Hip Hop publicist Arie Goode is here every week answering your email
questions on industry how-to's and important Do's and Don'ts.
This week's question:
Arie, I'm about to release a national project. My budget is low. Is it
better to spend money on marketing or public relations? - Stevie
better to spend money on marketing or public relations? - Stevie
Although there is a fine line between the two. Before I can answer your question
I will need you to answer mine....
I will need you to answer mine....
Do you have an established-self-sustaining fan base? Think about it and answer
honestly [laughing], take your time, [Jeopardy music plays in background] like
Katt Williams "Don't worry I'll wait"...
honestly [laughing], take your time, [Jeopardy music plays in background] like
Katt Williams "Don't worry I'll wait"...
Okay, time's up! If the answer is NO (and yes, "no" includes only being known
in your hometown, immediate family, friends, city and state) then I'd suggest
starting with marketing. Why you ask? Marketing aka "pay for post" is guaranteed
placement of your posters, album cover and other promotional art in key places
(i.e. magazines, blogs, music sites, night clubs etc.) Placement in these prime
locations make impressions of your brand in the subconscious minds of those
who come in contact. This is very important!
in your hometown, immediate family, friends, city and state) then I'd suggest
starting with marketing. Why you ask? Marketing aka "pay for post" is guaranteed
placement of your posters, album cover and other promotional art in key places
(i.e. magazines, blogs, music sites, night clubs etc.) Placement in these prime
locations make impressions of your brand in the subconscious minds of those
who come in contact. This is very important!
Also, don't forget to utilize free marketing by submitting your new music and videos
to sites, independent/college radio, and DJs for rotation and placement [consideration].
These basic and inexpensive steps give the public a chance to hear your music, possibly
leading to new fans, and additional interest in you. Hence the power of marketing.
to sites, independent/college radio, and DJs for rotation and placement [consideration].
These basic and inexpensive steps give the public a chance to hear your music, possibly
leading to new fans, and additional interest in you. Hence the power of marketing.
Now, if you've already established a brand and reliable fan base, invest in public relations
and notify your existing fans and familiar media of your new projects, tour dates, in
addition to conducting interviews. These fundamental steps may possibly catch the
attention of those whom have seen your brand previously and now want to know more
about you.
and notify your existing fans and familiar media of your new projects, tour dates, in
addition to conducting interviews. These fundamental steps may possibly catch the
attention of those whom have seen your brand previously and now want to know more
about you.
No matter what you decide, proper marketing and public relations is almost as
important as the music you create.
important as the music you create.
Oh yeah and a fact to remember:
Avoid interviews and reviews for pay. When people know you cut checks for coverage
they're less likely to believe the good press given. Of course the media outlet gives you
feature interviews [when no one knows who you are] or five stars your latest album....
YOU PAID THEM TO!
they're less likely to believe the good press given. Of course the media outlet gives you
feature interviews [when no one knows who you are] or five stars your latest album....
YOU PAID THEM TO!
Good luck!
Do you have a question for me or something you'd like to know? I'm here every week
answering your emails on industry how-to's and important Do's and Don'ts. Send me
an email: contactsaidarie[at]gmail.com and follow me on twitter at: www.twitter.com/leirapr_ceo
answering your emails on industry how-to's and important Do's and Don'ts. Send me
an email: contactsaidarie[at]gmail.com and follow me on twitter at: www.twitter.com/leirapr_ceo