© 2019 Vinny Ribas
In today’s music market, the competition for fans is fierce and ongoing. While people have the capacity to enjoy countless songs by thousands of artists, they only have the time to invest in a small handful. Your goal is to help them choose you as one of their favorite artists. As important as it is, the tipping point will often not be the quality of your music. It will be the way they perceive you as a person and their interactions with you. They search for someone they can relate to on a deep level.
Here are some of the things that draw fans to want to actively support you engage with you.
- Similar religious beliefs – People are attracted to you if you share the same religious beliefs. It’s not always the most compelling reason, but it gets people to give you a fighting chance. That said, they will sometimes ignore someone who has completely opposite religious convictions.
- Similar passions – People are highly attracted to you if you are passionate about the same things.
- Where you are from – This may seem like a given, but it is universally true. For example, if you are from the deep south, people from the deep south will consider you ‘one of their own.’
- Similar hobbies or interests outside of music – Hobbies and general interests are usually non-controversial and therefore exceptional ways to attract new fans. For example, NASCAR fans feel a kindred spirit with other NASCAR fans.
- What you stand for – People will flock to you if you stand for the same things they do. This can include everything from political or religious views, to protecting the environment and even someone’s rights.
- How you show what you stand for – If you perform at a cause-related event, you will endear yourself to people who also support the same cause. If you are a very vocal and public supporter of what you stand for, you will develop deeper connections with people who believe as strongly as you do.
- Who you represent – This is true whether you come across as representing a minority, a specific gender, people from a specific geographic location or just ‘the working class’. Many times, the public gives you this label rather than you earning it intentionally. But either way, it’s a strong fan magnet.
- Who you associate with – Your fans watch and follow you, and they take note of the people you surround yourself with. If they like the company you keep, it is another reason to get closer to you.
- How and how much you appreciate them – People naturally need to feel appreciated. Your fans are no different. The more you thank them, the more loyal they will become. And the things you do to show your appreciation can be just what some need to cross over into becoming super fans.
- Your political views – Where you stand politically can obviously be polarizing, especially if you are quite vocal about it. It’s even stronger if your views are obvious in your songs. People who agree with you will be drawn closer, while people who disagree many decide to turn their attention and support elsewhere.
- What you write and sing about – This is a broad category, but fans are attracted to you when you write and sing about things they know, love or relate to.
- Awards and recognition – Music fans pay attention to awards shows at all levels. They enjoy seeing that you are in the running and love to help to help you win. It makes them feel like they are a part of your success.
- Your progress – Fans love to watch and help someone climb the ladder right before their eyes. Every now victory of yours is a victory for them as well. It creates momentum and deepens their commitment to you.
There are 3 reasons why understanding this concept is critical.
- It’s important to know how you are perceived by the public. This is your brand. It’s up to you to establish, guide, maintain and protect your brand. If any part of it is not authentic, it will eventually become obvious and some of your fans may turn against you.
- You can tap into everywhere people who share your beliefs and interests congregate. Interest-related online forums, organizations, physical locations and events are where you will find the most receptive potential fans.
- Once you know why your fans love you, you can do a better job of catering to them and appreciating them. You know what they want you to write about. You know what kind of merch they will buy from you. You know where they want you to perform and the kinds of events they expect to see you at. You know what thank-you gifts to offer people who support your fan-funding campaign or become repeat patrons.
