Music is an art form that is universally beloved by people all over the world, and it has huge branding potential. Favorite songs and videos stay with us for years and years, lingering in the memory long after the final notes ring out. Marketing pros and musicians alike can use the staying power of music to their advantage by using these essential music branding strategies to build a rock solid brand.
- Stay Ahead of the Trends
Trends come and go with the wind in music, and they are as unpredictable as the weather. One of the most essential music branding strategies to keep in mind is staying ahead of the trends. A keen ear and a thumb on the pulse of pop culture are key in reading trends and predicting what will gain popular appeal in the near future. Music branding efforts favor the trail-blazers. Look for new trends that are about to get hot, and latch onto them before the rest of the industry catches wind of the next big thing. - Look for Timeless Appeal
As valuable as trendy music may be, there is always something to be said for timeless appeal. Some songs and musicians are as contemporary and relevant today as they were 30, 40 or 50 years ago, and their staying power comes from a very unique place. Music that is simple and iconic strikes a chord with people of all ages, and its appeal never fades. Timeless music helps to build a brand that is solid today, and will continue running strong for many years to come. - Elicit an Emotional Response
Nothing tugs on the heart strings quite like music. This form of art is strongly attached to emotions, and one of the most important music branding strategies to remember is the use of that emotional connection. Brilliant music can make an audience laugh, cry, or feel nostalgic about the past. Melodies and lyrics create emotional connections with listeners more powerfully than anything else, and that connection is the foundation of effective branding. Think of how these reactions can be used to help build a brand, and always seek to elicit an emotional response through music. - Strive to Be Memorable
Throughout history, all the most significant figures in music have been those were the most memorable. From Mozart to Michael Jackson and everywhere in between, the world has always favored memorable musicians who do something that has never been done before. Make this a part of your music branding strategy. Think of ways to make your branding efforts stick in the audience’s memory. If they enjoy your music, only to forget about it the same day, all your branding efforts are in vain; be memorable. - Promote Tirelessly
From paper fliers to electronic press kits, no promotional tool should be neglected in music branding. Tireless promotion will get your name in front of as many eyes as possible, and garnering a large audience is essential. Use social media networks to take your material directly to the audience, write up press releases to turn your new developments into news, and never stop promoting.