Content Ideas for Musicians – Maximizing Your Online Presence

Content Ideas for Musicians – Maximizing Your Online Presence

05/01/2023
Marketing & Promotion

Table of Content

Are you struggling to come up with fresh and engaging content for your social media pages? In this article, we'll share top tips for creating and sharing content that will keep your followers coming back for more.

If you are just looking for some quick content ideas for musicians, you can skip to the bottom of this article. However, if you want to gain a deeper understanding of musician content marketing strategy, we invite you to read the full article.

Why do you need online presence?

When you are not on stage, social media and your website are almost the only way you can communicate with your audience and promote yourself. This is especially true for young artists who are just starting out.

It is important to post regularly to build a strong online presence, which can help you build and maintain a successful music career by: 

  • increasing your visibility to audiences and music industry professionals (booking agents, promoters, managers)
  • engaging with your fans and attracting new followers
  • building your personal brand and establishing yourself as a professional musician

Whenever you post something online, be it a photo from your concert, announcing your upcoming events, or sharing news, you want it to have a specific positive outcome - boost your reputation, bring more people to the live performance, sell a CD etc. From a business point of view, with every published post you participate in content marketing.

What is content marketing and why do musicians need it?

Content marketing is a type of marketing strategy that involves creating and sharing content to attract a clearly defined target audience and drive profitable action.

This means creating and distributing valuable, relevant, and consistent content that meets the needs and interests of your target audience in order to achieve specific marketing objectives. For musicians, these goals could include introducing yourself to new audiences and growing your fan base, promoting your music, establishing yourself as a leader and expert in a particular genre, selling tickets, CDs and sheet music, finding new students, increase traffic to your website etc.

To come up with valuable content ideas for musicians, we should consider the types of content we can create and the audiences we create it for.

Content types

In general, content can be broken down into a few categories - promotional, informational, educational, inspirational, and entertainment. Each of these types should also start a conversation and build a connection with your audience. 

In order to have a successful online presence, you should try to mix different types of content to ensure your followers have a reason to visit your profiles frequently. 

Check out this infographic by Red Website Design for ideas for your content.

Who is your content for? 

Who visits your website and who are your followers on social media? What information do they want to find when they visit your profiles? 

You should create any content with a clear audience in mind. Promoters and your fans have different interests and expect to find different information about you. For example, your fans would love to see behind-the-scenes photos and videos of your concert, while the booking agent might be interested in reading the story behind your latest program or seeing you in action. 

Your audience might include music lovers, music students, fellow musicians, music business professionals such as managers, agents, booking agents, festival directors and so on.

By considering the type of audience you are creating content for, you can diversify the things you post, appeal to a broader audience, and increase your chances of reaping real benefits from your digital marketing efforts.

How to create content quickly and consistently using pillar content strategy?

To become a successful content creator and still have the time to make music, you can start by creating a small number of in-depth, high-quality, comprehensive pieces of content ("pillar content") that covers a specific topic in detail. This can be a blog post, video, podcast, or other long-form content that provides valuable information to your audience.

Pillar content is designed to be evergreen, meaning it remains relevant and useful over a long period of time.

Once you've created this main content, you can turn it into several smaller pieces of content that can be shared on different platforms. 

What are the best ways to create pillar content?

Podcast

One of the best ways to create unique, authentic and valuable content today is podcasting. You can make a solo podcast on a topic you are passionate about or interview your friends and colleagues. Most of the musicians love exposure and will gladly join your podcast. 

In our experience recording Classical Music Career Podcast, every conversation lasts at least one hour. After recording one episode focusing on a specific topic, we have enough interesting, valuable and engaging content to share every day throughout a week on our website and every social media platform we are on. 

Here is how we do it:

  1. Record a video podcast conversation with a guest (in person or online) on a topic that is interesting to our audience (how to advance your career in classical music)
  2. Edit an episode and run the audio through automated caption creation tool to convert speech to text.
  3. Publish full episode on podcast hosting platform, which will automatically distribute it to dosens of streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcast.
  4. Publish a full episode on our YouTube channel.
  5. Publish the episode on our website.
  6. Publish the transcript of a podcast as is, or convert it into a blog post.
  7. Create social media content (video content for Instagram, Facebook, TikTok reels and YouTube shorts (usually 5 videos); quotes to create inspirational quote cards and short tweets; a list of subjects that can be featured in stories to promote the full episode)
  8. Record a YouTube video with a short summary of the podcast episode and the main takeaways for those, who doesn't have the time to listen to the full episode.

By recording one podcast episode per week, you can create unique and valuable content that can be shared on dozens of platforms.

Blog

Ever wonder why almost every website (including this one) has a blog? Well, there are over a billion websites on the Internet right now. Unless someone types your exact name into Google, no one will discover you.

