Should I build a mailing list or run ads?
Always have a mailing list, run ads to build it, and I’d put that ahead of pre-saves every time.
Your list stays with you forever, while a pre-save depends on the platform, and with plenty of people leaving Spotify you lose them there. People on your newsletter are also far more likely to come to a show, buy something on Bandcamp or pick up merch.
Start early, get a mailing list going and get people following you and engaged ahead of releasing something.
Then set up a welcome flow, the kind of thing you set and forget a little bit, that keeps people engaged and hearing from you.
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More questions
What is a pre-save campaign, and is it worth it?
When should a show announce, and how long should the presale run?
My show sold well and then stopped. Why?
How do I sell tickets to people who aren’t my friends and family?
We’ve never spent money on digital marketing. Why would we, when people find us anyway?
We can’t spend $300 on every show. Does each show need its own ad money?
If I had $10k for a release, how should I spend it?
How much should I spend on ads for a 300-capacity show?
Should a venue market itself all year, or only for its shows?
How do I get people to buy festival tickets early?
What photos and videos does a festival need for its marketing?
Do I need a manager as an independent artist?
How should I roll out an album with a few singles?
Should I hire a publicist for my release?
Should musicians be on TikTok, and what should I post?
How do I build a brand as a musician?
Why do so few of my followers see my posts?
Do I need a newsletter if I have Instagram?
