Twitter Notes - Basics

Getting Started

Most tweets have a very short lifespan.  This is not a social media for lazy people.  This is one you have to be active on.  Twitter is still a place to engage a community.  Don't be different online to build your community than you would in real life. 

Profile

This is your real estate. This is your presence. This is HOW you are making your first impression.  

Pinned Tweet

A pinned tweet is a great way to introduce your brand to the world. This might be the first tweet that many people see when they visit your site.  In terms of a musician, this is a great way to keep your latest release, tour dates, or merchandise you have available.

Even with the new character limits, these "content rich tweets" need to be focused.  When you are announcing tour dates give the new shows happening, but remind everyone that it is in support of this new album. The new merchandise for the tour, starting on such date.  

The success of the last tour allowed us to record a new album of material. Thanks to fans like you we get to keep doing this!

Click the link for 80% off all the remaining tour merchandise while supplies last!

Now when you are just beginning, don't immediately try and sell something.  You have such a long period of introducing yourself to people and the world, that a sales pitch should not be your first goal.  What interesting thing, brand story, etc. do you have that would interest people. 

Hashtags

I like 1 to 3 at the most per tweet.

Make sure you research what the hashtag might mean before you use it.  Make sure it does not have a second meaning you are not familiar with.  Depending on the size of your market this could include other geographic locations, and cultures.  Words can mean funny things sometimes.

Make sure the hashtags you are using are unique enough that you don't get swallowed up in a large crowd, but is not unique enough that no one will ever see it.

Twitter Lists

These can be useful, to help grow followers.  List are aggregates of data that profiles can follow, and then the users can then follow you.  These new followers, will see that first pinned tweet.

Spotify the new music pirate

I found quick a collection of articles on Spotify and other streaming services available for musicians to get their music heard.  They are all written from different artist views from small and independent artists. Some of them are very good and well worth the read. I will not say i agree with everything that is said, but certainly these are "food for thought"

article 1: Spotify From a Musician’s Perspective
article 2: Should Artists Have to Work a 2nd Job?
article 3: Release day economics
article 4: Zoe Keating On Spotify
article 5: Spotify should give indies a fair deal on royalties

Finally, here is a quote to make you go "ouch"!:

"I am very concerned about the apparent disrespect shown by many in our culture to those who pursue artistic endeavors, One recent survey showed a surprising number of Americans who believe that artists should have a second job to support themselves – as they should not expect to be paid for their art!  We must educate the public and eradicate these extremely destructive beliefs."  --  John Simson

Greed and the Music Industry

Great paper/essay written by a Chicago artists that is becoming more well known these days. This is a re-print of a re-print as the original does not seem to be available these days.

Read it here.

quote:
"They’ve raised prices of CDs to punish us for losses to piracy, while of course; this only punishes honest music customers. RIAA has now stooped to sending out letters at random accusing internet users of sharing files and directing them to a website, where you can make “discount settlements” payable by credit card.

How can they sue you for $750 for downloading a digital song that’s sold to retailers for less than $0.70? I have yet to hear the answer to that question. So naturally, I think to myself: “Hey! I own a record label! How can I get involved in this profit party?”. Oh, RIAA is a private club. Small businesses don’t seem to be allowed.

So does this mean that if I sign with a major label I’ll get my fair share of these lawsuits battling the theft of my material? Nope. Artists are only compensated for post-recoup sales. 0% of this lawsuit money is trickled down to the artist. So basically, if you’re not one of these companies, you can’t win."