Social media seems to have become the major way in which people communicate and share info, to the extent it’s easy to forget about having your own mailing list of your fans/audience. But what happens if your biggest followers are on a social media platform which loses fashion and your audience you’ve spent so long building moves onto another platform. Having your own growing personal mailing list is also valuable to your being able to let people who love your work know what you are doing, and is a consistent way to stay in touch whatever the social media weather. Remember that social media platforms can disappear, but your mailing list is yours to keep!

If you continue to build relationships with your supporters, you will soon become a team. It’s those people who’ll listen to your new album, come to your gig when you’re in town, and tell their friends about your fantastic work!

As freelance musicians, we engage and share our musical work with our dedicated audience through a number of platforms. A regular mailout is one of the ways to keep your audience up to date.

A mailout, or list of names and email addresses, is a really useful way to target numerous people at once! And fundamentally to those who’ve chosen to sign to hear about your work. It’ll be those who love your work, who really want to support your work, who might buy or stream your music and turn up to your events.

Do be careful not to ‘spam’ your audience as some of them might un-subscribe, best only send something when you really have something to say.

Think about what is your core message or reason for contacting people, what is it you want to say. Plus always (and it’s pretty obvious to say) combine being really friendly and professional.

Nowadays, most of the musicians and music creators use social media to promote themselves and their work, however there are times when they can feel that their work gets unnoticed.

How to start building your personal mailing list?

Pen and paper can do just fine:

But always remember GDPR is essential in all formats when collecting people’s contact details. You must present them with privacy information at the time you get their data or you can provide them with a link where people can access the privacy information.

Try an iPad or tablet:

Plus in our usually tech focused world, why not try using an iPad or tablet. It will save you a lot of time as the addresses can be automatically added to your mailing list, alongside the GDPR process being clear on collection, and then there’s no difficulty in trying to decipher people’s handwriting the next day…

Read more about privacy compliance for iPad apps here: https://www.privacypolicies.com/blog/gdpr-compliance-apps/ 

Overall whatever the method or medium, make sure you present privacy information to all signees before they sign up for your mailing list!

‘’Article 13 of UK GDPR lays out the “right to be informed” requirements when you collect personal data directly from the individual it relates to. In these circumstances you must provide them with privacy information at the time you obtain their data.’’

‘’You must prominently display privacy information or a more basic privacy statement with a link to a website with an alternative contact address where people can write to obtain the privacy information.’’

Apps to grow your mailing list:

• OnSpot Social
• Clearbit
• Sumo
• Copper
• GoFormz
• Mailchimp Plugin

Mailing List Services

Mailing list services can help you to easily manage your mailing list in an automatically and legally safe framework.

Which mailing list service should I choose?

There a few popular mailing list services:

• Mailchimp
• Convertkit
• Moosend
• AWeber
• Drip
• Etc.

Read on to learn more about the currently available top mailing list services:

https://www.wpbeginner.com/showcase/best-email-marketing-services/ 

Why Bands and Artists Need a Mailing List? Read more here:

https://www.pmtonline.co.uk/blog/2019/07/31/why-bands-artists-need-a-mailing-list/ 

GDPR Overview:

The General Data Protection (GDPR) was implemented in May 2018. It can feel like an overwhelming amount of info to get to grips with, but don’t worry! Simply put, it means that you must comply with GDPR when collecting someone else’s email address or name.

Essentially when someone joins your mailing list, they should have the choice to opt in or opt out of receiving future emails at any time. Plus, you shouldn’t add anyone else’s email address without their permission!

To avoid any possible confusions or potential legal issues, it is worthwhile to learn more about GDPR and its regulations.

You can read more about GDPR here: https://gdpr.eu/what-is-gdpr/?cn-reloaded=1