social media/branding

Hi there,
 
For me, social media and marketing is always a never-ending job, learning, applying, and trial & error.
 
Lately, I’ve been spending a lot more time focusing on branding. How would you describe your “brand” in 3 words or less?
Ask your fans, friends and family, how would they describe your music/band in 3 words or less. Are they similar or different outcomes?
 
When there is too much text, people don’t even read the first word. As a passionate business owner, we want to share a ton of info, but it really hurts us in the long run. People have the smallest attention span online, more now than ever. You need to catch their attention in less than one second. That’s why twitter posts are less than 140 characters. If it’s more than that, people won’t even read it, and they will pass you up.
 
Offer value, give value, sell value:
For example, I never would have considered signing up for my dry cleaners email list, what is more boring than that?! But somehow they got my email address. I must have signed up for a coupon or something. (offering value in exchange for your email address)
They send me very valuable emails with tips on removing stains, depending on the season, and other useful tips, so they are adding value to me, vs just spamming me with their service. They offer tips on when you should dry clean and when it’s ok to use your home washing machine. In the summer, they offer tips for removing stains such as grass, ketchup, etc. In the winter, they offer tips on removing salt stains.
 
Think of this, if you need to buy a quarter inch drill for a project, are you buying a quarter inch drill? No, you’re buying a quarter inch hole. In other words, you’re buying what it can do for you.
 
Most websites have too much text and scrolling. One of my friends has a great background in sales, marketing and PR, so I’m always showing my updated website to her and asking her for her feedback. Her response is almost always. “Too much text, too much clutter, too much scrolling!”
I’m CONSTANTLY tweaking my social media, website, asking for feedback, researching the latest trends, and psychology of social media.
 
Homework:
Ask your fans, friends and family to describe your music/art/band in 3 words or less. Document all the answers and review them. Do they align with your mission? If not, is that a good thing or bad thing? How should you change your social media/brand/website to better align with your artistic mission?
 
Show your website and social media to close friends. Ask them for first impressions. Is it user friendly for them? What are they looking for when they go to your page? Are they able to find it in less than 5 seconds? If not, fix it today.
 
Visit other bands’ websites and social media. Write down what you like and dislike. How is yours different? What should you improve?
 
Resources:
I really like this guy. He offers a lot of free tips in the music business via email and his free podcast. Check him out and take advantage of his free content.
https://www.rockettothestars.com/
 
I use this website for my graphic design. Certain images need to be a specific size on facebook, twitter, etc. https://www.canva.com/
 
 
About me:
I’m a guitarist, playing 200 shows a year, create/curate concerts festivals, offer consulting for social media/websites, teacher, oil can guitar builder, lover of all music, father, background in sales, always learning and growing. “If you’re not growing, you’re dying.”
 
www.JoeFlipMusic.com Live Music
www.hayburnerguitars.com Vintage Oil Can Guitars
www.jfmusicproductions.com Management and Production
 
Feel free to contact me with any questions.
Take care,
Joe Filipovich