to independent musicians. I'm a big Apple fan, and I hope they continue to give me good reasons to stay one!

What do YOU think about Ping? Please leave a comment below.

-Bob

Follow me on Twitter and get my latest links to useful music and marketing info!

Here are some related Ping links across the web:

Apple's official Ping page

Apple's Ping has major label bias

TuneCore: Apple Does Not Hate Indie Bands

Hey, iTunes Ping: What About the Bands?

Why Apple's Ping Stumble May Help Google Music

Ping: Apple should leave social to Facebook, Twitter

3 Ways to Become a Music Marketing Ninja

To be effective in today's noisy world, you can't be lazy when it comes to marketing your music. You have to stretch your thinking and your methods. You must break old paradigms and shatter trusted formulas.

You must become a marketing ninja!


Here are three ways to do that:

1) Reconsider all of your marketing tactics. One of the biggest promotional mistakes you can make is doing something just because that's the way it's always been done before. Just because everyone else pursues radio airplay, retail distribution and media exposure in a certain way (or even MySpace, Twitter and Facebook), that doesn't mean you have to.

Your marketing decisions should be based on what's best for your particular situation, genre, target fan base, etc. Don't mindlessly follow the flock. Be different. Think creatively. Get focused on how you can most effectively reach new fans -- regardless of how the established artists or "experts" (including me) say it needs to be done.

2) Think in terms of opposites. Make a list of all the specific things that major labels and mainstream artists do to promote their music. Then imagine what would happen if you did the exact opposite.

What if you were in a band that never toured? Or made your albums available only on USB drives? What if you were mysterious and never displayed your photo and never did interviews? What if you performed live only on tennis courts, city buses or roller coasters? In short, what could you do to radically set yourself apart?

3) Redefine your small-scale, independent status. One of the reasons musicians feel they need to "act" like a major label artist is because of an inferiority complex. Without a label's or a manager's official backing, independent artists often feel they're imposters and aren't worthy of pursuing their dreams.

Guess what? This is nonsense!

Embrace your independence! Don't hide it. Flaunt it! As an indie, you have the unique ability to communicate on a far more personal level with your fans. You get to call the shots and control your destiny. You have freedom. Celebrate it!

And let your fans know you are doing this on your own, and how much you appreciate their help. Make them a part of your success story. So don't you dare shy away from your independent status.

These tips were adapted from my book, Guerrilla Music Marketing, Encore Edition.

-Bob

The Friday the 13th Guide to Live Music Shows

Do you suffer from friggatriskaidekaphobia?

Believe it or not, that's the official name for someone who has a chronic fear of Friday the 13th. Yes, if you haven't noticed, today is indeed that date. (Sorry to deliver the bad news.)

For whatever reason, Friday the 13th fills some people with superstitious notions and fear. Need I even mention the name "Jason"?

But you know what else is scary? The way that most musicians treat an incredibly important aspect of their career. (How's that for a smooth transition?)

When you really think about it, it's downright stupid how this crucial component is so overlooked. Of course, I'm talking about your live gigs and how they are so casually planned and presented -- compared to so many other things that musicians do.

Please watch this video of Live Music Producer Tom Jackson, who touches on it in this clip, which was recorded at the Indie Buzz Bootcamp event I presented in St. Louis:


Think about it! You plan out in detail every note of your recording sessions. You are meticulous when it comes to your gear and effects and microphone choices. You examine every word of your lyrics for impact.

But when it comes to performing a live show ... most musicians wing it. Why? A live performance is one of the most powerful ways to connect with new and old fans alike.

Don't leave it to chance. Because that would be truly scary!

-Bob

If you really want to improve your live show, check out Tom's 7-DVD set called "All Roads Lead to the Stage." Tom is a friend and a great teacher who has worked with Taylor Swift, Jars of Clay, Jordin Sparks, and many others.

As I've said before, once you've been exposed to a Tom Jackson workshop, you'll never think of a live performance the same way again."

