Apple Music is one of the best known of all the online platforms where most fans are likely to have an iTunes account and will head there first to check out new music. Making it easy for fans to find you and engage with you is a guaranteed way to generate more downloads and streams. After you upload your music to Apple Music for Artists, take advantage of their tips and features to encourage more streams and downloads.

“If someone had told me in 2015 that it was possible for an African artist making African music to generate over 1million dollars in streaming only revenue I would not have believed!!” – Mr Eazi

Help Your Audience find you with links and badges

Fans who have seen you play live may not know that you have music available to download. Apple Music artists marketing tools can go a long way toward reminding fans you have music available to stream and to buy, Apple offers artists a suite of marketing tools including badges you can add to your website, newsletter, CD covers, and social media platforms or anywhere else fans can access your music.

Connect With Users on Apple Connect

Apple Connect is the social media section of Apple Music. It’s described by some as Facebook but for people who are really into music and specifically looking for musicians to follow and engage with. Claiming and using your artist page is one of the best ways to increase your online presence and get fans interested in you and your music. Once you claim your artist page, you can create and post anything you’d like to update fans on what you’re up to.

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Your artist page can include anything from backstage photos, to touring information, song lyrics or messages about upcoming releases, listener polls or shout outs to fans. Remind your fans that they can follow you on Apple Connect and to like, share and comment on your posts.

Create Compelling Cover Art

When music fans come to iTunes, they will see your music before they hear it. That’s why it’s important to create cover art that stands out among an endless scroll of bands and artists. Think of your cover art as a calling card that tells listeners a little bit about you before they even click the ‘play’ button.

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There are a lot of online tutorials that can help you design something unique and inspired to introduce your music to fans and potential fans. A striking image will attract fans as well as browsers who were impressed by your artwork.

Get More Plays By Creating Playlists

Making and sharing playlists is one of the most popular ways to spread the word about new music. As an artist, you can create and publish playlists that not only promote your own music but give fans and others more information about your likes, heroes, and influences that help create a stronger connection between you and your audience. YouTube has plenty of good tutorials for creating and publishing playlists, but when you’re trying to attract streams there area few things to keep in mind:

• Limit the number of songs you include to no more than two dozen songs. You want to showcase your music and encourage downloads. Too many songs and you’ll literally get lost in the shuffle.
• Make sure you chose songs that can be downloaded as a single. If you include ‘album only’ cuts, listeners won’t be able to download your playlist all at one time.
• Appeal to your fans and potential fans by offering a unique offering of niche songs and artists. Be original and stay away from million sellers and top hits that already appear on thousands of playlists.
• The most important thing is to go for a soft sell. Fans don’t like heavy-handed marketing and can spot insincerity a mile away. Create playlists for iTunes (or any other platform)as if you were making a playlist your best friends and show them what’s special about you and your music.

Source: Songtrust/Jonilar/KwabenaYi