The Entertainment Bureau

Why should I hire a publicist?

1. Media Exposure: A publicist can help you gain exposure in various media outlets such as newspapers, magazines, blogs, and online publications. They have established relationships with journalists and editors, making it easier for you to get press coverage for your music releases, performances, or other activities.
2. Brand Building: A publicist can assist in shaping your brand image and narrative. They can work with you to develop a compelling story that resonates with your audience and helps differentiate you from other artists.
3.  Industry Connections: Publicists often have extensive networks within the music industry. They can introduce you to key players such as record label executives, music producers, and other influential figures who can help further your career.
4. