Marketing is important for audio professionals, because it allows you to find clients. Gaining name recognition is also a goal of marketing for audio professionals. How do you get your name out there and start building your fan base? There are a few ways to achieve this goal.
Before we get into the audio business aspects of it, let’s take a second to define marketing. It’s a broad term, encompassing many aspects of business. But in this case, all we’re talking about is self-promotion — letting people know what you do and that you’re good at it.
A lot of people dislike self-promotion, but marketing is important in the audio industry. It feels too much like bragging. But there are ways to do it without making yourself look bad.
A lot of audio professionals end up as freelancers, which means that marketing is especially important. If you wait for clients to come to you, you’ll starve. Marketing for audio engineers is helpful, though, even if you have a steady gig. When people know what you’re up to, you’re more likely to get side jobs or have an easier path when it’s time to look for another job.
You don’t have to do everything on this list! Just an hour or so a week can make a big difference to your career in the long run.
1. Blogging for Audio Professionals
If you like to write, and you have the discipline to do it regularly, why not start an audio blog? It could be links about engineers you admire, or your favorite bands, or equipment you like. Throw in some studio tips and tricks. Keep your posts interesting—think about your reader, rather than ways of making yourself seem awesome—and don’t let too much time lapse between posts. Tumblr is a really easy and versatile platform if you’re new to blogging.
2. Social Media Marketing in Audio
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram — people love it or hate it. Sometimes both in the same day. But social media can be more fun and an amazing networking tool if you’re focused about it. Don’t chase followers; just post about audio–marketing can be that easy. Show pictures and/or videos of you working with clients or even alone. What you’re working on, or what your friends are working on, or ask your colleagues questions when you have them. Get your files up on Soundcloud and post the links on Facebook. And above all, be nice. Social media is an opportunity to influence the way the world sees you and how people think about you and your work, so make sure to brand yourself in a way that helps your career the most.
3. LinkedIn: Networking for Professionals
It’s basically social media, but we’re putting it separate because it can also serve as an online resume. Take a look at how audio engineers you admire have positioned themselves on LinkedIn — how do they describe their jobs? Once you get your profile up, make sure it stays fresh. Just take a look at it once a month and see if it needs sprucing up.
On LinkedIn, you can market yourself as an audio engineer and connect with others. This is a valuable tool that helps you to grow you network and allows you to collaborate or connect with others in the field.
4. Market Your Demo Reel
So you’re letting people know online that you work in audio, and maybe you’ve made some new professional contacts. Make sure you have a demo reel ready when they ask for work samples! It doesn’t have to be a gigantic, expensive affair. Just put together two to three minutes of your best recent work.
5. Name Recognition: Business Cards
People don’t use these so much anymore, but the fact is they are still really useful, they’re inexpensive, and nobody will think you’re weird for having one! Keep the design simple and professional, and when you meet someone in professional circumstances, offer them one!
Again, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to freak out about marketing. Just do it regularly and stay focused on your most important message—that you are a talented audio professional ready to take on any job!
Did learning about marketing tips for audio professionals interest you? The audio production and engineering program at the Institute of Production and Recording is a degree program designed to train producer engineers who are entrepreneurs, musically and technically creative, and proficient in modern recording technology and technique. Throughout the program, students are involved in hands-on exercises and real-world studio projects that enable them to apply their knowledge and refine their skills.
At the end of the audio production and engineering program, each student presents a portfolio — a selection of his or her best work to date. This serves as a demo reel for potential employers and clients — an audio resume with professional content that highlights the graduate’s talent and skill.
Contact us today to learn more about the audio production and engineering program and starting a rewarding career in the music industry.