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Since I& #39;ve been asked multiple times...I& #39;ll do a lil thread on ways to build a presence on @Bandcamp. I am in no way an expert, I have been using the platform since 2010. I& #39;ve had a new and notable post written and I& #39;ve had multiple genre and regional top selling works.
Step 1) if you& #39;re used to using DSPs it may be hard to get people to buy your work. Try posting only singles on DSPs and draw people to your bandcamp page to buy the full body of work. You can play both sides, but the key is getting the sale. Why buy what I can stream for free?
Use bandcamp as your exclusive platform, meaning you post the album to bandcamp first so it can grow on sales. Once you& #39;re satisfied with sales, throw it on DSPs. Your true supports will show up and pay because there& #39;s no other option for them, this weeds out wishy washy folks.
Step 2) make your bandcamp page look good. Think of your page as your music store. It needs to have a flow and it needs to have your best works present. You have the ability to arrange your releases how YOU want, chronological order isn& #39;t always best.
90% of the music I click on on bandcamp is due to having GOOD cover art and presentation. I sit and browse the hip hop/rap genre every day looking for new music to buy and listen to. Presentation is key. I can& #39;t stress that enough.
Presentation also means writing in the "about" section when it comes to the project. As a listener and new fan, I may want to know about the album and any important details. You can copy and paste press from your project in that spot for clout tokens. It works.
Step 3) use the tags that Bandcamp suggests for you. Dont go on there putting "music to rock black AF1s to" as the genre. Use the generic Hip-Hop/Rap tag. People have told me multiple times they found my music because of tags. Keep it simple. Don& #39;t be extra with it.
Step 4) invest in bandcamp pro if you can. This allows you to upload videos and gives you more perks on the artist end. Couple that with the bandcamp artist app. Knowing where your plays and purchases are coming from helps. You can see your followers and message them on the app.
If you have a video for a song, you can post it with the song or at the top of the page. When people go to that album it& #39;ll be the FIRST thing they see. Use that to your advantage. Also, include song lyrics if you can.
Step 5) bandcamp is really good for bodies of work, singles get lost in the shuffle if they aren& #39;t attached to pre-orders or have a write up for them. If you want to post a single, make it a project by adding vocal tracks or the instrumental. This will allow it to be searched.
When you go to the tags to look for stuff singles DON& #39;T show up. So add extra content to make it a single pack. This will also allow merch to be added to the page of the single pack, so everything is in one spot. You can& #39;t attach merch with a singular song.
Step 6) invest in yourself and add merch. A bulk of your sales will come from merch. You will make your money back once you understand who is willing to buy into your brand and support you. Start small, then expand once you understand what works for you.
Make sure your product pictures look good and aren& #39;t taken on your kitchen counter top with all the appliances in the background.
Step 7) when you post your bandcamp link on twitter, add some commentary or a caption. I& #39;ve got into the habit of posting a music video, merch pics, or letting people know what& #39;s there- music, merch, and videos. Posting the link alone isn& #39;t enough, people are LAZY.
Step 8) bandcamp allows you to upload bonus tracks, videos, extra covers, pdfs, and more with your releases. Use that to your advantage and add stuff that only people who buy it get to have access to. When they purchase the album, they can unzip the file and get hidden gems.
Step 9) understand that if you& #39;re just starting off on the platform it may be hard to garner support and get a lot of sales. Take advantage of bandcamp Fridays...everyone is going there to look for music, so why not capitalize on that day. I made over $1000 in July on BC Friday.
Step 10) lastly...you have the option to set limits on HOW MANY TIMES PEOPLE CAN STREAM YOUR WORK BEFORE THEY NEED TO PAY FOR IT TO HEAR IT AGAIN!! Take control of your art. Also, make it to where people have to provide an email to buy your work. Trust me, its helpful.
By them providing their emails they sign up to your bandcamp mailing list...meaning then you drop something or post an update or message, they get it FIRST. THIS IS WHY MY MERCH SELLS OUT BEFORE TWITTER FOLKS GET A CHANCE TO BUY IT!!!
