Sending your music to writers, bloggers, or curators can sometimes lead to coverage or a playlist addition and, in the process, expose your work to a broader audience. However, you should follow certain best practices to increase the chances of the recipient reading and acting on your email. In this article, we’ll cover the subject line, introduction, what you should and should not include in the body of the email, helpful tips for length and verbiage, and how to end on a positive note. Let’s begin!
The Subject Line
The subject line is the first thing a writer, blogger, or music curator will see when they receive your email. It’s important to make it stand out and accurately represent your music. Here are some tips for crafting a compelling subject line:
- Keep it concise: Make sure your subject line is short and to the point. Avoid using long, complicated sentences or unnecessary words.
- Be specific: Use specific words to describe your music, such as the genre or mood.
- Avoid cliches: Avoid overused phrases like “check out my new hit single” or “hot new music alert.” These phrases can make your email look generic and uninteresting.
The Introduction
The introduction is crucial for making an excellent first impression. Here are some tips for crafting an introduction that captures the recipient’s attention and showcases your music:
- Get to the point: Start your email with a brief introduction that tells the recipient who you are and what you’re sending — no longer than three sentences.
- Highlight your unique sound: Use a sentence or two to describe what makes your music unique and why the reader should be interested.
- Keep it brief: Your introduction should be concise and easy to read. Don’t ramble on or include unnecessary information. You can link to your bio on an external website, but do not copy and paste one into the body of the email.
The Body
When sharing your music, it’s best to get straight to the point. Here are some best practices to ensure you aren’t overwhelming or turning off the recipient:
- Highlight your best work: Only include a link to stream your best songs or your most recent release.
- Use smart links: Instead of sharing a link to stream your work on one DSP, which the recipient might not use, provide them with a smart link, like Linkfire. A smart link can include links to stream your music on all available stores and platforms.
- Hyperlink where appropriate: Consider hyperlinking the text so the recipient can click the link to access your music or other relevant information.
- Show your personality: Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your email. This can help you stand out from other artists.
- Use all caps or excessive punctuation: Avoid using all caps or excessive punctuation in your email. This can make it look unprofessional and can turn off the recipient.
- Asking for too much: Don’t ask the writer, blogger, or curator to do too much. Be polite and respectful, and let them know you appreciate their time.
- Be direct: If you’re emailing a curator, for example, make clear your intent to earn placement on their playlist. Use the name of their playlist. Mention how your music would accompany the other artists — name a few — they’ve playlisted.
Helpful Tips for Length and Verbiage
Keeping your email brief and to the point is essential. Here are some helpful tips for keeping your email concise while still conveying your message and showcasing your music:
- Use bullet points: Use bullet points to highlight important information and make your email more readable.
- Keep your sentences short: Don’t use long, complicated sentences. Keep your sentences quick and easy to read.
- Use active voice: Use active voice instead of passive voice. This can make your email more engaging and exciting.
How to End on a Positive Note
The conclusion of your email is just as important as the introduction. It’s your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the recipient, so make it count. Here are a few tips for how to end on a positive note:
- Thank them: Show your appreciation for their consideration. Thank them for taking the time to listen and consider featuring your music. Say “Thank you” instead of “Thanks,” as it comes across as more sincere.
- Provide additional contact information: Encourage the recipient to contact you if they have questions or require further information. Include your social media handles and website link — these links can be added to your smart link, too — so they can easily find more information about you and your music.
- Keep it professional: Use a professional tone and avoid over-the-top flattery or self-promotion. End your email on a polite note, and make sure your signature includes your name and contact information.
Following these best practices when sending your music to writers, bloggers, or curators can increase your chances of getting your music featured, reviewed, or playlisted. Remember to keep your email concise and to the point, highlight your best work, and provide easily accessible smart links. With these tips in mind, you can make a great first impression and get your music in front of a wider audience.
