I believe that getting reviewed on music blogs is critical for every musician because it helps create a bigger footprint for you online, builds awarness and allows for a two-way conversation around your music.
STEP 1: Movie Time!
Now that you have an understanding it’s time to get prepared to manage your blog reading.
STEP 2: Create Your Google RSS Reader
Setting up your RSS Reader is the perfect way to get the information you want (not only from blogs but from also from other sites you frequent) to be delivered to you, instead of having to check constantly to see what blog has been most recently updated.
You can set up your own Google RSS Reader by heading over to Google.com/Reader and signing up using your existing Google account information.
STEP 3: Create Your Blog Reader Profiles
A Blog Reader Profile is wonderful because it will show the blogger and the reader community that you have visited a blog even if you do not choose to comment each and every time. This leaves a trail of breadcrumbs leading back to you, which shows others what you are interested in.
Setting this up just a few minutes:
Gravatar
When you get to this site, press the ‘Get your Gravatar today’ button and set up your profile. Add your photo, short bio and links to your website, Facebook and Twitter.
STEP 4: Choose A Few Blogs To Get Started – Look, Lurk, Leap!
Before you dive in and just start commenting on blogs I suggest you spend some time reading blogs and understanding the culture of each one you like and the authors who create them. After a few posts you will begin to get a good idea of wheter or not this will be a blog you will return to over and over – add it to your RSS reader so you don’t miss new posts and voilia!
According to some statistics there are currently over 100 million active bloggers today. Blogs, as you know, can be about any topic. A few dozen people read some blogs, while some are read by millions. The vast majority of all bloggers create blogs for no financial gain whatsoever; in fact it usually costs music bloggers money to host their files and maintain their blogs. A blog is usually a private endeavor. Most bloggers create their blogs as a personal outlet where they can talk about their lives, their opinions, and the things that they like and dislike – it’s basically an online diary.
To find blogs that are right for you won’t take long – just dive in and start reading them. The ones that resonate will jump out at you.
Here is a great place to start finding music blogs:
Music Blogs
The Hype Machine
What it is?: (From Hype Machine) To put it simply, the Hype Machine keeps track of what music bloggers write about. We handpick a set of kicka** music blogs and then present what they discuss for easy analysis, consumption and discovery. This way, your odds of stumbling into awesome music or awesome blogs are high. This site also tracks the most blogged about artists and songs on their network.
Business Music Blogs
And here are my favorite Music Thought / Music Industry / Music Technology blogs
Music Think Tank
http://www.musicthinktank.com/
A group blog bringing together key thinkers in the realm of online music business. Disclaimer – I write for this blog
Derek Sivers
Daily thoughts for entrepreneurs and musicians.
Hypebot
A journal of music, technology and the new music business.
Artists House
Video interviews with top music industry professionals on a broad range of topics about music and music business.
CD Baby
http://www.diymusician.cdbaby.com/
CD Baby’s DIY Musician is a daily blog that focuses on digital music promotion advice.
Bandzoogle
http://www.bandzoogle.com/blog
The Bandzoogle blog offers weekly music promotion and artist website optimization advice.
Billboard
One of the largest daily news from all aspects of the music industry.
Bobby Owsinski
http://www.music3point0.blogspot.com/
Daily digital promotion, social media, and apps and tools from one of the most versatile and impressive music production writers.
Social Media Music Blogs
Mashable
Comprehensive reporting on any and all social media developments.
Brian Solis
Brian Solis is principal at Altimeter Group, a research-based advisory firm. Solis is globally recognized as one of the most prominent thought leaders and published authors in new media. A digital analyst, sociologist, and futurist, Solis has studied and influenced the effects of emerging media on business, marketing, publishing, and culture. His current book, Engage, is regarded as the industry reference guide for businesses to build and measure success in the social web.
Seth Godin
In my humble opinion, Seth Godin is the Godfather of marketing. He has written 13 books and every single one has been a bestseller. His blog posts are simple and easy to digest on a daily basis and written in plain english.
If you have a favorite blog you read please share it here!
Nice post !
http://webmusic.biz/
Thanks for sharing! Great information that everyone wants to read giving more idea to be creative.
Musician in Tahlequah. Music is a passion.
Great info!!!
Enjoyed the read and the links, keep up the good work!!
Thanks, Tom – I will 🙂 xA
Hi,
Nice Article. Love reading your blog.
Social Media is one of the best platforms to build your brand awareness. Through different social media platforms, you will get a chance to connect with your audience and share your post regularly among them.
Hey,
I just wanted to say that I will be referring artists that I work with to your blog and the resources that you posted! I’ll be trying to keep up to date on the blogs as well.
Interesting post, podcast is also another effective way to build brand awareness.
Yes agree!
Hello Ariel,
I recently discovered your blog and I have to say its provided so much knowledge on how to navigate through this world that was unknown to me. I’m looking forward to reading and learning more from you and also applying some of these techniques into getting some of my music and other artists music featured on blogs. Your DO’S AND DON’TS TO GETTING YOUR MUSIC POSTED ON BLOGS is something every musician should read.
Hi Detective 47,
I’s so happy you found this useful – please stop in and report back when you get on a music blog – we’d love to see.