If you write about a topic that is interesting to your target audience (classical music lovers, booking agents or managers, prospective students looking for a teacher, etc.), chances are they will stumble across your article on Google while searching for information. If your article is interesting, they may follow you on social media, sign up for your newsletter and become your fans.

Blogging is a great way to create unique and valuable content for your audience. You can write one article a week, post it on your website to be found on Google, and then repurpose it to create content for your social media marketing.

Here are a few tips on how to repurpose your music blog article:

 

  • Create short excerpts (one or two sentences) that pique curiosity, then share them on every social media channel with a link to the full article 
  • Use stock photos to make your posts more engaging (you can get free photos on unsplash)
  • Don't just share your article once, use a content planner and share small excerpts of it multiple times on your social media with some interval in time
  • Turn your article into a podcast episode
  • Record your podcast episode on video to share on YouTube, and create short videos for reels and stories

Make sure people can find your articles on google

Not every article can make it to the first page of Google (and if it's not on the first page, very few people will read it). You should do topic and keyword research, create great content and optimize it for search engine algorithms to give yourself the best chance of ranking high in Google searches.

Topic research

To give yourself the best chance of being discovered, and to make sure you do not waste your time writing articles that no one will see, you should research and find the topics that can find their way to the top of Google search results.

To give ourselves the best chance of success and save time, we use Lowfruits for researching topics (keywords). This tool helps discover topics that are not yet fully covered by other websites, and if you write a good article on that topic, it could find its way to the first page of Google search results.

For example, if you want to give violin lessons online, the keyword research tool shows that the probability of your website appearing on the first page of Google when people search for the keyword "violin lessons online" is very low. However, it will suggest you to write an article on "How long does it take to master violin" - potential students might type this phrase into Google, read your article, browse your website and book a lesson with you.

Keyword optimization

It's also important to optimize your article for search engines. Search engine algorithms are now very smart and can tell if your article is really good or not. However, you should also use the right keywords in your text so that it has a greater chance of appearing on the first page for certain search terms.

For article optimization, we use the tool MarketMuse. You write a title that you want to optimize an article for, and the tool gives you the keywords and the frequency with which you should use them in the article. It also suggests how long your article should be.

Good language

Since English is a second language for us, we use instatext.io to edit our texts. This tool rewrites the text to correct errors and make it sound like it was written by a native speaker.

Video

Youtube is the second most used search engine in the world, so creating a Youtube channel is a must for every independent musician and arts organization.

Creating music videos is great for your music marketing. As a music artist, you should not limit yourself to just recording your music. You can post videos of you teaching, giving tips on practicing, performing, touring, talking about music pieces and composers - anything you are passionate about that's interesting to your audience can (and should) be made into a video.

Making videos, whether you are playing or talking to the camera, is a time-consuming process. However, if you have the ability to do so, it's one of the best ways to grow your influence online these days. Not only can you post your video content on YouTube, but you can also use it to create short videos on social networks. Every social network now promotes video content and shows it more compared to text or images.

Be sure to include subtitles in your video. Often videos on social media are watched without sound, so subtitles are important to keep viewers' attention.

Make sure to make short videos to engage your TikTok followers and share them on YouTube shorts, Instagram and Facebook reels. Don't be afraid to share your videos multiple times and promote them in your stories. 

You can also turn your videos into blog posts to drive traffic to your website via Google search and use short quotes to share them on your social media.

Program notes

It is very important that you keep your calendar of events up to date. You should also use each performance as an opportunity to create content that will remain relevant even after the event.

Writing program notes or an interesting story about your event will not only convince more people to attend your concert, but this content will also stay on your website forever and have a chance to show up on Google and bring new visitors to your website. 

You can also use these program notes to promote your upcoming events on social media. Write short excerpts and quotes and share a link to your event. You can also turn these program notes into blog posts, videos and podcast episodes.

80ish content ideas for musicians:

Personal

Share personal stories and experiences that give your followers a deeper understanding of who you are as a person and an artist.

  • Share personal stories and experiences that have inspired your music.
  • Share your:
    • hobbies and interests besides music
    • musical journey and the challenges and triumphs you've experienced along the way.
    • favorite memories from your concerts or tours.
    • stories from student years and how it shaped you as a person and a musician
    • favorite books and movies and tell a story why you enjoy them, what you learned from them and how they inspire your music
  • Tell about people who inspired you the most

Behind-the-scenes

Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your life as a musician, such as photos or videos from the studio, rehearsals, or other moments that aren't typically seen by the public.

