Guides & Checklists
Here are some simple, no-fluff guides to help you navigate common musician tasks. Click any title to expand it.
Before Release Day
- ✓ Finalize master audio & cover art (3000x3000px).
- ✓ Upload to your distributor at least 3-4 weeks early.
- ✓ Pitch to Spotify playlists via Spotify for Artists (at least 1 week early).
- ✓ Plan your social media content for release week.
On Release Day
- ✓ Update all social media bios with the new song link.
- ✓ Post about the release on all active platforms.
- ✓ Email your mailing list!
- ✓ Engage with fans who share and comment.
After Release Day
- ✓ Keep sharing the song for several weeks.
- ✓ Create different types of content around the song (lyric videos, behind-the-scenes).
- ✓ Check your streaming stats to see what's working.
Must-Have Sections
- Home: A clear, welcoming entry point.
- Bio/About: Your story, in your own words.
- Music: Embed your latest release from Spotify or Apple Music.
- Videos: Your latest YouTube videos.
- Links: A clean list of all your important links (socials, streaming, etc).
- Contact/Booking: A simple form or email link.
Assets to Prepare
- High-quality artist photos.
- Your bio, written out.
- Links to all your social and music profiles.
Don't overthink it. Rotate through these ideas.
- Week 1 (Creation): Show a clip of you writing/producing, a photo of your workspace, a poll asking fans about two different riffs, a post about an artist who inspires you.
- Week 2 (Personal): Share a non-music hobby, ask a question to your audience, share a favorite local spot, post a photo of your pet or favorite coffee shop.
- Week 3 (Promotion): Remind people about your latest release, post a clip from a music video, share a fan's post, go live for a quick Q&A.
- Week 4 (Value): Share a tip about your instrument/DAW, recommend a favorite plugin or piece of gear, break down the meaning of a lyric, create a simple tutorial.
Logistics
- ✓ Confirm load-in times and set length with the venue.
- ✓ Create and practice your setlist.
- ✓ Pack all necessary gear: instruments, cables, power strips, backup strings/etc.
- ✓ Prepare your merch (simple display, price list, cash box/payment app).
Promotion
- ✓ Post about the show on social media multiple times.
- ✓ Email your list, especially if you can segment by location.
- ✓ Have a link to tickets ready for your social bios.
Want these as custom templates?
If you'd like a custom-branded PDF or Google Doc version of these checklists for your own use, that's a service I can provide. Mention it in the project form!