As someone who wears the hats of both a publicist and a radio presenter, I’ve seen the media landscape from both sides. Trust me, there’s a lot to learn when it comes to securing media coverage and avoiding common pitfalls.

If you’re an artist looking to get your music heard, here are 5 top tips to help you shine in the media spotlight.

1. Your Bio Should be Easy to Find

First things first, make sure you have a short bio on every social media and streaming platform. Media professionals are busy bees, and especially if they are volunteers, they don’t have a lot of time to prep for their radio show or to write a review on their blog.

Having quick access to your bio makes it a breeze to introduce you and your music to their audience. It’s a small step that can make a big difference. Think of it as your musical elevator pitch – concise, engaging, and readily available.

2. Nail Your Social Media Handles

This might sound trivial, but your social media handles matter. Ideally, they should be @yourname, @yournameofficial, @yournamemusic or @yournameband. Just think about this: how can someone find you on socials if your handle is @y0urn8me2024 ?

When radio hosts and journalists tag artists in their posts, they typically won’t spend more than a couple of tries looking for your page. If they can’t find you quickly, they move on, and you miss out on connecting with them and potential new fans. So, keep it simple and consistent.

3. Embrace Local Radios and Blogs

Sure, landing a spot on BBC Radio is amazing and definitely gives you credibility. But as an emerging artist, you shouldn’t underestimate the power of local radios and blogs.

The audience tuning in to these local shows is genuinely eager to discover new music. Building a strong fanbase takes time, and local listeners are your goldmine because they’re usually more engaged, more likely to become dedicated fans, and more likely to buy tickets to your gigs.

4. Always Show Gratitude

This one might seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how often it’s overlooked. Always thank those who support your music, regardless of their status in the industry. The music world is all about connections. You really don’t want to be known as someone who’s arrogant or ungrateful.

Today’s small-time presenter could be tomorrow’s big shot at BBC Radio. Building and nurturing these relationships can open doors you never even knew existed. A simple thank you can go a long way!

5. Invest in Professional Photos

High-quality, professional photos are crucial for your image as an artist. They help you make a strong first impression on media professionals and fans alike.

Professional photos can be used across all your promotional materials, social media, and streaming platforms. They convey professionalism and can make a significant difference in how you’re perceived in the industry. Plus, they make it easier for media outlets to feature you, knowing they have visually appealing content to use.

Bringing It All Together

Securing media coverage can feel like navigating a maze, but with these tips, you’re well on your way to making meaningful connections and getting your music heard.

Remember, it’s all about making it easy for the media to find and support you, appreciating every bit of help you get, and building those all-important relationships.

Are you struggling to find the time to promote your releases? Your main gig is making music, ours is making sure it gets heard. Get in touch today and let us take care of your PR needs for your next release, so you can stay in your creative flow!