Go to this special page to learn how to get "All Roads Lead to the Stage" at a deep discount between now and August 20.

Band Rehearsal Lessons From Prince

This is a guest post from my friend Tom Jackson, the premier Live Music Producer who has worked with Taylor Swift, Jars of Clay, Jordin Sparks, Casting Crowns, NewSong, Sidewalk Prophets, plus a multitude of independent artists.

Look below for the special offer I was able to arrange with Tom for you to get his "All Roads Lead to the Stage" 7-DVD set at a deep discount.

---

Dez Dickerson, the former guitar player for Prince, was telling me about their rehearsals. If you've seen any video of Prince or seen him live, he goes off on jams that appear completely spontaneous. Sometimes they're so off the wall, you wonder where they came up with the stuff they did!

I asked him, how did you get from that place to this funky thing to this Pink Floyd thing to this breakdown, to this jammin' stuff -- and it all seems so spontaneous? And he said one word ...

Practice!

In practice they got an instinct, they were jamming, and they went down that road in practice. The idea came to them, they stopped, went back, fleshed it out, and rehearsed it to where it was really tight and they didn’t have to think about it.

Those of us who have just "jammed" know that it might be magical ... one night. And then on other nights it's just terrible. So the key is this: If you understand the fundamentals in your preparation, and you know how to hold the mic, and you know placement on stage, and you know what it takes visually onstage, then they're in your arsenal and you can use them (be spontaneous with them) onstage. They'll come naturally -- without thinking about them.

Otherwise, you get an instinct, and if you haven't rehearsed the fundamentals, then you have to think about it, and all the audience sees is you thinking about what you're doing. And that's not exciting.

I have a good friend who lives in Chicago. When he flies into town he doesn't give me a call and say "Hey, Tom, let's go down to the library and watch people read!" We don't want to watch people read. And no one wants to watch people think!

So what we need to do is plan, practice it in rehearsals, and then we can go out and do it. And when we're onstage, IF we have the fundamentals, then we can follow our instinct, and it's natural. We've done it over and over and over again. It looks spontaneous even though the basics are things we've worked out in rehearsals.

On a football team, those players are not just playing their 19th, 20th game of the year when they get to the Super Bowl. Before the Super Bowl, they had six weeks of training, and before that they had a six-inch thick book of plays that the team runs, and they study those plays. The truth is, everyone knows their role. They run the plays over and over and over again. Then the coaches have a game plan.

THAT'S what a live show should be! You've studied a playbook, you've rehearsed it, and where the spontaneity comes in is that every night, every audience is different. So just like the running back, you don't run through the same hole every play. You try left, you try right, you try jumping over them, you pitch the ball back ... that's where the spontaneity comes in.

Everyone needs to know the role they have and the goal of each play. That's the way a song should be, too. That's what should happen onstage -- a combination of rehearsal and spontaneity. No one is thinking! The running back isn't thinking when he runs up to the hole, and the hole is closed, "Oh, maybe I should run this way" -- he just reacts. Why? Because he has the fundamentals!

Having the fundamentals down because you've done your woodshedding is the first step. Then planning the show -- getting a vision for what you want each song to look like, and what you want your show to look like -- that's the next step.

It's important to find the balance between form and spontaneity, and to understand the creative process. That means brooding over your songs, listening to them in different ways, planning, getting ideas ... and then working it until it becomes a part of who you are onstage. Something natural, something creative, something unique -- and that's what your audience wants to see!

---

Tom Jackson is the #1 Live Music Producer in the industry. He developed the Live Music Method, an onstage formula that makes your live show engaging and memorable, exceeding your audiences' expectations, creating fans for life. Tom has worked with nearly every genre, from rock to pop to Christian Gospel, impacting hundreds of major artists.

Go to this special page to learn more about Tom's "All Roads Lead to the Stage" 7-DVD set and how to get it at a deep discount between now and August 20. I've seen Tom work his magic with performers many times. He's amazing. If you can't make it to one of his live workshops, this DVD set will give you the insight and tools you need to create a stellar live music show!

