How to Build Your Fanbase of 1000 True Fans and Grow Revenue Streams in 2023, Part II

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This Blog is Part II of III Parts. In Part I (How to Build Your Fanbase of 1000 True Fans and Grow Revenue Streams in 2023), I started with the list of things you need to have in place in order of importance to be successful with building your list of true fans and growing revenue streams.

Today in Part II, I am diving into the 1000 True Fan building and next week in Part III, l get into revenue streams. 

Part II: Building Your List of 1000 True Fans

Building a fan funnel is for starters the key. I outlined the Funnel in Part I. It’s a series of offers and experiences to move a potential fan into an experience and to become a fan. 

The number one way to see that funnel grow is to create compelling magical offers and experiences that convert a followers into a fan, and a fan into a true fan. The difference between a fan and a true fan is a true fan shares your music, comes to all of your shows, buys your stuff and would follow you to the ends of the earth if you asked them :). 

The goal is to aim for 125 True Fans and work your way up to 1000 True Fans. 

To have 125 True Fans who buy from you, you’ll need approximately 2500 people on your list (based on a rounded number of 5% of your list buys from you). Once you have 125 Fans you are starting to turn your creative power into profit!

Here are the main ingredients of your Fan Funnel to build your list of 1000 True Fans.

1. Free Music Download – turns a follower into a fan

Social media followers are not fans. To turn a follower into a fan, you invite them to join your list. To entice followers to join your list, give them your last album, bundle of singles (5+) or a bundle of covers. If you don’t have released music, these can be demos and just update them periodically as you have music releases. The usual rule of thumb is to give away your “last” album, not your current release. 

You’ll want to create a title for your email opt-in and your offer/giveaway. Make an enticing (but clear and not too elaborate or confusing) design. Keep in mind that the visual image will stop the scroll or make someone click, the copy converts. 

• Here is an example of some good copy that hits the emotions:
  • Title: “Join my Wildflower Diaries” 
  • Tagline: “Get weekly behind the scenes look at my songwriting process, sneak peeks of songs and the latest news” 
  • Offer: Album giveaway -> “One Thousand Petals EP” 
• Add a Thank you page once they subscribe with a nice image, a nice welcoming message from you, some key links to music, videos and a “check your inbox to confirm your subscription”.

2. Email Nurture Series – introduces you to your new fans 

This email nurture series is important – it is your “first touch” with your new fans. Make it count. If you are in a community, get feedback on it. This copy will either help convert them into a true fan or not do much. Spend time tweaking the copy.

• Email 1:  A really nice thank you email for joining the list with the links to their free EP/LP/Bundle (use Dropbox folder to store your music files and lyrics that you share with them).

Tip: I highly recommend including a pdf of the “liner notes” – the lyrics and credits in a nice design with your signature :). I don’t know about you, but I miss liner notes from CD’s and vinyls back in the day! It’s such a nice touch to immerse yourself in the music while reading the lyrics and learning more about the artist. A personal invitation to your Livestream. 

• Email 2: A little intro about you – but keep it emotional and poetic – you want to connect with your new fans so don’t be too dry. Share your latest album with them and ask them which song is your favorite? Tell them “if you like the music, hit FOLLOW, it really helps me out as an independent artist.  A personal invitation to your Livestream. 
• Email 3: A poll on what is their favorite song? Set up a page that a graphic of the poll links to with a multiple choice. Use Typeform (multiple choice) or a Google Form. Make it look pretty with an image of your album or bundle.  A personal invitation to your Livestream. 
• Then they get your Monthly Newsletter (see #3 below)

Also it’s important to have CTA’s (Call to Action) in your emails so you can see what people are clicking on or interested in. Asking questions is also a great way to engage them (although not that many people respond, they like to see those questions and some will respond and engage).

Some CTA’s will be a P.S. and some will be icons (like social media) at the bottom of the email. Your email provider should have this feature.  

An example of some CTA’s would be: 

• Link to a song / album or video – track the link to see who is clicking on it (get the code from your email provider – Google it)
• Links to socials at the bottom of all email correspondence 
• Poll of your songs 

3. Monthly Newsletter – builds trust 

A monthly newsletter that goes out the same day of the month at the same time. Never miss it. Many artists miss this — it’s the quickest way to nurture your fanbase and to build trust. Spend time designing a nice monthly newsletter. 

• Banner at the top – with a title for your newsletter – make it match the title on your free offer on your site (see #1) Ex.: “Wildflower Diaries” your name on the banner.
• Short letter from you about what’s on your mind and upcoming news.
• Featured link  (a song, video, piece of merch)
• Livestream banner – where, when – link to Twitch for example. 
• All your music links (everywhere you can be found online) Ask for a follow. 
• Your social media icons 

4. Merch 

Musicians make a living from live performances and merchandise. Spend some time creating some ideas for merch that people really want. With print on demand you can try stuff and see what people like.. Nothing sells itself – you point to it from your socials in CTA’s (at the bottom of posts), and in  your monthly newsletter. With merch don’t put it on every post though which is too salesy. Switch up your CTA’s for free stuff, giveaways and merch.

Make merch that people want and try stuff that is more unique to you, your music, where you’re from and your brand. For ex. one of my artists is from Finland. We came up with a candle inside a tote bag that has a scent you can only find in Finland. Unique ideas and merch sell! 

5. Lives and Livestream 

The best way to start growing your following is to use your list and social media to invite people to Lives and Livestreams as this is a wider reach online and builds that part of your audience. 

I also recommend a monthly residency in a local venue to build your local following. Same day of the month at the same time makes it easy for people to remember. 

I hope this helps you! Stay tuned for Part III re: revenue streams for next weeks Blog! 

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