Music Blog Submissions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Tracks Featured

Key Takeaways

• Ensure tracks are polished, mixed, and mastered before submission.

• Research genre-specific blogs and compile a contact list for targeted submissions.

• Craft personalised pitches that align with each blog’s focus and guidelines.

• Follow up politely after a week to maintain visibility and interest.

• Use email tracking tools to monitor submissions and optimise follow-ups.

Preparing Your Music for Submission

Crafting an impeccable first impression is essential when preparing music for submission, and this begins with ensuring the tracks are finely polished with a finished, mixed, and mastered sound.

Adhering to submission guidelines for music blogs requires thorough preparation. Essential steps include gathering release information such as the release date, hi-res artwork, and a compelling press release to captivate editors.

A well-crafted electronic press kit (EPK) showcasing music platforms, social media links, and high-quality visuals solidifies a professional presentation. Regular updates on press mentions and achievements build credibility and industry relevance, while social media stats demonstrate audience engagement, aiding in securing performance opportunities.

Opt for private streaming links via Dropbox or SoundCloud, which maintain control and prevent unauthorised downloads. Scrutinise all links for functionality; broken links can jeopardise the opportunity to have music featured on blogs, underscoring the importance of meticulous attention to detail.

Researching Target Music Blogs

To effectively submit music to blogs, one must first identify those that specialise in the relevant genre through platforms like Hype Machine, Musosoup and social media. Compiling a detailed spreadsheet with essential information such as contact details and submission guidelines can greatly streamline the process. Additionally, targeting SEO-focused blogs can significantly enhance the chances of discovery by new fans. Alternatively if you're using a platform like Musosoup you can collate and compare information on blogs and curators in one place.

Identifying Suitable Genres

How can musicians effectively pinpoint the right blogs for their music? By focusing on music blogs aligned with their genre, artists can increase the likelihood of getting their music heard. Utilising platforms like Hype Machine, Musosoup, and SubmitHub is critical to discovering reputable music sites that cater to specific styles. Musicians should submit music to blogs where their genre matches the editors’ focus. Research blog contact details carefully, and analyse the content to guarantee compatibility.

Avoid submitting to blogs with mismatched genres to prevent wasted effort.

Gathering Contact Information

Why struggle with reaching the right audience when precise targeting can amplify a musician’s efforts?

Researching music blogs effectively involves a strategic approach. Here’s how to gather contact information:

1. Utilise search engines and social media to identify music blogs fitting your genre. Confirm they are open to email submissions.

2. Explore “About” or “Contact” sections to find editor names and roles, personalising your outreach.

3. Create a spreadsheet to track blog names, contact details, and submission guidelines. Note any specific preferences from music bloggers.

4. Leverage platforms like Musosoup, Hype Machine and SubmitHub to discover blogs engaging with similar artists.

Engage with blogs on social media to build rapport before sending submissions.

A follow-up email can reinforce your pitch, increasing your chances of being featured.

Understanding Submission Guidelines

Having gathered the necessary contact information, the next logical step involves understanding the submission guidelines of target music blogs. This vital stage requires artists to carefully read each blog’s submission policies to comprehend specific requirements such as format, file types, and deadlines.

Doing so is imperative to increase the chances of acceptance when they submit music. Researching the blog’s focus and genre ensures that their music aligns with the blog’s content, preventing immediate rejection due to irrelevance.

Utilising platforms like Hype Machine , SubmitHub and Musosoup can aid in discovering suitable music blogs that accept submissions. Personalising submissions by addressing editors by name and referencing their previous articles not only demonstrates genuine interest but also enhances engagement, making the submission more appealing to blog editors.

Crafting a Tailored Pitch

When seeking to capture the attention of a music blog, crafting a tailored pitch is a crucial step that can greatly enhance the likelihood of a successful submission.

A well-researched approach guarantees that your music submissions resonate with the blog’s audience and align with your music’s unique aspects. Here’s how:

1. Research: Understand the music blog’s style and genres to ensure your submission aligns with their content.

2. Personalise: Address the blog editor by name and mention specific articles or artists they have featured, showcasing genuine interest.

3. Highlight: Emphasise unique aspects of your music that will appeal to the blog’s readers.

4. Subject Line: Craft a compelling subject line to grab attention and encourage opening.

Additionally, consider the importance of effective press outreach to maximise your chances of getting featured on multiple platforms.

A concise and engaging pitch will maintain interest and increase response rates.

Following Submission Guidelines

Maneuvering the submission process for a music blog requires thorough attention to each platform’s guidelines, ensuring that all essential materials like release dates, artwork, and artist bios are meticulously prepared and submitted. Adhering to specified deadlines and matching the blog’s musical preferences are critical steps that not only enhance the likelihood of acceptance but also demonstrate professionalism and respect for the blog’s editorial process. Additionally, understanding effective targeting can significantly increase the chances of successful submissions by aligning your music with the right audience.

Essential Submission Materials

To maximise the potential of being featured on music blogs, artists must meticulously assemble a thorough submission package that adheres to each blog’s specific guidelines.

Essential submission materials include a well-crafted electronic press kit (EPK), which should encompass:

1. Artist Bio and Professional Visuals: Present a compelling narrative and high-quality images to captivate blog editors.

