Why artists shouldn’t skip steps
Artists should focus on growing at their own pace instead of trying to go viral.
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Let’s dive into today’s topic:
Why artists shouldn’t skip steps
Artists should focus on growing at their own pace instead of trying to go viral.
Why it matters
In the current landscape, artists often witness others going viral, whether on TikTok, Spotify, or sync placements. This instils a desire to chase virality, setting lofty targets for their next career steps, such as releasing a single or securing a live booking. However, virality can't be forced, and artists benefit more from realistic goal-setting and embracing the gradual growth process.
How it works
Here are three practical steps for artists to set, assess, and appreciate realistic goals:
Define the Next Step: Critically evaluate the current status and determine a sensible next step. For instance, if an artist sells 50 concert tickets, a realistic goal could be selling 75 tickets, potentially involving moving to a larger venue. Establish a "definition of done" that outlines the criteria for achieving the goal.
Measure Success: Clearly understand how progress can be measured and consistently monitor these metrics. Regular evaluation provides insights into strategies' effectiveness and helps make necessary adjustments.
Celebrate Wins: Artists should celebrate smaller victories rather than fixating on grand achievements like making it to New Music Friday. Getting featured in a local or niche playlist that aligns with their current position on the path to success is a significant accomplishment worth acknowledging.
Besides chasing realistic goals, artists should continuously create high-quality work and develop their brand through meaningful and valuable content
Yes, but..
While the desire for instant success is universal, artists must recognise that the journey to success is gradual without guaranteed shortcuts. Skipping essential steps doesn't expedite growth; it might even hinder long-term success.
Take action now
Artists can start by redefining their goals, opting for realistic objectives aligned with their current position. They can foster steady and sustainable growth by scaling down overly ambitious targets.
Further reading
How artists can find the one metric that matters (The Fanbase Builder)
How to use pirate metrics to set up a fan journey (The Fanbase Builder)
• Metrics That Matter (Amber Horsburgh)
Converting TikTok users to Spotify listeners (The Fanbase Builder)