  • Share:
    • photos or videos from your studio sessions or rehearsals.
    • behind-the-scenes glimpses of your music video shoots.
    • photos or stories from your tours or concerts.
    • your thoughts on the creative process behind your music.
    • interesting or entertaining stories from your rehearsals
    • your journey and process from the conception of an idea of recording a CD to the release day

Inspirational

Share quotes, stories, or experiences that inspire and motivate your followers.

  • Share your favorite quotes from:
    • lyrics from music that resonate with you or your followers.
    • other musicians or artists that inspire you.
    • conductors or your colleagues that you heard during the rehearsals
  • Share your journey as a musician and the challenges you've faced and overcome.
  • Share your experiences:
    • collaborating with other musicians or artists and the positive impact it has had on your music and your life.
    • performing for different audiences and the positive impact it has had on you and your music.
  • Share your favorite music-related books, movies, or documentaries and why you enjoy them.
  • Share your thoughts on:
    • the importance of following your dreams and pursuing your passions.
    • the power of music and how it can bring people together and inspire change.
    • the importance of hard work and dedication in the music industry.
    • the importance of self-care and taking care of your mental health as a musician.
    • the importance of finding your own voice and being true to yourself as a musician.
    • the importance of never giving up and continuing to pursue your dreams, no matter what challenges you face.

Educational

Create tutorials, online masterclasses or how-to videos teaching your followers about your instrument, performance, music theory, songwriting, or the music industry.

  • Create a series of tutorial videos teaching your followers about music theory and history.
  • Share your insights on how to practice and prepare for music performances and competitions.
  • Host a live stream or Q&A session where you answer questions about music or your instrument.
  • Collaborate with other musicians or music educators and create a series of educational videos or workshops.
  • Share your favorite classical music repertoire and the stories behind the pieces.
  • Share your insights on the business side of the music industry and offer tips on how to manage your career as a musician.
  • Create a resource guide or list of recommended books, websites, podcasts or other resources for musicians who want to learn more about their craft.
  • Share your insights on how to succeed in the music industry and offer advice to aspiring classical musicians.
  • Share your experiences performing music in different venues and how to adapt to different environments.
  • Share your thoughts on the role of technology in music-making and how it has changed over the years.
  • Share your insights on music education
  • Share your favorite music-making or practice tips and tricks with your followers.

Opinion

Share their thoughts and opinions on current events, issues, or trends in the music industry.

  • Share your thoughts on
    • current events or issues that are important to you and how they've influenced your music.
    • the music industry and how it has changed over the years.
    • the role of technology in music-making and how it has impacted the industry.
    • the importance of music education and how it can benefit children.
    • the role of social media in the music industry and how it has changed the way musicians connect with their fans.
    • the importance of music festivals and how they can help expose new artists to a larger audience.
    • the role of streaming platforms in the music industry and how they have impacted the way musicians make a living.
    • the importance of supporting independent artists and how fans can help support them.
    • the role of record labels in the music industry and how they have changed over the years.
    • the future of the music industry and how you hope to see it evolve.
    • the importance of music and how it can bring people together.

Creative

Share your creative process and ideas, such as the inspiration behind your music or the gear and equipment they use to make it.

  • Write a blog post about your creative process and how you come up with new music.
  • Create a playlist of songs or pieces that have influenced your sound or that you enjoy listening to.
  • Share your favorite gear and equipment and how you use it in your music.
  • Create a playlist of your own music and share the stories behind the songs.
  • Create a cover of a song you love or that has inspired you.
  • Share a sneak peek of your latest music or upcoming album release.

Lifestyle

Share photos or stories that give your followers a glimpse into your personal life and interests outside of music.

  • Share photos or stories from your daily life as a musician.
  • Share your favorite 
    • hobbies or interests outside of music.
    • recipes or cooking tips and how they inspire your music.
  • Share your travel adventures and how they influence your music making
  • Share your thoughts:
    • on the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle as a musician.
    • the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance as a musician.

Historical

Share your thoughts on the history of music and how it has evolved over time.

  • Share your favorite:
    • historical musical recordings and the stories behind them.
    • quotes or stories from musicians or artists of the past that inspire you.
  • Share your insights
    • on the role of music in different historical movements and how it has been used as a tool for social change.
    • on the history of different musical genres and how they have evolved over time.
  • Share your thoughts:
    • on the role of technology in the history of music and how it has changed over the years.
    • on the history of music education and how it has evolved over time.
    • on the history of the music industry and how it has changed over the years.
    • on the role of music in different times and cultures and how it has evolved over time.
  • Do “Happy Birthday” cards for musicians and composers of the past and tell short stories about those personalities.

Collaborative

Collaborate with other musicians or artists to create new music or other types of content.

