Tips For Marketing & Making More Money For Your Studio

Summary: 7 tips for growing your studios business.

1. Use Search Engine Marketing: Search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Bing allow you to have ads for your studio pop up in search results. This type of marketing can be targeted to just your local area and it is very cost effective. For example, if you are a studio in St. Louis, you can have your ads appear in results whenever someone searches for “recording studios”; however your ad will only appear in search results if they are originated from the St. Louis area. If they click on your ad they will be directed to your studio’s website. This click may cost as little as a penny. If no one clicks on the ad then you are not charged anything. It’s as close to risk free as you can get.

2. Give Away Something For FREE: Battle of the Bands competitions are always looking for prizes to give away. Consider offering them something simple such as 1 song recorded and mixed for free. Require that if you are giving a prize away, that on all marketing and promotion materials for the Battle of the Bands, that your studios name and logo are featured.

3. Offer A Discount: Identify who the major bands/artists are in your local scene. Offer to record for them at a discounted price if in return they tell their friends and other bands that they play with that you did the recording. Word of mouth advertising is the best. Aspiring artists always want to follow the footsteps of the larger artists in the scene. By being the studio that works with the larger acts, you will get the business of the up an coming ones as well.

4. Put On A Showcase: Sponsor a night at a local venue where you can bring in bands that you have recorded. Make sure that all marketing and promotion materials say something to the effect of “XYZ Studios Present: . . .” This will help you to grow your brand while at the same time keeping your current clients happy.

5. Offer A Student Discount: Offer a discount to local college and university students. To get the word out post flyers around campus, and talk to the music professors. The professors can be a valuable ally in helping you attract new clients.

6. Get On The Social Networks: If you are not already signed up for Facebook, MySpace and Twitter, do so now. There is so much opportunity to connect with artists in your local area, that it would be a shame to not do so. When on the networks, interact with local artists that you would like to work with. Offer advice to them and correspond with them in a meaningful way. Being on a social network also allows you to learn more about your potential clients. This will help you identify needs they may have then you can help them with.

7. Join An Affiliate Program: As the recording engineer you have the first opportunity to help your artists get the products and services (CD Pressing, Mastering, Digital Distribution, Download Cards, T-Shirts etc.) they will need after the recording is complete. By teaming up with a reputable company like Distrophonix you will have the opportunity to earn additional money for your studio for each referral you send their way. To learn more about the Distrophonix referral program check out: http://www.distrophonix.com/affiliate-program/

By: Brenden Bosmans

Brenden is a Marketing Consultant to Distrophonix LLC. Distrophonix provides digital distribution (iTunes & 400+ other stores), CD Pressing, Download Cards, Mastering, etc. to Record Labels, Musicians and Studios. To learn more about Distrophonix check out: www.Distrophonix.com