The Art of Self-Branding: A Handbook for Independent Artists

Branding often resonates with big brands, companies, famous CEOs, or professional celebrities. However, after the internet boom, we have come across several branding opportunities for independent artists, mostly thanks to social media.

However, starting a social media profile and expecting something to happen is not the right way. Personal Branding for independent artists requires a lot of effort in the beginning, including understanding the internet market and the online marketplace.

In this article, we will discuss all the secrets (not really, they are fundamental pillars) for self-branding for independent artists suggested by Soul Recording Studio Atlanta.

Are you one of them? Read this blog completely.


Why is Personal Branding Important for Independent Artists?

Not trying to scare you but there are thousands of artists out there struggling to get their first break. Definitely, social media has made it easy to create content, post, and enjoy public reviews but branding isn’t just that.

It’s about YOU!

Making a personal brand means people know you. Personal branding lets people resonate with your art, buy from you, and even enjoy it for free as a community member on your social media profiles such as YouTube and Instagram.

Personal branding leads to more direct interaction with your audience, more shows, and better sales.

  • Offer more visibility & recognition.
  • Helps you have a direct connection with the audience.
  • Boost marketing effectiveness.
  • Opens up diverse revenue streams for artists
  • Builds a legacy for years down the line.

Step-by-Step Guide for Your Personal Branding Journey:


1. Start with Why:

Your personal branding starts way before you become public. Before everything, write down your ‘WHY’. This is a part that most artists don’t really pay credit to but doing it will help you pave a path for your upcoming months. So let’s be direct:

  • What are your reasons for creating a personal brand?
  • What are your 1-month, 3-month, and 6-months goals?
  • How are you going to portray yourself as a creator?

2. Identify Your Core Values:

No two artists are alike and it’s beautiful. Now, when you’re starting your branding journey, it’s time to discover yourself. There are sure to be some tools to discover your nature such as personality tests. However, here are some questions to help you out:

  • Moments have brought you joy, fulfilment, and a sense of purpose.
  • Things you prioritise in life.
  • Things, incidents, or places which make you feel deeply.
  • Struggles you have faced during your journey.
  • Non-negotiable things for you.

3. Do Your Homework:

Prepare at least a month for your final showdown. This will help you create continuous content with clarity in mind. How would you do that? Here are some tips:

  • Find 15 similar niche artists on social media.
  • Evaluate their profile and make notes.
  • Understand their content ideas, post types, and strategies.
  • Prepare content for the upcoming 15 days.
  • Connect with Soul Recording Studio Atlanta to get expert guidance.

4. Choose Identifiable Brand Features:

What do people think of a brand at one glance? Their core values- No!

Most people see your brand’s visual features and accept or reject you. All brands create a logo, choose their font, and fix colour combinations which define themselves. If you have a personal website, choose a FONT which lets the audience understand your message.

The same goes for the logo. Choose a classy logo and colour palette which would inspire people.


5. Don’t Copy Others:

It’s great to learn from others and follow them but it’s stupid to copy them. People are smart and the internet forgives none. If you’re trying to steal other’s content, you are on the wrong path. Don’t copy, instead draw inspiration from them.

How?

  • Understand their content strategy.
  • Decide a content style and focus on it.
  • Follow trends to stay updated.
  • Take inspiration and craft your content ideas.

6. Choose Your Words Carefully:

One of the most important things about an artist is the expression of their thoughts. But it’s not that simple, especially for an artist. But you need to learn it. The ideas of your mind should be crafted in words so beautifully that people would love to talk to you.

  • Write good captions.
  • Behave politely and never argue with your audience.
  • Use positive words that people love.
  • Write simple language expressing your art.

7. Feedback and Consideration Are Essential:

Welcome feedback from your audience and implement them to progress. Your audience is the biggest asset you have. They are channels to improve your craft, making them more likeable to the audience and stronger each day.

However please keep your mind open as some of the feedback can really be idiotic. Alas!


8. Stay True and Progress as You Grow:

The biggest lie in the market is that you need to become something that you’re not. This is totally a myth. Remember we talked about being yourself, identifying your core values, and not copying others. Why? Because personal branding loves authenticity.

However, with time, you’ll grow and that’s where the natural change comes.


9. Engage with Your Audience:

Social media has made it possible to connect with your audience, so do it. Whether you’re on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube, make sure to connect with your audience at a specific time.

Conclusion:

This article discusses the importance and step-by-step guide to personal branding for independent artists. Truly, with social media, it’s possible now to create your personal brand without any heavy investment and a big release. Now it’s YOU & THE AUDIENCE only.

The Atlanta recording studios share some of the best tips and strategies for the same. If you’re an artist who lives in Atlanta, do visit Soul Recording Studio.


Posted

in

by