Sunday, January 3, 2016

Getting A Publicist's Attention: 3 Creative And Easy Ways

With so many bands and artists out there clamoring for attention, capturing the interest of a publicist becomes quite a challenge. Here are three creative techniques you can employ which will increase the chances of a publicist taking notice of you and your music.

Getting the rapt attention of a publication isn't easy. It takes effort, passion, patience, and creativity, since there are lot of other publicists and bands vying for the editorial attention of super busy writers, bloggers, vloggers, bookers and editors. So you need to stand out. If you aren't able to afford a publicst at this venture and can't rely on someone else's creativity, expertise, know how and endless contacts, you aren't SOL (you old schoolers totally know what this term means...for the rest of you- Google it.)

Here are three really easy ways to get a publication's attention:




Handwrite a note
Grab a white sheet of loose leaf or copier paper, a brand new red Sharpie and start using your penmanship. Who cares if it's chicken scratch? That makes it even more endearing, since it's the personal touch that will leave an impression, as everyone has gone digital. Emails flood inboxes all day, every day with their impersonal nature. There's something a lot more connective about a hand drawn Sharpie heart than an emoji.

As for the content of the note? Keep it short, keep it punch, and keep it cute. It can be as simple as, "Check out our CD! Love [band]"

Send something cute or memorable
If you're able, send something cute, stuffed, plush or plastic that has some sort of pun like connection to your band. I'll end up on the writer's or editor's desk, and that way, you'll remain top of mind. trust me- this is about as cheap and easy as it gets and can lead to some decent ROI, since you're not spending much.

If you best song has the word "breath" in the title, send Tic Tacs. If you band name has the word "paper" in it, send a necklace made out of paper clips. If you have the word "lion" in your album title, grab a handful of $5 plush lion keychains or something cheap and cute at Five Below. If you have the word "sweet" in a song or album title, send some Swedish Fish or other nonperishable candy. Are you catching my drift here?! These are cheap and fun ways to be creative and stand out. Now that you know the method, it's up to you to sort the particulars and the details.

Give 'em some swag
Yes, you have to pay for your t-shirts and your merch is really and truly how you make your money since record sales are in the toilet. There's nothing wrong with taking five t-shits out of your stash to send to a publication, editor or writer. Everyone likes free stuff. It will help you be remembered amid the sea of CD's or digital links to music.



[via Music ThinkTank]

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