Also, what did you think of this guest post? And what are some of your best band rehearsal and live show tips? Please leave your thoughts in the Comments below.

-Bob

Frank Kern: "Let's Cut the Crap Here!"

If you don't know who Frank Kern is, he's one of those Internet marketing guru types. While many of those guys can be annoying with their incessant email campaigns and product pitches, there's something about Frank I've always admired.

For one, he's a guitar player. And he comes off more as a cool surfer dude than a marketing expert. He's very good at using video to promote his programs, and he has a conversational way with words in his emails -- even poking fun at marketing while in the act of marketing itself.

Here's a recent email he sent -- a classic example of Frank Kern at his cool cat best:

Subject line: "Let's cut the crap here!"

OK listen.

Today's the day that I'm supposed to send you an email telling you that if you don't go to my cleverly disguised affiliate link here:

[I've removed the web address because the offer has expired.]

... And get Perpetual Traffic Machine ... then the world will end and there will be no hope for humanity.

And then I'm supposed to do like everyone else and offer a "killer bonus" (new kidney!) if you buy through my link.

SCREW THAT!

Look, the ugly truth is I haven't even looked at the product. So I have no clue if it's any good.

I think it's probably good ... after all, lots of Ryan's stuff is VERY good.

In fact, I actually swiped the entire structure of my Mass Control and my List Control trainings from what I learned when I was watching Ryan create products.

And Ryan is a member of my primary mastermind group and I regularly call on him for advice. Plus, you've seen the quality of the pre-launch content. That was awesome.

So Perpetual Traffic Machine is most likely awesome.

... But I'm not going to bullshit you and act like I've personally reviewed it ... just so I can make a few bucks.

I haven't. Sorry.

With that said, the best advice I can give you is this:

1. If you *think* it'll help you, you're probably right ... hard to beat good ol' intuition.

2. You can probably get a pretty good bonus if you buy it through someone other than me.

3. If it isn't any good, you can get a refund.

... And considering the fact that 1/2 of the planet is promoting it right now, your inbox probably has plenty of good bonus offers to choose from.

So I don't see how you can go wrong.

Of course, you're welcome to use my blatant affiliate link below so I can make a few bucks.

I promise to squander the money on shiny objects and beer.

[web address link again]

Talk soon,
Frank

---

What I like about this -- besides the humor -- is that it shows that there are many ways to promote. You can always find a way to inject your unique personality into whatever you do.

Hope you enjoyed this. Now go buy something from me! :-)

Seriously, what do you think of Frank's email marketing style? How do you integrate your personality into your own promotion efforts? Please leave a comment below.

-Bob

Do You Use a Marketing Match or a Flamethrower?

Does that sound like an odd question? It is - but there's a good reason I ask ...
When it comes to promoting music, most musicians lean toward the flamethrower approach. They think, "Let's hit the scene with all guns blazing" or "We'll set this town on fire" or simply "Let's launch a big marketing push for the new album (or event, website, etc)."

If this describes you, here's a word of warning!

Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying this flamethrower-type tactic doesn't have it's place. In certain instances, it makes sense to do something extra to create excitement.

But relying only on the flamethrower to set your music career on fire is a weak long-term strategy.

What's far better and most effective is a consistent use of matches. Every week, month after month, year after year, you light a match to set a small fire in a specific place for a particular audience.

Imagine you have 10 candles in a room that you want to light. Using a flamethrower, you could definitely light all 10 candles. You'd also scorch the walls, the furniture, the drapes, and more. There would be a lot of wasted energy expended on the wrong things.

With a match, you target exactly the outcome you want in a more economical and fruitful way. You reach your objective without melting the candles or leaving a big mess behind.

So, how do you want to market you music? With a match ... or a flamethrower?

-Bob

---

Featured Resource

Internet Music Marketing Crash Course

Are you confused about Internet promotion? Not sure where to start? You'll have a clear vision and a solid game plan once you digest this amazing collection of resources.

