Are you an independent artist who dreamed to be featured in a major publication but need help on your pitch? Well, keep reading this article.
If you’re an independent artist with a decent online presence and a buzzing single, you probably want more people to know about it, right? Getting press from a major publication isn’t as hard as you think, you just need to pitch yourself.
It just takes research and a good pitch. Keep reading if you want to know how to pitch yourself to major publications for FREE!
A seasoned publicist with major industry connections might cost you a pretty penny, but that’s not the only route to take to get your name on the likes of Billboard, XXL Magazine, The Source Magazine, and more.
Cardi B might not need any press, but if you’re on the rise, you want as many people talking about you and your work as possible.
Here are some tips for indie artists to pitch themselves to a major publication:
Target Publications That Match Your Brand
Make sure that the publications you reach out to cover your genre! It doesn’t make sense for a pop artist to pitch themselves to a Hip Hop outlet, or if you’re an R&B artist having trouble landing coverage on major Hip Hop outlets, focus on R&B-centered outlets.
When you research the publication make sure the opportunities they offer fit with who you are and what you are promoting. With your music, image, and bio/story, there must be a match that can both benefit you and the agency.
Former Senior Writer from The Source Magazine, Miss2Bees says, “I can’t stress how important doing your due diligence is. It lets the journalist know that you know what you’re doing and that you belong there. Additionally, a lot of artists like to aim high for the legendary publications when there are blogs that cater to artist discovery and have influence like Audio Mack and Say Cheese.”
There are a few tips to look into that can help you.
- Does this agency cover you and your style?
- Know the genre of not just them, but you as well? Do you match each other well?
- Is this a worthy place to contact?
If you believe you found someone worth of contact then determine how to contact them. Note anyone who stood out to you and find them on the contact page. There you can find the ones who grabbed your attention and hope you can get their attention as well.
Pitch It, Pitch It Real Good
Securing press on a major publication is all in your pitch!
Most places have submission guidelines, easily accessible on their websites.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket Pitch yourself to every major publication that aligns with your brand.
“In the era of social media, everyone wants to know who is the artist behind the art. If you have a story that you think people should care about, make sure you can explain why. Cardi B’s rags-to-riches story was well-documented and is the reason that people rooted for her when she was an underdog. Every major publication wanted to talk to the stripper turned social-media sensation turned reality star turned Grammy-award winning rapper because of her irresistable pitch.”
Come Correct
Your bio is the story and the story is the attention grabber, but you can really grab a music journalist’s attention with an electronic press kit (EPK).
A good EPK successfully represents the artist and their musical identity. It includes high-quality photos, videos, promotional assets, relevant media, latest achievements, and more.
“If you don’t have high-resolution photos let alone an EPK in 2021, you’re doing bad,” according to Miss2Bees.
An EPK will set you aside from the rest of the competition and let the journalist know that you take your craft seriously. It will also make their job and easier and have everything they need to know about you in one place. Visit our affiliate marketing partner to book a consultation and order your EPK today.
Update Your Website and Social Media Platforms
The biggest tip given previously was to keep your social media platforms and website organized. Remember, in this industry people are busy, a messy website can cause trouble. With a high-demand job, those who look at your site need to easily access your website and information. Most will not go on and click through your various pages looking for it, so here are the tips for this section.
- Have a page solely focused on your information and keep it updated.
- On this page make sure your email is valid. It works. And keep checking on it constantly.
- A bio. Make sure this information is updated, professional, and includes relevant information.
- Include your links. This needs to be your social media sites and your music links.
- Along with the links to your photos, whether it be a cover photo or otherwise.
The Follow-Up
Whether you are known or unknown, remember there is nothing wrong with pitching for yourself to a major publication. Have a strategy from the beginning up until the end. It is never wrong to ask for a follow-up or even pitch for yourself again. If you do pitch again anything worth noting that is new, recent, and interesting can work in your favor.
Remember to research the major publication, keep on trying, reach out, follow up, and keep anything worth noting updated,
