All Episodes

November 18, 2024 44 mins

Are Black Friday sales really worth it for indie artists? In this episode of the Music Makin Cents Podcast, Harkos tackles the popular holiday sales season, revealing why typical sales tactics might not be right for musicians. While other marketers suggest running discounts to boost sales, Harkos shares a smarter approach—one that doesn’t rely on fans buying music directly, but instead helps build a loyal fan base primed for future engagement.

Harkos breaks down his three-step holiday strategy for independent artists, focusing on effective ways to draw in new listeners, convert them to loyal fans, and maximize holiday sales without getting lost in the seasonal noise. Discover how to engage potential fans on social media, utilize email lists for true connection, and strategically plan sales that resonate with your most dedicated listeners.

Previous Episodes Mentioned:

  • https://youtu.be/M6hrPtVI_PY

Resources:

    • Connect with Harkos:

www.apexmusicsystem.com

In this episode, you will learn:

  • Why traditional Black Friday sales might not be effective for musicians and how to build holiday sales around true fans.
  • How social media engagement can bring in new listeners and lead them to your inner circle.
  • The importance of email marketing to foster a deeper connection and increase sales potential.
  • Ways to turn casual listeners into superfans who support your music long-term.
  • A unique three-step holiday sales strategy that includes free music downloads and merchandise deals for loyal fans.

Key Moments:

  • 00:01 - Why don’t Black Friday sales work for selling music?
  • 01:10 - How can indie artists stand out during holiday sales?
  • 05:25 - What’s the role of email marketing for musicians?
  • 10:16 - How do you convert strangers into superfans through content?
  • 15:32 - Why is giving away free downloads valuable for fan engagement?
  • 21:50 - What should you avoid when promoting on social media?
  • 25:15 - How can email strategy improve your holiday sales?
  • 31:00 - When should you introduce exclusive holiday merchandise?

#IndieArtistMarketing #MusicMarketing #IndependentMusician #FanEngagement #HolidaySales #BlackFridayForArtists #MusicPromotion #BuildYourBrand #ApexMusicSystem #GrowYourFanbase #EmailMarketingForMusicians #HolidayMerchandise #ConvertListenersToFans #StreamingStrategy #YouTubeForMusicians #MarketingTips #SpotifyPromotion #ArtistMerchandise #MusicBranding #FanGrowth #EngagementStrategy #DIYMusician #ArtistMarketingTips #SocialMediaForMusicians #MarketingForIndieArtists #MusicBusiness #IncreaseMusicSales #DigitalMarketing #EmailStrategy #BuildingLoyalFans #MusicIndustryInsights #SmartHolidaySales #MaximizeMusicSales #BoostYourBrand #FanConnection #HolidaySalesTips #MusicPromotionTips #MusicMarketingPlan #GrowAsAMusician

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

The Breakfast Club

The Breakfast Club

The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy And Charlamagne Tha God!

The Joe Rogan Experience

The Joe Rogan Experience

The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.