Social Media Posting Plan (Before Release)

Are you releasing music? If so, a solid social media posting plan can be the difference between the release flopping and doing extremely well.

This blog will provide an outline that you can look to implement for your next release. Before diving into the actual plan however, you need to understand what the goal is.

Of course you want more streams and recognition, but how do you do that? It is all about building hype, providing a clear message and making your music easily accessible.

The strategy we are providing is for 4 weeks (as we believe promoting your song, EP or album 4 weeks in advance can drive the best results).

4 Weeks to Release

This is when you should let your fans know that you’ve been working on a new project, specifically new music. It is important to not be too detailed and specific here. Ever head of the quote, “the magic is in the mystery?” It’s true!

The goal at this stage is to get your fans on the edge of their seats, excited for what’s to come, excited for the music, but unsure of what it is, when it will be released, if it’s featuring anyone, etc.

What to tell your fans - While this is 100% up to you, a recommendation could be, “I’m so excited to share with all you that I’ve been working on new music behind the scenes. I’m thrilled with how it’s turned out and I know you will love it too. I cannot wait to share it with you. You have all shaped the way it has turned out, through your support and so I know you will love it too.”

Why that? While it seems innocent enough, it is straight to the point (explains in the first sentence that you are releasing new music), and filled with words and content that build hype.

Too many times when artists share their release, it’s all about them. That makes sense, because it is their song, they put all the hard work in, etc, but at the end of the day, your fans want to feel included.

Therefore, phrases such as “you have all shaped the way it has turned out” includes your fans. They will now feel connected to it. In addition to that, phrases such as, “I’m thrilled with how it’s turned out” and “I know you will love it,” puts your fans on the edge of your seat.

They now know that they were involved in the music and that it has turned out amazing. It’s safe to say, you’ve built hype and at the same time maintained the mystery of the music.

How to tell them - Once again this is totally up to yourself, however, keep in mind video posts generally perform better than static posts with text. In addition not that, video posts of yourself on screen talking do even better than just words popping up.

You put a lot of time into your music and so it deserves to be seen by the most people. Therefore it would be recommended to personally share the news on video to your lovely followers. They deserve it.

Please keep in mind, this does not have to be in one post. You have a whole week to share this news. You can tease it through multiple posts.

Release Date - There is disagreement on when this should be shared, however the Musician Guidance team believes sharing it during this week is important. The sooner your fans know about your music, the more time it gives them to take note of the release date - mark it down, share it, etc.

3 Weeks to Release

This is the week when you share more information about your new music and actually start promoting it. Important information to share is whether it is a single, an EP, an album, etc.

A good way to actually provide more information in an exciting way is to release the artwork for it. This gives your fans a visual representation of the music and builds hype around it at the same time.

This works well because it provides another element. It is one thing hearing you say that you have new music on the way, but it is even more exciting when your fans can see a physical or tangible representation of it.

In addition to sharing the artwork, this would be a good time to share blogs and podcasts that have featured you, any interviews you have done, quotes from publications or professionals about yourself, and really anything else to build hype.

What to tell your fans - Once again, this is totally up to you, however a recommendation could be, “Here is the official artwork for my new album, titled _______. I want to give a huge thanks to _________ for for interviewing me and saying new up and coming artist set to take the music industry by storm with their new release and _________ who said, that they were so excited to hear my new album.”

Why that? This works for many reasons. Ultimately it creates the fear of missing out (FOMO). For example, if a professional says this new release of yours is one to remember, your fans will not want to miss it, because if they do, they could miss out on the new hottest music.

How to tell them - A recommendation would be to include a mixture of pictures and videos. A picture will be best to share the artwork, however if you have a video trailer or teaser video, that works wonders too.

A video would be best for mentioning those that have featured you, for the reasons mentioned earlier in the blog.

2 Weeks to Release

This is the week when you not only tell your fans that they can “pre-save” or “pre-order,” (if you select distribution services that have those features), but also let people know how excited you are and that you appreciate all their support.

It’s quite simple to pre-save or pre-order on most platforms, however, there will always be some of your fans that do not know how to do it. Explain it to them clearly and accurately, and be very reachable throughout this process.

What to tell your fans - A recommendation could be, “I’m super excited to announce that you can now pre-save my music by clicking the link in my bio. It takes just seconds to do, and if you have any questions or would like assistance, message me, I’d be happy to help.” We’re just two weeks away from release now. I hope you’re as excited as I am.”

This works great because now your fans get something out of it. They are now physically able to pre-save it. While this may seem like a small thing, it provides them a feeling of inclusivity and ownership.

How to tell them - A video post would be best once again. However, in addition to the video, a static image post with steps on how to do so could also prove to be efficient.

Please keep in mind, this does not have to be in one or two posts. You have a whole week to share this news.

1 Week to Release

This is the week in which you should be running countdowns to the release date, releasing previews of your music, the behind the scenes of making it, what fans can expect from it and much more.

In addition to that, you should be very involved with your fans during this time - replying to comments, holding live chats and releasing daily content. It is important to continue the hype in new ways.

For example, a new post reminding your fans of the release date is not as exciting as running a countdown. Furthermore, releasing behind the scenes footage or a preview of the music is more exciting than sharing the album artwork or a picture again.

It is all about continuing to spread the same message in new and exciting ways, that continue to keep the momentum going and the hype growing.

What to tell your fans - Everything you have shared before and more (including the new content - either behind the scenes or music previews). An example is, “you’ve asked for it and so here it is. A preview to my new music, being released in just one week, which you can pre-save after the preview (if you haven’t already).”

Including information in the description about all past information is import too, such as how they can pre-save it, when the release date is and any other information you have shared about the release.

How to tell them - In every way possible. Videos, live streams, pictures, countdowns etc. Your music is almost out, it’s showtime!

Daily posts are highly recommended for this week, ensuring to utilize all methods as explained above.

Release Day

This day should be super exciting for you. It’s the day you officially announce your music is now out. Let the world know!

Share a video post explaining your music is out along with a static picture. Message your fans, your friends, your family etc. They probably already know, but a reminder never hurt anyone.

Throughout this day, be glued to your phone. Reply, comment, message, share, etc. This is your music, what you have poured everything into over the last while. Give it the attention and love it deserves.

After Your Release

You’re probably thrilled your song is out and quite frankly a little relieved, because it’s not easy to create, market, distribute, etc. However, your work is not done now.

Post-release content (or follow-ups) are extremely important that several artists neglect. By follow ups, we mean taking the time to thank all of your fans for streaming your music, personally reply to anyone who may have purchased a CD (if you sell them), reply to media platforms that featured you and/or your music to show how grateful you are, etc.

Also, take the time to follow up with contacts that you may have sent your EPK out to. See what they thought of your music. They may have opportunities for you, and sometimes the only way to find out is with a follow-up.

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Have questions about this plan? Contact us here or book a session with Hudson Moore. He can provide you a personalized social media growth strategy.