So, you've been collecting fan email addresses at shows, social networking sites and through your own website. Now what are your going to do with them? Don't let those addresses get stale - start sending out a band newsletter
Newsletters are an excellent way to keep your fans engaged with your music, even when you're not on the road or releasing new tracks. Your newsletter should be something that you can have a lot of fun with - letting your personality shine through is a good thing, so that end, feel free to structure your newsletter however feels right to you. There are, however, a few things you can keep in mind to make your band newsletter even more successful:
Consider setting up a schedule for your newsletters. Not only will a schedule help you maintain your newsletter, but it will also help you avoid sending out too many newsletters. You may have to experiment with the frequency, but every two weeks or once a month can be good starting points.
Group your email address database by region so you can send out special edition newsletters when you have a show booked in a particular area.
In addition to sharing the usual info about new releases, new merch and shows, share some behind the scenes information about plans that are in the works, how things are going on in the studio, new music you've discovered that you love or whatever you think your fans might be interested in hearing.
Keep people reading by periodically including special bonuses to your newsletter subscribers, such as an unreleased or live track for download, early tickets to a show and so on. A contest is also a great idea. Ask fans a trivia question and give the winner a t-shirt, for instance.
Be sure to include an option for unsubscribing in your newsletter.
Though not all fans are the newsletter type, in the long run, your newsletter can be an extremely valuable tool for creating a direct connection between you and the people who love - and buy - your music.
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