Step 1: Start Your Email List (It’s Easier Than You Think)

You don’t need 10,000 followers to start.

You just need a simple landing page and a reason for fans to sign up.

Platforms to Build With:

• ConvertKit – Great free plan, made for creators.
• MailerLite – Easy, clean design, good for small lists.
• Brevo (formerly Sendinblue) – Affordable with automation.
• Beehiiv – Modern design, growing fast with music creators.

Bonus tip: Add a sign-up form to your Linktree or personal website.

Step 2: Offer Something in Exchange

People won’t sign up just because they “like your music.”
They need a reason.

Great email sign-up incentives:

• Early access to a new single or music video
• Free download of unreleased track or demo
• Entry to a merch or ticket giveaway
• Private invite to a virtual listening session
• Behind-the-scenes studio footage

You don’t need a budget.
Just something that makes fans feel part of the journey.

Step 3: What to Actually Send in Your Emails

Email isn’t just for promoting releases.
It’s for building connection.

Here’s what works:

• Personal stories about your music or life
• Behind-the-scenes clips of your creative process
• Sneak peeks of unreleased tracks
• Release countdowns or surprise drops
• Polls asking fans to vote on cover art or next single
• Links to your catalog with streaming CTAs

Don’t write like a robot.
Write like a real person talking to your community.

Step 4: Turn Every Release Into a Campaign

One of the best email marketing hacks for musicians?

Treat every release like a mini launch.

Let’s say you’re dropping a new single. Your email sequence could be:

1. Tease the drop with a story behind the track
2. Countdown email with cover art
3. Release day email with links + call to action
4. Thank-you email sharing the best fan reactions or playlist adds
5. Bonus content (demo, acoustic, alt version, etc.)

This gives your fans reasons to stay engaged — and it drives more streams, shares, and saves.

Pro Tips to Grow Your List

• Add a pop-up or embed on your BeatStars, Bandcamp or website
• Mention your newsletter in your TikToks, Reels or YouTube videos
• Pin a tweet with your sign-up link
• Offer something special to fans who subscribe after shows or livestreams
• Add a QR code linked to your email form at in-person events

What to Avoid

• Only emailing when you drop music (they’ll forget who you are)
• Spamming 3 links with no context
• Buying email lists (huge mistake — zero engagement)
• Writing like a brand instead of an artist

Be real. Keep it consistent. Build relationships — not just “sales funnels.”

The Long-Term Payoff of Email Marketing

It’s not just about streams.

When you build an email list, you’re building:

• A core fanbase
• A channel to sell merch, tickets, or services
• A list to launch albums or crowdfunds
• An asset that grows with your career

No matter how the algorithm changes — your list is yours.

Final Thoughts

If you’re serious about your music career, email marketing isn’t optional anymore.
It’s a secret weapon most artists overlook.

Start now.
Even if you only have 5 fans on your list — that’s 5 real people who care.

Keep it human. Keep it consistent.
And watch what happens when fans feel like they’re part of something real.

Want Help Building Your Email Strategy?

I help artists like you grow their fanbase and monetize smarter.
From email setups to full release campaigns.

Contact me for custom strategies.