Stop SpamI have written many articles about what you should do online to promote your music. This time I am writing about what you should NOT do to promote your band or music.

Do not spam your music.

Do not spam your shows.

Do not spam your videos.

Get it, do not spam! Spam is when is you send someone a message without them asking to be contacted, without them knowing you, without you knowing if they are interested.

Technical Definition of Spam

An electronic message is “spam” if (A) the recipient’s personal identity and context are irrelevant because the message is equally applicable to many other potential recipients; AND (B) the recipient has not verifiably granted deliberate, explicit, and still-revocable permission for it to be sent.

Here are some common examples to avoid.

Facebook

  1. If you have a Group do not add anyone to the group without first asking if they would like to be added. Even if they are already a friend or have liked your page. Ask permission first.
  2. Do not make a post on someone’s wall promoting your music, show or video without first asking if it is ok to post. Just because you are a friend does not mean they are interested in your music or band, ask first.
  3. Do not make a post on your wall and tag someone in that post without first knowing if they are ok with you tagging them. If someone is not in that post, do not tag them.
  4. Do not send messages promoting your music, shows or videos without first getting permission. This is no different than sending a spam email.
  5. Do not invite people to a event who can’t attend. This means if you have a show in Italy do not invite all your friends in the United States.

Twitter

  1. Just because someone is following you does not mean you can send them a Direct Message with links to music or a video. First send a message asking if they would like to review your music. Again, this is just like spam email.
  2. Do not @mention someone in a post just to get it to show up on their Twitter feed. Especially if the person does not follow you back first. Ask them first if they would be interested in receiving a link.
  3. Here is a link to Twitter which explains exactly what Twitter considers spam.

Soundcloud

  1. Read the article I posted earlier about Soundcloud spam, Proper Etiquette On How To Solicit Your Music Online.

Do these things and you seriously risk getting reported as a spammer to both Facebook and Twitter. This means you will be blocked and you won’t be able to talk to anyone.

Treat your online connections with respect. Nobody is going to take anything you say seriously if you are seen spamming the same message out to everyone or are seen pushing your product on someone you have never had a conversation with or you have no idea even has interest in your music. Respect gets respect.