Marketing collateral. Heard of it? Completely overwhelmed by it?
Congratulations! You're getting ready to share your art with the world! You head to the Google Machine to find the "Top 10 Marketing Materials All Artists Should Have". You're immediately bombarded with page after page of materials you "need" before you can put yourself out there.
So. Many. Questions.
Do I need a logo? Should I hire a graphic designer? I need print materials? Who's gonna design those? A website seems important. Do I need to hire a developer too? How do I run social media? I need recordings and headshots too? What's this "brand" thing marketers keep referring to? All of this can quickly become overwhelming and paralyze you.
Can't I just share my freaking art already!?
What's the bare minimum? Here's a list of suggestions in order of importance.
#1 - Business Card
Picture this. It's 2011. I'm finishing up the first year of my undergrad in voice, and I book my first church gig. Baby Susan is STOKED. I show up, do the thing, get paid, awesome.
As I'm leaving, someone from the church comes up to me and asks me for my business card. My what now? You can imagine my embarrassment and disappointment when I told them I didn't have one. Opportunity squashed...😬
At the VERY minimum, you need a business card the minute you start putting yourself out there. It doesn't have to be fancy, but it does need to exist. Vistaprint has a ton of templates to start from, or you can easily design your own in Canva. It should include your name, phone, email (make sure this is professional....lookin at you sexi.mamma472893@gmail.com), and website and socials if you have them.
Pro-Tip: If you're just getting started, don't buy 500 business cards. Chances are, you're going to need to change something rather quickly after you get them printed. Ask me how I know. 🤔
#2 - Social Media
HELLO free advertising! Socials can become overwhelming really quickly. You don't need to be on every social media platform that exists. Pick 2 and get really comfortable with them before you consider expanding.
#3 - Headshots
If you're serious about performing...you need headshots. No way around it...
#4 - Website
This doesn't have to be complicated. With so many "drag and drop" sites out there, it is possible to get up and running without much help, especially since you can start with templates. My favorite is Wix. For new artists, a single page with your headshot, socials, contact info, and a bio with a few photos of you in action (if you have them) is plenty.
#5 - Recordings
When you're just getting started, it is definitely not necessary to rent our an entire studio to record some tracks. Youtube videos are fine for the time being, as long as the quality isn't horrible.
#6 - Electronic Press Kit
This can be a hidden page on your website that has a dedicated URL and should house the following:
Contact Information
Social Links
Short Bio & Long Bio
Download Capabilities of Your Headshots, Photos in Action (If you have them) and any logos you have
Media - Youtube Videos, Tracks, Podcasts, Interviews, etc.
Press - Links to newspaper articles, magazines, etc.
Fan Testimonials
Any Memberships you have that relate to your industry
Remember - This is a Process...
You won't have all of this stuff overnight. As you start putting yourself and your art out there, you'll start putting together the pieces listed above. All you need is a business card to get started. :)
Need help? Schedule a free consultation with me!