Get Maximum Exposure from your Music Video!
I post this information to illustrate the point that without promotion your Music Video will NOT be seen. Too often I speak with independent artists that think once they shoot a music video they can just upload it to YouTube and the rest will be history. A music video is a TOOL and like any tool it has a specific purpose that can only be realized if the person holding it knows how to use it.
And while I often hear Soulja Boy used as an example… that was 4 years ago. Looking at how drastically YouTube's numbers have increased over the past 6 and 12 months, just imagine how they will grow over the next few years.
Before you spend a ton of money doing a music video I recommend all independent artists or labels to invest into a marketing plan. Otherwise you may end up throwing away good money or missing out on lucrative opportunities. Here are a few key areas where a marketing plan will be helpful for your music video.
What song should you do the video for?
There's nothing worse than spending money and time shooting, editing, and promoting a video for the wrong song. Make sure you test market the records.
Who is the intended audience?
A five minute montage of strippers shaking their backsides may work great for an artists who's core fanbase are high school aged boys but have negative impact for an artists who's core fanbase is females aged 25+.
When is the right time to do the video?
Examine how the music video fit into your overall promotional plan. What will it build on and how will you follow it up.
What is your budget?
Even though Video production has gotten significantly less expensive over recent years, you still need to have some sort of budget to produce an effective music video. When you're running through the numbers don't just consider the production costs, but be mindful of the promotional expenses as well.
Who will be producing the video?
Do not choose video production company based on price alone. Check out their demo real. Speak with past clients. Will they be contributing to the promotional effort for the final product.
What opportunities Partnerships?
Consider people and brands that would help increase the views of the final product. There are a wealth of opportunities in cameos, product placements and sponsorships.
What are your outlets?
Does it make sense to spend an extra $2,500 to shoot the video in HD if the only place it will be getting played is online.
What is the goal of the music video?
Do you want the video to drive traffic to your site. Is it more important for you to gain exposure for the song or the brand?
The internet has really leveled the playing field. Any independent artist can now reach any fan that a major label can. The key to success is making the most of your resources. Developing a markeitng plan before you do your music video will help you maximize it's potential. Afterall, 48 hours worth of video being uploaded every minute is a lot of competition!
