If you’re in the US, happy tax day! If you filed for an extension, be sure to check out this roundup from a few weeks ago.
Now, for the post! I don’t claim to be a marketing expert, but here are some ideas to share! I recently wrote an email a bit ago with some ideas and thought I’d copy, edit, and share it on the blog!
A few tools that I use a lot are (you might be familiar with these):
- MailChimp to send newsletters and announcements to my students and to people wanting to stay updated with studio performances. I use the free version.
- HootSuite is useful for social media. I use the free version of this too.
At some point, you might consider a blog. This blog inspires me and might give you some ideas too. From that, a Pinterest account could also be beneficial. (You can follow me here!)
The key is making it SUPER easy and convenient for potential supporters…having links to everything can help people connect to all your sites. You might also consider contests through social media (like this).
Networking is so important. One of the most important things I learned in undergrad. In addition to meeting people in person and through email, social media also offers opportunities through tagging people and companies and using hashtags (of course, use discretion and be safe!). Also, you don’t always have to have something “exciting” going on to share on social media. You could share day-to-day operations and events, such as a close up of your tuning key, etc. (Check out Harp Column‘s #practicalharpist…and while you’re on Instagram, you can follow me too!)
Other ideas to get your name out there include donating items/gift certificates to fundraisers (such as local schools and organizations), ads in yearbooks and programs, flea market/bazaar/craft show booths, local parades, etc.
These are all just ideas. Take and leave what you want. I think the best way to become familiar with this is to just do it and to explore other small businesses, blogs, and social media feeds. Also, talk to your business friends (I really like the term “business bestie” from this blog post)! This gal and I chat Instagram. You never know what you might learn or might think up just talking!
That being said, make sure not to let people talk down all your ideas. It can be tough, but try to surround yourself with people who support you (but are also willing to tell you if you’re making seriously bad choices).
What are your PR and marketing tips?
-Barbara
P.S. The book in the picture is Step By Step by Suzanne Balderston.
Barbara Fischer runs Fischarper, LLC and loves her job as a harpist and private music educator. She enjoys blogging about various aspects of the music field on fischarper.com/blog. For more music resources, check out the Fischarper store. Find out where you can find Barbara on the interwebs here. And you can sign up to receive Fischarper updates by joining the email list.