DIY Mixtape Basics: Self Promotion

So you're done with your mix tape and now you want to promote it? There is nothing better then the ability to promote you. Know that if you can't sell yourself, then nobody else can, including record labels. The buzz you're aiming for is created "word of mouth", meaning you are your best promotion tool, because you're selling you.

Your mix tape buzz can spread around like a bad case of the flu if you promote yourself right. Sure talking is one side of the promotion but showing is the other side. Showing your material by putting up posters, signs and even passing out flyers is the correct way to go. Often in music magazines such as XXL, The Source or Murder Dog, you see the CD duplications/promotion flyers and poster package ads in the back. These places offer low prices on duplication of your CD's and even creating promotion posters. While some offers reach up to $300-500 it is well worth it in the log run. The flyers and posters make it so people can put a face or a cover to your music. Sure you can hear a song over and over, but if you don't have a face to put to the song it's kind of pointless. People aren't only buying into your songs, they are buying into you.

Generally you won't see as many promotion flyers and posters for a mix tape as you would an album, but they still do exist. If you have the proper funds to do it then why not get promotion tools for your mix tape? I only recommend this step if you're really serious about your music career though because it's no sense in wasting money if you're just going to give the tapes to your friends and other close peers. Try to link your mix tape and music to everything else you do on daily basics. For instances if you hear people talking about your genre of music or artist that you feel have similarities to you, don't be shy! Tell them about your music and give them a way to listen to it.

When promoting yourself you must take advantage of all your outlets. Like take advantage of radio, internet and possibly TV if you have the opportunity. Call the radio stations yourself if you have to and even take it upon yourself to post your music online for people to hear. Another good outlet is the DJ's at parties and the clubs. If you get your mix tape in the hands of a popular DJ where you live, your fan base can shoot up like a Nasdaq stock.