Learn More ...

The Million-Dollar Idea Challenge

Here's a quick but powerful thought that hit me yesterday. It's an idea that just might help you reach more people, make more of an impact, and make more money with your music.

Over the weekend I was considering making an investment in a program produced by a well-known marketing expert. And at close to $300, it wasn't exactly an inexpensive program.

I appreciate the value of education. No doubt. But I am also frugal when it comes to the way I spend money -- as I'm sure you are too. I had to justify the purchase.

So here's the thought process that went through my head ...

"OK, if I make this investment, I must make a commitment to finding at least one good idea in this program that will earn back the price of it, and hopefully a lot more."

I envisioned sitting down with the material for at least an hour a day, taking detailed notes, and seriously brainstorming on how I could implement the ideas. I thought how fun it would be to turn it into a personal challenge:

"Your mission is to find the one or two idea nuggets in this program that will help you make a difference in people's lives while also earning a profit you deserve. Don't hold back. Think big!"

Then it hit me ...

Why should I limit this mindset to this product alone? Why should I limit it to high-priced learning materials only?

Couldn't I apply that same opportunity-seeking mentality to everything I read, listen to, and watch?

Of course. And so can you!

Therefore, I issue the following challenge ...

Select a book, a DVD, a collection of blog posts or podcasts, or a workshop you plan to attend. Trick yourself into believing that you are starring in a reality TV show, and imagine the producers have hidden a million-dollar idea in the book, post, audio, video, or live event.

It's now your mission to discover the idea and put it to use!

(To add more mental leverage, imagine that you had to pay $10,000 to star in the TV show. And finding the million-dollar idea is the only way you'll earn back your investment.)

Have faith that the idea is there. Don't worry about how you will implement it. Just know that once you uncover this gem of an idea, it will lead to greater exposure, contribution and reward for you.

Are you up for the challenge?

Great. Go forth and find the hidden idea!

Then come back here and report your results in the comments below.

-Bob

New Facebook Music Promotion & Marketing Resource Page

I just created this big page of links to how-to articles, tips and advice on using Facebook to market your music, connect with fans, promote your live shows, and sell more music.

If you've been looking for Facebook music promotion resources, this is a great place to start.

Please hit the Like and Share buttons while you're there!

-Bob

Great Music Sales Lesson from the Raveonettes

A few weeks ago I was a guest blogger at Hypebot. If you missed my post there, here's the beginning and a link to the full article.

Giving Music Consumers These 3 Choices Leads to More Revenue

Are you pulling your hair out trying to figure out how to make money selling single digital downloads and albums, while also wondering where physical CDs fit into the mix these days?

Well, Scott Cohen may have an answer. He manages a band called the Raveonettes and is the co-founder and international VP of The Orchard. Cohen just wrote an op-ed piece that appears on the Billboard web site. In it he reveals some interesting numbers from music sales data he's been able to crunch.

Here are the figures I found most interesting:

When Raveonettes fans were given a choice between purchasing a full-length digital album for $7.99 and buying a single track for 99 cents, they chose the single track 75% of the time.

As Cohen points out, most of a band's music sales revenue comes from album sales, not single-track purchases. So that wasn't a percentage to celebrate.

So the Raveonettes decided to try something different ...

Read the entire post here.

-Bob

---

Featured Resource

70 Ways to Promote & Sell Your Music on the Internet

Ideas, links, tips, tricks and resources you should be using to gain wider exposure for your music online.

Learn More ...

My Free Gift to YOU - And a Special Offer

2010 represents a couple of milestones for me -- and I want to celebrate by giving you a very useful gift.

Watch this video to learn more, or read below for more info:


This year marks 20 years since I started writing and speaking about music promotion and self-empowerment for artists.

And at the end of this month (June 29) I'll turn 50. (Where does the time go?) It's been a great ride -- and it's far from over.

