Breaking into the music industry can be tough. It seems like in order to make it, you need an agent. However, most agents seem to only work with those who already have a name. But how are you supposed to make a name for yourself when you can’t get anyone to work with you? It seems like a hopeless cycle, but it’s not. Try getting started with the following steps.

Build a Following

Though it seems like everyone wants to show their life on social media, there are actually people out there who prefer to avoid it. This is true for many creative people, especially since all they really want to do is follow their passion.

Even so, it’s essential that you have a following and a fan base in order for any other method to work as well as it can. And thanks to social media, it’s easier than ever to build one. And having a social media presence helps you drive traffic to your music products.

If social media really isn’t your thing or you’d prefer to stick with your music, that’s okay. There are plenty of social media managers out there that can help you build your online presence without you needing to invest a great deal of time.

Streaming Platforms

Streaming platforms like Pandora, YouTube, and Apple Music provide a great avenue for getting your music out there and getting some revenue coming in. Many of these platforms do require that you be signed up through a distribution service, so be prepared for that.

Also, be sure that you do some research as not all distribution services are created equal. Try to find reviews by other independent artists to get a full view of what a service is truly like.

Once you’ve signed up for a distribution service and your music is live on streaming sites, use your following to drive traffic to your songs. This can help garner a great deal of attention from many avenues, including music synchronization license companies. You just might end up with one of your songs on TV or a movie.

Live Shows

Live shows are a great way to create hype for your music, especially in your local community. Ask around for places to hold some live events. You might be able to find some free venues or some local events that are looking for talent to perform.

Other times, you might need to book a location for a fee. If you don’t have the funds, you can always try crowdfunding. You might even be able to pre-sell tickets.

Merchandise

Your end goal might be to sell your music, but you can start gaining interest by selling other products. For example, take a clever quote from one of your songs and put it on a T-shirt, along with your website, social media name, or a hashtag. Use a print-on-demand service to sell the shirt. Then, purchase a few for you and your closest friends to wear. This can help drive traffic not only to your physical products but also to your website or social profiles.

It can be difficult to make it as an independent artist, but it’s not impossible. It does take some hard work and dedication, but it can certainly pay off in the end.