Marketing your music in 2025 isn’t optional — it’s essential. Yet so many independent artists are unknowingly sabotaging their own success by repeating the same mistakes: relying too heavily on social media, ignoring email, neglecting their brand identity, and most importantly, not treating their music like a business.
In fact, a recent survey showed that over 60% of musicians don’t even have a marketing plan — meaning they’re releasing music with no real path to visibility or revenue.
Mistake #1
Relying only on Social Media
- If Instagram deletes your account tomorrow, how would you reach your fans? How would you know who they are?
- Most artists and DJs build their entire audience on TikTok, Instagram or SoundCloud – platforms they don’t own.
- Own your list. Build a website. Use email. Control your fanbase.
(We can help artists build owned audiences through website development, pro-level email marketing and more).
Mistake #2
No clear brand or message
- If someone lands on your profile, can they tell what you do in 5 seconds?
- Most artist bios, photos and feeds are a messy mix of randomness – usually trying to gain attention.
- Define your visual identity, voice and message. Brand yourself like a label.
(We help artists build smart branding and digital assets that actually convert).
Mistake #3
Only promoting Music Releases
No one cares about your track drop… if they don’t know who you are!
- Artists only post when something’s out – then go quiet.
- Use storytelling. Behind the scenes. Fan interactions. Show up consistently.
- Document the journey – don’t just announce the outcome.
Mistake #4
Not building an email list early
You don’t need 10,000 followers – you need 1,000 loyal fans.
- Event promoters and record labels could learn from that too when using social numbers to ‘qualify’ DJs and artists.
- Musicians skip email because they think it’s outdated or hard.
- Start simple. Collect emails at shows, from link-in-bios or Bandcamp buyers.
(For less than £6.00 per 1,000 sends, we can help you reach your fans directly – no algorithms. Full control).
Mistake #5
Not treating it like a business
You’re not just an artist – you’re a business.
- Possibly the hardest mindset change for anyone who’s never run or managed their own business.
- Musicians avoid marketing, don’t track anything, and avoid talking money.
- Use tools such as one-page landing websites, mailing lists and campaign tracking.
(We work with music brands who want to grow, not just survive. If that’s you – let’s talk!)
60%
of independent musicians don't have a marketing plan
90%
of consumers prefer to receive updates via email over social media
4.2%
average organic reach on Instagram without paying or diversifying
40%
more earnings per release on average for artists who regularly email fans
33%
increase in revenue with brand consistency
15%
of independent artists have a working email funnel or CRM
Are you making any of these mistakes?
At Ammedia Digital, we work with artists, labels, and industry players to fix this.
From setting up reliable email campaigns with GoSEND (our ultra-affordable, managed email marketing solution) to helping musicians build authentic brands, strategies and websites that actually work — we’re here to help you grow.
If you're tired of releasing music into the void, start thinking like a marketer as well as a musician. Watch our video series, take notes, and if you need support, let's chat.
How we can help
If so, we can help...
- Our GoHUB website solutions give you a central focal point away from algorithms.
- Building and managing email lists and marketing couldn't be easier with GoSEND.
- We can help with link-in-bio trees, QR code business cards and landing pages and release promo pages.
- We also offer digital and print Electronic Press Kit (EPK) solutions.
Contact us today for a no-obligation chat about your journey and how to market your brand effectively.