  • Collaborate with other musicians or artists: 
    • and create new music together.
    • and create a series of educational videos or workshops teaching your followers about music theory, playing an instrument, songwriting, or the music industry.
    • and create a series of entertaining videos or skits.
    • and create a podcast discussing your experiences in the music industry.
    • and create a video series showcasing your music and the stories behind it.
    • and create a series of Instagram or Facebook live streams discussing your experiences in the music industry.
    • a series of music videos for your original songs.
    • and create a series of remixes or covers of your favorite songs.
  • Host a live stream or Q&A session with other musicians or artists and discuss your creative processes and experiences in the music industry.

Interactive

Create content that encourages interaction with their followers, such as live streams, Q&A sessions, or trivia games.

  • Host a live stream or Q&A session where you: 
    • answer questions from your followers.
    • discuss your creative process and answer questions about your music.
    • discuss your experiences in the music industry and answer questions from your followers.
    • discuss your favorite musical gear and equipment and how you use it in your music.
    • discuss your favorite musical influences and how they have shaped your sound.
    • discuss the business side of the music industry and offer advice to aspiring musicians.
    • discuss your experiences performing for different audiences and the unique challenges and opportunities that come with it.
    • discuss your favorite music-related books, movies, or documentaries and why you enjoy them.
  • Host a trivia game or quiz related to music theory, history, or your music.
  • End your posts with a question to your audience to start a conversation and increase engagement

14 quick tips for creating engaging content:

  1. Know your audience: It's important to understand who your audience is and what they are interested in. This will help you create content that resonates with them and keeps them engaged. Use analytics tools on your social media and website (or use paid tools that offer free trials like Sprout Social or similar) to learn which posts get the most engagement and what your followers like the most.
  2. Be native to the platforms: Understand the unique features and conventions of the platform and create content that is tailored to it. For example, on Instagram, it's important to use visually appealing photos and hashtags, while on Twitter it's important to use short, concise tweets.
  3. Keep it fresh: Try to mix up your content and offer a variety of different types of posts. This can help keep things interesting and prevent your followers from getting bored.
  4. Be authentic: People often appreciate content that is genuine and authentic. Try to be yourself and share your own thoughts, experiences, and perspectives.
  5. Engage with your audience: Encourage interaction with your followers by asking for their opinions, feedback, or suggestions. This can help create a sense of community and build a stronger connection with your audience.
  6. Use visuals: People often respond well to visual content, so try to include photos, videos, or graphics in your posts. Share your own content or use websites like unsplash.com for free visual content. You can also use websites like freepik.com or envato elements for stock photos and videos for your content.
  7. Be consistent: It's important to post regularly so that your followers know when to expect new content. Try to establish a posting schedule that works for you and stick to it. It is easier to stay consistent if you use content publishing calendar like Hootsuite or Later.
  8. Edit and proofread: Make sure to proofread your content and eliminate any typos or errors before you post it. This can help improve the professionalism of your content and make it easier for your followers to understand. Use tools like Grammarly or instatext.io.
  9. Keep it positive: People often respond well to positive, uplifting content. Try to focus on the good things in life and avoid dwelling on negative topics.
  10. Use hashtags: Hashtags can help make your content more discoverable and can help you connect with new followers.
  11. Stay up-to-date: Keep an eye on current events and trends and try to incorporate them into your content where relevant. This can help keep your content fresh and timely.
  12. Remember your top-performing posts: Posts that perform well organically can easily be turned into Facebook ads or Instagram ads when you need to run your music promotion.
  13. Go live: To do a live stream on social media profile is a great way to grow your following and connect with your audience. It does not have to be a Facebook Live concert (although that never hurts). However, turning on Instagram Live and giving a backstage tour, bringing the audience on stage and letting them experience the venue through your eyes will always be very engaging to your followers. If you are comfortable in front of the camera, you should go live regularly, as the algorithm always shows live to more people than regular posts.
  14. Reuse and repurpose: Don't just post your content once, what you posted on your Instagram feed today can be used later in your Instagram story. Try to create evergreen content and reuse it on different platforms at intervals to take the pressure off of coming up with a fresh content idea on a daily basis. Your live streaming Q&A session can be easily turned into a newsletter for your email marketing campaign and an article from your music blog can be easily divided into many Instagram content ideas.

Conclusion

There are many different types of content musicians can create and share online. From educational and inspirational content to behind-the-scenes insights and interactive Q&A sessions, there are endless ways to engage your audience and build your brand.

By creating and sharing engaging content on social media and other platforms, you can increase your visibility, reach a larger audience, enhance your reputation, and attract the attention of audiences and music industry professionals.

Understanding your audience and the unique features and conventions of the platform you use can help you create content that is tailored to that audience and help you achieve your goals as a musician.

So do not be afraid to get creative and try different types of content to see what works best for you and your audience.