Quick tips on how you can become a sponsored artist

Becoming a sponsored artist is contingent on a few key factors; The value your brand brings to the table, your target audience, your resume and the kind of content you produce. Understanding these factors will greatly improve your odds of landing a deal. I give you some quick tips below on how you can start earning money through sponsorships.

 

Sponsored Artist have value

Before you can think about becoming a sponsored artist you have to create value for yourself. Companies are looking for an artist who can sell tickets, are doing well on streaming services, and can garner a lot of attention.

 

Why?

 

Because they need to sell products. Companies want to tap into your fanbase so they can drive revenue for their organization. The more eyes you have on you, the more valuable your brand is to other brands/organizations.

 

They might value potential, but they want actual results with the numbers to back them above all else, similar to record labels.

 

There are levels to this.

 

If you’re not already selling out shows and getting streamed I suggest making that your one and only priority. Once you get a buzz you will be surprised at what opportunities will present themselves to you.  

 

Know your Audience

Becoming a sponsored artist is about more than becoming popular. It’s about knowing yourself and your fanbase.

 

Now that you’ve added value to your brand by building a fan base, its time to get to know them. Collect your demographics and track their interests. Get technical! There are tools online that can help you. Many social media services offer tracking tools for business and brand pages. Familiarize yourself with Google Analytics. It tracks all of the information listed above and more for you based off traffic coming to your website.

 

You, do have a website right?   

 

Having this information will help you identify the organizations that are a good match for you. Companies are looking for ambassadors that are plugged into their target market. Approaching a prospective company with a detailed assessment of your fanbase will dramatically strengthen your odds.

 

 

 

Put together your One-Sheet

A one-sheet is just a one-page sales pitch. They are tailored to whatever ‘deal’ you as an artist are trying to land at the moment. Distributors and labels use them to convince companies that sell albums to put theirs on the shelf. A one-sheet is also good if you’re looking for radio play, to land a gig, and, of course, gain a sponsorship.

 

In your one-sheet include things like your show attendance numbers, any positive media coverage you’ve received, and what stations play your songs. You can also include the stats of your highest streaming song and what services your music is available on.

 

In your quest to become a sponsored artist a well put together one sheet is a great tool to have at your disposal.  

 

 

Post content on your website and earn affiliate sponsorships.

Wearing a brand’s clothing or using their products in a music video is not the only way artists can promote a brand. Get enough traffic to your site and you can begin to earn affiliate sponsorships.

 

With affiliate sponsorships, you are paid for each visitor or customer you bring from your individual marketing efforts.

 

You can offer companies space on your website to post their ads and you can get paid for every click that leads to a sale. If you post original content on our website, you can use reference or use products and include a link for your fans to click and purchase themselves.

 

Caution

When you begin to get sponsorships that are earning you money, you have to instantly remember that you are a brand! Promote the brands that not only you like but will help solidify your brand identity. You have to always keep one eye trained o the future. Keep your list in mind and evaluate each deal accordingly.

With that being said you should know your brand in and out before attempting to attach another one to you. Knowing yourself is the key!

Editor’s Note: Originally published March 09, 2018. It has been revamped for accuracy and comprehensiveness