💡✍️ADN #111: how i'd build a social audience from zero in 2025 (for an artist in the music business)

1 → build your content engine

• pick one unique narrative or defining message (what makes your music/story stand out)
• choose one platform to start (e.g., TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube)
• post daily snippets of your music, creative process, or behind-the-scenes life
• make people feel something — laugh, cry, or inspired
• experiment with different formats (performance clips, storytelling, fan shoutouts)
• save examples of content styles that work in your genre

2 → distribution machine

• post 2x daily for 90 days: 1 performance/music-focused, 1 lifestyle/relatable content
• track what gets shared/saved (not just liked)
• note posting times and when engagement spikes
• test hooks like “How I wrote this song…” or “The story behind this track…”
• double down on what creates real fan connections

3 → build real relationships

• reply to every comment and DM for 90 days
• jump into conversations with fans and other artists (set notifications for peers you respect)
• build community by doing livestreams and Q&As
• collaborate with other artists or shout out emerging talents in your niche
• celebrate your fans (share fan covers, stories, or art)

4 → build content magnets

• turn fan questions into mini-documentaries or vlogs (e.g., “How I got my first gig” or “How I wrote this song”)
• package your behind-the-scenes process into “Making Of” reels or stories
• share milestones and lessons (e.g., “Why this song almost didn’t happen”)
• start getting email subs by offering exclusive content like demos or unreleased tracks
• gate some premium content behind a newsletter sign-up

5 → amplification strategy

• invest $50-$100 behind posts that hit (especially if they showcase your music or story)
• target look-alike audiences (people similar to your fans)
• boost posts that are already organically resonating — never boost cold content
• experiment with Spotify and Instagram ads to push streams or announce releases
• scale what works quickly to grow faster

6 → compound winners

• turn your best-performing posts into ads to reach new fans
• create retargeting campaigns for anyone who engages (merch, tickets, or new music drops)
• establish “content buckets” (e.g., music videos, behind-the-scenes, live performances, personal stories)
• let fan feedback and engagement guide your themes
• cut content strategies that don’t show growth

7 → future-proof strategy

• diversify by building a presence on multiple platforms
• own your fanbase — create a newsletter, text group, or private community
• build a library of timeless content (e.g., performance videos, tutorials, song breakdowns)
• develop your own media (like a vlog series, podcast, or recurring livestream show)
• own your name and music in SEO — make it easy for fans to find you everywhere

AI might generate music, but it can’t replicate your soul.

2025 is a great time to grow your audience and make a lasting impact.

You’ve got this — I’m rooting for you.

Neil

www.artistdevelopment.net for more music industry resources. 

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