Never thanking or engaging with new and current fans

I have found, from personal experience, that I’m more likely to listen to your music (or visit your website or like you on Facebook) if I receive a “thank you” from an artist or musician after becoming their fan.

It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate.  The majority of people do not have time to read long messages.

I have also found that when I take a few moments to send thank yous to my new fans and followers, it usually leads to further interaction with those people.  I have developed several beneficial relationships simply by taking some time each day to send a note of gratitude.

In other words, treat people like you want to be treated

You never know who might start following you.

Beware of the loonie toonies though. Oddballs exist everywhere.

Stop talking about yourself all the time

Nothing is more boring, and usually annoying, than people who use their status updates to demand everyone go download their new song.

Go look at your Twitter timeline.  If 7 out of your last 10 tweets say the same thing or are only promoting yourself, you are NOT using social media to your advantage.

In fact you are doing the opposite.

Ever wonder how many of your 345 followers actually pay attention to your Tweets?

If you are only talking about yourself, chances are not that many.

It’s time you start Re-Tweeting interesting or relevant Tweets from your followers, replying and thanking them for @mentioning you, or commenting back on their profile when they take the time to leave you one.

Hell, take a couple of seconds each morning and ask your fans a question and begin conversation(s).

Engage with others and they will engage with you.

Never listening to other people’s music and leaving them comments

This one is simple.

If you are not out in the community (online or in deez skreets) paying attention to other artists and musicians, then why would you expect them to pay attention to you.

Developing relationships with other bands, artists, and musicians is an excellent method for exponentially expanding your fan base on a much broader scale than working it solo.

This is called the World Wide Web for a reason.

The best way I know to get people to comment on your music is to go listen to their songs and leave comments…

Build a community.

And make sure you say more than “nice song”.  Put a little thought into it and don’t hesitate to be critical.

The real artists appreciate honest feedback.