Use Email Effectively
Collect email addresses efficiently. Email address should include the name of the recipient as well as some general information. Although some of the information you request may seem somewhat invasive, it is actually used to respect the privacy of your fans. Collecting names, email addresses, city, state, and zip code allows you to specify who receives the emails according to gig locations. By only sending emails of upcoming events to people within a 20 to 25 mile radius, you are avoiding 'spamming' your other fans of which the email is of no relevance.
Let the subscribers know that you are keeping emails to a minimum and their personal information allows you better respect their privacy. The farther away a subscriber lives, the more information you should collect. For subscribers who live within a reasonable distance, a name, city, and email address should suffice.
Keeping a good subscribers list can help you to better promote your music and even gain sales. Sending personalized emails to your fan base is a great way to keep in touch. Nonetheless, as the fan base grows larger and larger, personalizing emails becomes extremely difficult, if not impossible. This is when online fan club memberships can be a great help.
People do not like receiving junk email. Don't send unnecessary emails. To make sure you are not spamming your fans, abide by these guidelines.
- Show announcements need to have relevance to the fan. The email should be concise, letting the person know why this show is important. Are you playing for fun or releasing a new CD? This email should contain all of the information about the gig including the place, time, and phone number of the club or venue.
- Newsletters are great for fans. However, they should be limited to monthly newsletters that contain only relevant information. Update your fans on what your band is doing, upcoming events, and any other valuable information you want to communicate.
- When inquiring for help from a company, whether it is to review your music or receive advice regarding your music, make sure that the company actually offers the service you are in need of. The email needs to extremely concise and friendly. You are more likely to get a response with a friendly, to the point email, letting the person know exactly what you want.
Building a solid fan base slowly is the best way to ensure you are reaching the people who want to be reached. Having a mailing list that comprises of fans that a truly fans enables you to receive the best feedback for you music. A fan's contact information is priceless to musicians who wish to be successful and also to stay true to their fans. Emailing them allows you to stay personal and close with your fans
Sending emails can also be great promotional strategies when approaching possible buyers. Buyers can be previous or new, but contact must have been made before any sales talk enters the virtual conversation. Refine your search when looking for possible buyers to people you have had contact with and follow up with the people later on. This helps to create a healthy relationship and can also create new prospects.
- Kelia Thurman