7 Twitter Dos and Don’ts for the Independent Artist

by Lola Sims
With the newest social media trend being Twitter, a lot of established as well as independent artist have taken to the networking site as a way to increase awareness of their brands and movements. Although the site boast music friendly opportunities i.e. New Music Monday’s, a lot of users are starting to complain about the onslaught of music they are either tweeted or fill their timeline. Rightfully so, if your a DJ, radio personality, or have anything to do with the entertainment industry you have to expect these tweets to fill your timeline from time to time So, I have decided to come up with a couple quick do’s and dont’s for independent artists that can help further as well as build their relationships on twitter without being blocked ignored, or unfollowed.
1. Do be considerate in your approach.
Just like how you have to be careful in how you approach someone on the street, you also have to be considerate in the way you come across on twitter. I think a lot of people feel as though they can act any way the want because they are not in front of that person or because its through the internet. What most don’t realize is while a lot of people use twitter for networking purposes, many use it to keep in touch with peers as well as people they already know, so you can’t catch feelings with someone when they choose not to follow you back or respond to an inquiry to rate your music. Because in hind site why should they care since you didn’t take the time to build the relationship with them personally?
2. Do follow people who are relevant to what you are trying to accomplish.
More times then most when I check some artists following list I see nothing but “models” and other women they have followed all because the look good in their profile picture. I have nothing against following models, video vixens, and other women on twitter but please make sure you handle business too. Tweeting a sexy vixen over which bra color she should wear today instead of tweeting someone with a submission opportunity really defeats the purpose of networking on twitter.
3. Do build a genuine relationship with those you are following.
Just like in life, business is based off of relationships. Because a person knows you or has heard of you ultimately helps you get your foot in the door and in this case with twitter your music heard. Why would an editor take the time to download your song and listen to it if they have no personal interest?
4. Do get to know your followers
While some people see followers as a popularity contest, the one’s who are really winning are those who see their followers as more than just numbers. The people that are following you do so for a reason. In someway in 140 characters or less, which is the allotted type for a twitter tweet, you have captured their attention and you should acknowledge it and better yet try to keep it.
5. Don’t bombard people with your music
We all, yes even myself, get excited when we hear of new opportunities, but you have to know how to handle the opportunity. Tweeting your music to new followers, new friends, and random people on twitter can become annoying to some and cause for you to be blocked and ignored.
6. Don’t miss out on opportunities when permitted
There are 100′s of opportunities weekly from different users available for independent artists. Most magazine, sites, and blogs love for people to submit music because it ultimately helps their site traffic as well as adds to their content, but only send when asked or if you already have a relationship. You don’t want to become one of those emails they always ignore.
7. Submissions: Don’t do more than you’re asked
Last week, I tweeted an opportunity to my followers which was re-tweeted over and over again. It basically called for independent submissions for interview opportunities. For those who responded I requested 1 song and a bio. I got 10 songs from one person, 5 songs from another, and emails everyday for the last week asking if I listened to the music. This can become a bit much and cause many to just ignore you instead of listening to your music.
I hope these quick Do’s and Don’ts have in some way helped you take full advantage of the twitter networking. Feel free to give me a follow @LolaSims.
Tweet you soon.

Lola Sims is a publicist for artists
PR & Publicity
LolaSims@gmail.com
Follow me on Twitter /LolaSims
www.myspace.com/lolabstyle