Can music be helpful?
Social Media guru Chris Brogan says the best way to build a community is to BE HELPFUL. How can music be helpful?
It can start by listening to your fans. Start by searching your band’s (or brand’s) name on Twitter, Google Blog Search and just plain old Google. What are people saying?
Next, broaden your search out to the kinds of people that listen to your music. I think people end up liking music because they can relate to it. Something about your performance and or lyrics. Can you go beyond producing art when trying to connect with your fans?
How about simple things like recommending good restaurants near a venue? Does the bar make one particular drink better than others? If so, let your audience know.
Do you think that a big percentage of your audience listens to your music while having a party? What do you do when you invite friends over? Share any tips you have, perhaps even share some pictures or videos of how you get ready.
How about fashion advice? Where do you get the inspiration to look like a rock star? Where do you go to save money if you are a band on a budget?
If possible, why not also get in the habit of throwing secret pre / post get togethers or shows? Check out how being scarce (nobody knows where and when you will turn up) as actually made some food cart vendors rabidly followed on twitter:
Tweetable Eats article from Mashable
Thanks again to Chris Brogan for the ideas for the blog post and to Marketing Profs for hiring Chris for the social media seminars. Good stuff!
