Guest Blog: Olivia Winslow (Rocky Boy Productions)
Almost every time I talk to a musician about their social media or lack thereof I get the same excuse: I am too busy. Now let me tell you a story of a duo that said they were too busy for social media. One day I met two boys who were so good looking my eyes hurt. One had the voice of an angel and the other was a guitar god. I heard a famous guitar player once said “They grew in one day (in their guitar playing) as others grow in years of practice.” The boys were so talented. They had even hired me to help them with social media. But they didn’t listen. They were cocky and didn’t even try. Now, where are they? I really have no idea. They have dropped off the face of the earth. Literally. There is no social media profile or digital footprint to be seen.
Where do you want to be in two years with your talent? Do you want to be touring with a following or have people ask others “Where are they now?” If I was you I would want to be touring with a fan base. In 2017 to gain a fan base you need to be active on social media. You need a way to tell your audience when you have a show or a new song out. But better yet you can gain fans that are halfway around the world. That opens doors for you! I have met people who aren’t even charting in the United States but have their music being played in populated shopping malls in Norway! Social media is the building block of your career.
Now how do you take advantage of it? Consistency! Consistency is the key! But you don’t have enough time because of your touring and recording, right? Take an hour on Sunday night before you go to bed or whenever and write 10 posts.
So let’s break it up now, what you should post on which network. First up is Twitter! On Twitter, it is all about creating relationships. First, up is writing two posts promoting whatever you are doing currently. Do you have a new song out? Do you have a new music video out? Post a link to them in a unique way, but only twice. You do not want your account to just be about pushing your music. Remember Twitter is all about creating relationships. Next post two posts about anything on your mind. Anything and everything. Do you want to talk about a new movie? Do it! Be human! Be you! Next up find one quote. It can be a quote about anything you want! Next, you need to write 2 music/ career related posts. This is not promotional tweets. These posts are anything related to your career. Do you have a songwriting session coming out? Do you love Blink 182 and are pump they are back together? Post about it!
Now let’s move into Facebook. Facebook is like the Google for musicians in my opinion. They may not have a website but you can probably find them on Facebook. Plus, Facebook has an awesome set up for musicians. You do not need to post on Facebook as often as you do on Twitter. I would advise posting two or three times a week. But it would be okay to only post once a week. I would advise posting events and music updates weekly.
Don’t fret we’re almost done! It’s time to move onto Instagram! For Instagram, I would post two times a week about music/career type things. Do you have a live performance shot? Post it! DO you have photos with fans? Post it!
Now I understand that may have been extremely confusing. That’s why I have a lovely sample social media schedule!
Biography:
Olivia Winslow is a social media guru with a specialty in the music industry. From a young age Olivia was obsessed with music. She then became obsessed with social media. Soon she combined her two loves and got a position as a bands Fan Club President. She soon realized she wanted to work in music for the rest of her life. In September 2016 Olivia developed the idea for Rocky Boy and ran with it launching a blog in June 2017. Olivia has one goal: to help musicians be the best musicians they can be.