The big social networks should be seen as the top of the funnel in converting your followers into dedicated fans. Artist to fan platforms bring those fans closer. Here are the top 8 reasons you should use a artist to fan platform to build a digital fan club that bring fans closer.
1. Fans want to support their artist financially but don’t know-how.
it’s easy to assume that streaming is the primary way fans connect with music. However, many enthusiasts continue to cherish the tangible and intimate experience of owning CDs and vinyl. These physical formats are more than just a listening medium; they’re a direct expression of a fan’s commitment to an artist’s work. By purchasing CDs and vinyl, fans not only enjoy a richer auditory experience but also contribute directly to the artist’s livelihood. It’s a heartfelt gesture of appreciation and support. So, even as streaming dominates, the significance of traditional music formats as a symbol of genuine fandom should never be underestimated.
2. Social Worlds Shouldn’t Collide.
Social media networks have become a place to share your thoughts, but who wants to share the same photos and comments with family, friends and also business acquaintances. We all have separate parts of our life that we want to confine to specific groups of friends. That’s not what happens on major social networks. Our lives blur into one. This is why considering a artist to fan engagement platform as well as using email to communicate is so important.
3. If Every thought, Photo or Video Is Everywhere, It Has Less Worth
Fans want to feel special. They want to feel like they know something not everyone else knows. When artist’s post to mainstream social networks where’s the exclusivity gone? How can fans feel like they know something others don’t? Don’t give everything to everyone. Don’t you agree that that’s what fans really want?
4. Stream Music You Wouldn’t Upload To Spotify
You’ve probably got lots of live recording and demos that don’t belong on streaming services. To fans these moments are precious. The alternative to putting them out in a fan club app is sticking them on YouTube or SoundCloud but what’s the point? Keep them for the fans that really appreciate it, and they’ll feel special.
5. Give Fans Video Performances They Can’t Get Elsewhere.
Fans love nothing more than getting exclusives, and you’ve probably got a lot of performances that need a place to live. Making this exclusive to a fan app is by far the best use of this kinda material. Fans will love you for it.
6. Bring Fans Closer With Backstage Live Video Streams
“Go live” backstage and give only your biggest fans a glimpse into life on the road or in the recording studio. They’ll feel part of the life. Never forget that fans never get to see what really happens behind the scenes. It’s another feature that’s great at building fan loyalty.
7. The Big Social Networks Give You Likes, But That’s Not Cash.
Giving your work away on social networks is not always the best thing to do. We’re not saying don’t use social platforms, in fact, they complement a fan club app, but they should be used as the top of the funnel and to gather fans.
Think of them as the way to reach fans, and a fan club app as the bottom of the funnel. There’ll be less of them, but these are the fans that support you through good and bad and stick by you. We find that at least 15% of social followers will download an artist app after the first initial announcement. These are your true fans.
8. Fans Want Their Own Artist Specific World
not everyone is interested in every artist, but true fans have an insatiable appetite for content and conversations about their favorite musicians. They yearn for a space where their passion doesn’t come off as obsessive but is celebrated. Fans desire an artist-specific world, a sanctuary where they can delve deep into discussions, share insights, and express their admiration without reservations. In such a community, surrounded by fellow enthusiasts, they can truly be themselves, reveling in the shared love for the artist. This dedicated space not only fosters deeper connections among fans but also strengthens their bond with the artist, creating a vibrant and supportive ecosystem.
Author: Kevin Brown
Kevin, the CEO of FanCircles, is a serial entrepreneur with extensive experience in both the tech and music industries. He has managed arena-level artists and founded Affiliate Window (Awin.com), which he successfully exited in 2012 after its acquisition by Axel Springer. Recognizing the needs of artists and labels to connect directly with fans, he embarked on the journey of establishing FanCircles.
