Originally written for Hypebot
We do it for the fans. But sometimes, finding those fans can feel like an uphill battle. You’re sure that they’re out there, that they’ll love your music, but the trouble is, how do you find them? When you’re starting from scratch, with a limited budget, time, and resources, how do you get in front of new listeners?
Check out these ideas for building an engaged fanbase and re-activating an existing one.
Create a Personalized Interactive Fan Experience
It’s all about experience, so we’re starting off with a bang! Rather than sharing the same old updates, make it an interactive experience that gets fans directly involved. For example, you could create a “choose your own adventure” music video where fans can unlock exclusive content like unreleased demos or BTS footage by answering trivia questions or solving puzzles.
Example: The Weeknd released an interactive music video for “The Weeknd Experience”, where fans were invited to explore the video by clicking different elements. Of course, this is a large undertaking for an indie artist but you can easily adapt it to your band by using YouTube’s end screens or even using Stories to have fans vote in real time and then uploading the next story based on the vote.
Launch a Cover Song Challenge
I’m not talking about your average cover song competition. Instead, challenge fans to cover your song in a completely new genre. So, if you’re a singer-songwriter, see what fans or other artists can do to make it punk, or metal, or country. Then, invite the winner to collaborate with you on an entirely new track or a mashup. Make sure to feature the entries throughout your socials!
Create a Fan-Driven Mini-Documentary
I love the idea of involving fans in the storytelling process by creating a mini-doc that features them! They’re your biggest supporters, after all. Ask them to submit their live show footage, voice notes, or even just written or recorded thoughts about what your music means to them. Then, put them to music for a mini-documentary or even a music video or Reel that features all of them.
It’s such a lovely way to show support for your fanbase and do something creative. Not to mention, a great keepsake for remembering just how much your music means to people.
Launch a Secret Show Series
Is there anything more fun than a secret show?! They’re a great way to build buzz and exclusivity. For this one, I’m encouraging you to get fans involved and let them take the reigns and help you organize.
Invite your biggest superfans to help choose the venue, curate the setlist, and even choose the other artists. Not only does this reward and engage your most dedicated fans, it also gives you a built in street team for promoting the secret show!
Build a Fan-Curated Playlist That’s Ever-Changing
Another fun and easy way to get fans involved is to create an ever-changing playlist featuring their favorites, and yours. You can encourage them to vote through interactive polls, and change out songs depending on mood, season, or events. It’s like sharing your favorite songs with a best friend except this way, you know they’ll listen!
Host a Collaborative Songwriting Session with Fans (Or just a hang!)
Take fan involvement to the next level by hosting a live, collaborative songwriting session. Or, if songwriting isn’t your jam you can invite fans to play games with you, watch a movie, listen to a new album, or whatever fits your brand.
Platforms like Twitch are great for this. If you go with the songwriting idea, you can ask fans to submit lyric ideas, chord progressions, or even melodies. Then, release the song as a special edition or keep it as an exclusive piece of content for the fans that were there during the livestream.
At the end of the day, it really is all about the fans and making sure they feel a part of the process. Have fun with these ideas, make them your own, and you’ll grow your fanbase while creating a lasting bond with the people who your music means the most to. They’ll never forget you for it.
Looking for help getting more fans?
Just fill out this form and let me know what you’re working on and your goals. I’ll get back to you within 24 hours or less with a custom plan for you and your music. In the meantime, check out our FREE Fan Finder Workshop