2. High-Quality Tracks: Guarantee tracks are fully mixed and mastered, demonstrating professionalism and readiness.

3. Music Platforms Links: Provide private streaming links from platforms like Dropbox or SoundCloud to facilitate easy access for reviewers.

4. Adherence to Submission Guidelines: Carefully follow each blog’s requirements regarding music format, file types, and additional materials to improve success rates.

Adhering to Deadlines

Although it might seem like a minor detail, adhering to submission deadlines is an essential component of a successful music blog submission strategy. Music blogs often have specific submission deadlines outlined in their guidelines. Missing these deadlines can lead to automatic disqualification due to the high volume of track submissions they receive. To navigate the submission process effectively, artists must meticulously track submission deadlines and align their release schedules with blog timelines. Regularly updating and reviewing submission guidelines is crucial, as changes can affect an artist’s ability to get featured. Understanding seasonal or thematic content calendars can further optimise submission timing.

Matching Blog Preferences

When submitting music to blogs, it is essential to meticulously follow each blog’s specific submission guidelines, as these often dictate the preferred formats, file types, and necessary information for a successful pitch.

Adhering to these guidelines increases the likelihood of being featured on a music platform. To increase success:

1. Align with Genre: Submit music that matches the blog’s specific genre focus to avoid automatic rejections.

2. Include Required Materials: Verify submission completeness with high-resolution artwork, a press release, and an artist biography.

3. Use Private Streaming Links: Opt for platforms like SoundCloud for easier access, as preferred by many music blogs.

4. Make Timely Submissions: Respect deadlines to improve your chances of being featured.

Building Relationships With Blog Writers

Building relationships with blog writers is an essential step for musicians looking to expand their reach and influence.

Establishing strong connections with these key influencers begins with engaging through social media. Musicians can comment on posts or share articles, showcasing genuine interest in the writer’s content. Personalising communication by referencing specific articles further enhances these connections.

Networking opportunities, such as industry events, offer valuable face-to-face interactions, fostering personal bonds that may lead to future collaborations. Additionally, following up politely after music submissions keeps artists on the writer’s radar and demonstrates professionalism. Engaging with writers through collaborative efforts can enhance visibility and open doors to new opportunities.

Regularly sharing and promoting blog features on social media not only shows appreciation but also encourages blog writers to contemplate future features, solidifying a long-term professional relationship. One major benefit of platforms like Musosoup is the ability to build and manage direct and long-term relationships with different blogs in one place.

Sending and Tracking Submissions

Crafting a strategic approach to sending and tracking music submissions is essential for artists aiming to maximise their chances of being featured on music blogs. Successful artists understand the importance of organisation and precision when they submit music.

By adopting systematic tracking submissions methods, they enhance their music career prospects. Here’s how:

1. Organise submissions using a spreadsheet to log blog names, contact info, submission dates, and follow-up schedules.

2. Utilise a dedicated email address for submissions, separating personal correspondence and streamlining communication.

3. Set reminders for follow-ups a week after submission to maintain momentum without overwhelming bloggers.

4. Use email tracking tools to monitor when email submissions are opened, providing insights for effective follow-up timing.

Additionally, establishing direct relationships with media outlets can create a basic level of publicity that attracts industry professionals, enhancing your chances of being featured.

These steps empower artists to refine their approach and enhance their visibility.

Effective Follow-Up Strategies

Although patience is key in the world of music submissions, following up effectively can greatly enhance an artist’s chance of being noticed. An effective follow-up strategy involves sending a follow-up email at least one week after the initial submission. Music blogs appreciate concise messages that reiterate interest without sounding impatient. Personalising the follow-up by referencing specific articles shows genuine engagement, making the interaction more meaningful. Maintaining a friendly tone is essential for encouraging a professional response. Additionally, keeping in mind the importance of building relationships with bloggers can further increase the likelihood of a positive outcome.

In preparing for potential delays, particularly with larger blogs, artists should remain patient and understanding. A well-crafted follow-up can make all the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Submit Music to Music Blogs?

To successfully submit music to blogs, one should utilise music submission tips, including thorough blog research, crafting a professional press kit, practising email etiquette, selecting tracks wisely, targeting the right genre, maintaining social media presence, and employing a strategic follow-up.

How to Get Featured in a Blog?

To get featured in a blog, an artist should utilise music discovery and blog outreach through strategic submission strategies. Effective genre targeting, compelling press kits, proper email etiquette, and timely follow-up tactics enhance artist networking opportunities.

How to Get Blogs to Write About Your Music?

To have blogs write about your music, utilise music promotion strategies, focusing on blog outreach tips and artist branding essentials. Employ effective email templates and social media engagement, target your music genre, and leverage press kits while building relationships.

Are Music Blogs Still a Thing?

Music blogs continue to thrive, evolving with digital promotion strategies and spotlighting indie artists through genre-specific content. Social media impact and audience engagement techniques augment blog monetisation methods, aligning with current music discovery trends and sustaining their relevance.

Conclusion

Successfully getting your music featured on blogs is a multifaceted process that demands careful preparation and strategic execution. By preparing your tracks meticulously, researching suitable blogs, crafting personalised pitches, and adhering to submission guidelines, artists can greatly enhance their chances. Building genuine relationships with blog writers further amplifies these efforts. Diligently tracking submissions and employing thoughtful follow-up strategies solidifies this approach. Ultimately, persistence and professionalism are key to transforming blog submissions into valuable opportunities for exposure and growth.