Here it is! The top 10 posts of 2011. The below is a cross between most read posts, most commented on, and most engaging. We encourage you to check out reader comments below each post because you all had alot to say.
1. TURNING FACEBOOK LIKES INTO LOVES
Just because they happened to like your page one day, doesn’t mean they’re reading your status updates, visiting regularly, or sharing you with their friends. This post, the most trafficked entry for 2011, gives some practical advice on how to change that.
2. CD BABY OR TUNECORE?
Who isn’t trying to figure this out. Both companies offer a fairly quick service for getting your music on iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, and other mp3 download sites. This post goes into detail about the submission process and pricing. It also started a heated discussion with readers sharing their firsthand experience and dissatisfaction with various aspects of each company. Check the comments section for that.
3. LIKE, SHARE, RETWEET
3 simple words with so much power. In this post, we talk about how each action has a distinctly different purpose. Simple explanations for simple buttons that do amazing things!
4. DON’T DO THIS: 10 THINGS YOU SHOULD NEVER DO WHEN PROMOTING YOUR MUSIC
Most of these were common knowledge…for some people. Make sure you read this one because sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know.
5. ARE YOU INDEPENDENT OR SELF-SUFFICIENT?
Is one better than the other? Are they even all that different. This post is great for the DIY musician who has a hard time distinguishing between the two.
6. SHOULD I RELEASE A SINGLE BEFORE MY ALBUM COMES OUT?
This question posed by Grassrootsy reader Brooke Annibale, prompted some ideas on how artist can build anticipation for an album before it releases. Check it out and get some ideas.
7. “PAY WHAT YOU WANT?” DOES THAT REALLY WORK?
We’d like to think that this post was the shining star of 2011. Submitted by contributing writer, Atlum Schema (UK), he gave an in-depth look into why offering your CDs at the price of “Pay What You Want” actually makes you more money at the end of the day. Check out the comments section for some great reader input.
8. WHAT’S YOUR MERCH SETUP? A SPOTLIGHT ON THE BAND “REILLY”
Their merchandise table is one of the most creative we’ve ever seen. We offer some thoughts on what makes it good and give you some advice on how to sharpen your merch table so you can sell more band merch.
9. HOW TO NEGOTIATE WITH A VENUE THAT SAYS THEY CAN’T PAY YOU
Many of us do this for a living…and we’re tired of being taken for granted. Here are some ways to bring up the money issue respectfully.
10. THE PROS & CONS OF PLAYING COVER GIGS – PART 2
This post was written by contributing writer, Dan Fisk (Washington DC). It’s the second half of a two-part series that went on to be republished on CD Baby’s DIY Musician blog. Apparently it struck a chord with the gigging artist. Make sure to read Part 1.
If you have a favorite post from 2011, that doesn’t appear above, be sure to stick it in this comment section and tell us why. Happy New Year!
