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Alright, independent artists! You’ve hustled through the first two weeks — gearing up with a killer strategy and an unstoppable mindset. Now it’s time to roll up those sleeves and dive into the nitty-gritty of building your release funnel. Welcome to Week 3: where we’re gonna craft landing pages that convert and pre-saves that skyrocket your music into the streaming universe. Buckle up, because we’re cutting the fluff and going straight to the gold.

The Importance of a Solid Release Funnel

Before we start building our landing pages, let’s lay down the foundation. A release funnel isn’t just some fancy marketing jargon; it’s the lifeblood of your music career. Imagine you’ve crafted a flawless track — no, a masterpiece. Now, how do you ensure that it doesn’t just sit in the void? Your funnel takes potential listeners and guides them, step-by-step, to become loyal fans. Think of it like dating: you don’t propose marriage on the first date! It’s all about nurturing that relationship.

What You Need to Build Your Landing Page

  1. A Clear Goal: Know what you want your landing page to accomplish. Do you want to get pre-saves? Sign-ups for your newsletter? Downloading a track? Your goal will shape everything.

  2. Compelling Copy: Words are powerful. Write a killer headline that grabs attention, and don’t shy away from a cheeky subhead that packs a punch.

  3. Eye-Catching Visuals: Your landing page should be as captivating as your music. Use high-quality images, album art, or even a behind-the-scenes video. Create a visual synergy that reflects your brand.

  4. Call-to-Action (CTA): This is where you ask your fans to take the next step. Make it bold and unmissable. Whether it’s “Pre-Save Now!” or “Join the Family,” make it clear!

  5. Social Proof: Include testimonials, early reviews, or social media handles that showcase your credibility.

Step-by-Step: Creating Your Landing Page

Step 1: Choosing the Right Platform

Here’s the deal: you want a user-friendly platform that’s designed for musicians. Check out options like Leadpages, Wix, or WordPress. Each has its perks, but for our purposes, Leadpages is a powerhouse for musicians.

Step 2: Craft It Like a Fine Cocktail

  • Select a Template: Choose one that aligns with your brand aesthetic. You want it sleek and professional, not a cluttered DIY disaster.

  • Use Engaging Media: Load up your page with visuals that pop. Think GIFs, photos, and videos. You want eyes glued to the screen!

  • Compelling Copy: Write enticing headlines using action verbs. For example: “Unlock Exclusive Access to My New Track!”

  • Insert Your CTA: Place it strategically. Don’t bury it at the bottom like last week’s laundry. Make it the first thing they see!

Step 3: Incentivize Engagement

Offering something valuable in return is crucial. Free downloads, exclusive insights, or behind-the-scenes content are great pulls. Ensure that whatever you offer feels exclusive and irresistible.

Step 4: Set Up Email Marketing Automation

Connect your landing page to an email marketing tool like Mailchimp or ConvertKit. This enables you to automate responses and reach out to your new fans with updates, exclusive content, and the like.

Pre-Saves: Your Next Must-Have

Now that your landing page is locked and loaded, it’s time to talk about pre-saves. Pre-saving isn’t just a trend; it’s a strategic way to build momentum before your song drops. Think of it like a Netflix season trailer — everyone wants to binge-watch when it’s finally released!

Why Pre-Saves Matter

  • Boosts Visibility: The more pre-saves you get, the more Spotify and Apple Music will pick up your track.

  • Immediate Reach: It puts your music in the hands of your fans right at launch. Instant gratification is king in this industry.

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Pre-Saves

Step 1: Get Your Music on Distribution Platforms

Use services like DistroKid, TuneCore, or CD Baby. This is the first step to getting your music onto Spotify, Apple Music, and more.

Step 2: Pre-Save Link Magic

Platforms like Show.co and Linkfire are your best bets. They’ll generate a pre-save link for you. Share this link on your landing page!

Step 3: Promote Like a Rockstar

Now that your pre-save link is live, it’s time to market it relentlessly. Use every channel at your disposal:

  • Social Media: Showcase your pre-save link across Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Use Stories, Reels — all the bells and whistles!

  • Email Newsletter: Send out a blast to your subscribers, urging them to pre-save.

  • Collaborations: Work with other artists for joint promotions. Sharing audiences can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

Real­-World Examples to Inspire You

  • Casey McQuillen: An indie artist who launched her song with a pre-save campaign and saw a recorded 500 pre-saves in a week. Her secret? An energetic launch video and a flashy landing page that grabbed attention.

  • Lola Blanc: She created a noir-themed landing page that took fans on a journey through her persona. The result? Increased engagement and a surge in pre-saves.

Final Thoughts: Your Music Deserves Spotlight

Congratulations, you’re now equipped to build a killer release funnel with engaging landing pages and effective pre-saves. The music scene is brutal, but with your newfound understanding and killer pages, you can harness the power of your growing fanbase.

Don’t just sit on this knowledge — get out there and take action! Your release funnel could be the key to propelling you to new heights. Remember, it’s not just about putting music out; it’s about making a statement, one pre-save at a time. Each step you take brings you closer to building not just an audience, but a movement. Now, go out there and hit it hard! 🎸