I'm so grateful that I've been able to pursue this path, and that cool people like YOU have supported me on this journey.

To show my thanks, I want to give you a 15-minute audio training session on "How to Promote Your Music & Build a Buzz Online."

You can access it now on this page.

While you're there, I want to also make you aware of another cool thing I'm doing -- making 14 music resources available for five days only.

These are exclusive reports, interviews, videos, and audio training sessions that were previously available only to members of my Insiders Club.

I'm taking some of the best resources and offering them to my readers -- but only until the end of the day this Sunday, June 6.

After that, they'll go back in "The Vault."

So please take a minute to go here and claim your gift -- and check out the five-day-only music marketing collection.

Thanks!

Bob

Meet Me in LA This Sunday, May 23, 4-6 PM

Pooki and I will be in Los Angeles for a few days later this week. While we're there I will hold a "meet-up" or a "tweet-up" or ... let's just call it a casual get-together ... this weekend.

Whatever you want to call it, here are the details if you're in the LA area:

Sunday, May 23
4:00 to 6:00 PM

Makai Lounge
101 Broadway
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 434-1511
www.makailounge.com

There will be no workshop, no teaching. Just a casual hang-out with cool, creative friends in the area. It's Happy Hour at Makai from 4 to 6 that day.

Makai is at the corner of Ocean and Broadway -- just one block from the Santa Monica Pier. There's no-cost 3-hour parking at the promenade garage off of Broadway and 2nd St.

Please stop by and say hello.

-Bob

A Simple Way to Help Nashville Music Flood Victims

UPDATE: I just sent a check for $1,800.00 to MusiCares Nashville Flood Relief. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this effort!

I'm ending my fund-raising project for Nashville, but you can still help them directly by visiting MusiCares or The Community Foundation. Thanks again for your generosity!

---

You've certainly heard the terrible news from middle Tennessee: 34 people dead and thousands of lives turned up side down -- many of them musicians.


On May 12, I sent a short message to my mailing list asking my readers to participate in a fund-raising effort to help musicians in Nashville who have been affected by the flood there.

And they really came through!

As of May 24, they've contributed a total of $1,675.00.

Thank you!

Everyone who participates in this effort will get six info-filled music resources from me ... and a public thank you and plug right here on my blog.

By pooling our efforts, we can help hundreds of music people in the Nashville area whose lives have been shattered by this disaster.

Thanks in advance for your generosity!

Here are just some of the good people who contributed to this worthy cause so far:

Daniel MacLellan, Jennifer Noble, Paul Reisler (Kid Pan Alley), Geno Haffner (The Dean Martinis), Corey Koehler, Barry McCabe, Tirk Wilder, Matt McKay, V.R. Leavitt, Gravity Tree, Leanne Regalla, Jay Pelham (music business career coach), Rob Rinderer, Cynthia Shelhart, Angelo Dodaro (Alero Music Group), Fran Stelken, Curt Potter, The Eben Brooks Band, Steven Charles, Don Slepian, The Country Casanovas, Martin Erich, Scott Gordon, Lance & Larry Hoppen (Orleans), Lynette Yetter, Prodigal Son Entertainment, Kate Ashby-Craft, Stolting Media Group, Antonio Pontarelli, Chris Goslow, Brad Broadrick (Rock Solid Entertainment), Thea K, Shawn Mars, Melissa Behring, Dream Town Media, Teddy Bear Band, Anders Eriksson, TOMOKO, Geoffrey Williams, Chris Cowan (Basil Records), Terri Langerak, Emily Arin, Isaku Kageyama, Kita-Simone, Michael Wheeler (Australia), Blane Gilbert (November), Mobile Guitarist, Scott Shelly, Adena Brumer, Michael Cotter, RuthyAnn Mandell, Judy Rodman, UR S MAN Sam Reeves, The Duke Wilde Band, Joseph Marsden, Lennon Baker & Cal Lamore (Wall Of Funk), Andrew Apollos, Cyril Pahinui.

-Bob