So, you’ve decided to build a fanbase. You’ve got the music, the vision, and the unshakable belief that you’re the next big thing. But here’s the kicker: fans don’t just appear like magic. Nope, you’re about to embark on a wild, often bizarre journey that’ll test your patience, creativity, and caffeine tolerance. Welcome to the grind, my friend.
Step 1: The “Friends and Family” Phase
Ah, the early days—where every stream on Spotify is either your mom, your roommate, or that one friend who swears they “looped your track all night.” These are your ride-or-dies, your OG fans. Cherish them, because soon, you’ll be asking them to share your single with their friends.
Pro tip: Don’t let these humble beginnings discourage you. Remember, every superstar started somewhere. Even Beyoncé had a MySpace page once (probably).
Step 2: The Social Media Circus
Now it’s time to enter the digital arena. Social media is your ticket to the world, but it’s also a chaotic jungle where memes and trends reign supreme. You’ll post your heart out—studio updates, teasers, awkward selfies—and wonder why your dog’s picture gets more likes than your new single announcement.
Here’s the secret: people connect with people. Be yourself, show your personality, and let your fans see the real you. Authenticity is the currency here. And when the algorithm feels like it’s conspiring against you, just remember that’s where CentPourCent can help turn things around with expert-level strategy.
Step 3: Gigging for an Audience of Ten
If you haven’t played a show for a crowd that consists of the bartender and your bassist’s cousin, are you even an indie artist? These gigs may bruise your ego, but they’re also where you hone your craft, build your stage presence, and make those first in-person connections.
Every artist has their “tiny crowd” story. Embrace it—it makes for great anecdotes later when you’re headlining festivals.
Step 4: The “Email Everyone” Approach
This is the phase where you realize that sending emails to blogs, curators, and industry folks is a full-time job. You’ll pour your soul into crafting the perfect pitch, only to hear…crickets.
But persistence pays off. The more you reach out (strategically, not spammy), the higher your chances of getting noticed.
Step 5: The Unexpected Wins
Here’s the funny thing about building a fanbase: the wins don’t always come from where you expect. Maybe it’s a shoutout from a micro-influencer, a viral TikTok comment, or an unexpected playlist add. These little victories stack up, so celebrate them—they’re proof that you’re moving in the right direction.
In Conclusion
Building a fanbase from scratch is equal parts comedy, chaos, and commitment. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. And when you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, just remember: you’re not alone in this. With a little help from CentPourCent, you can turn those zeroes into heroes faster than you think.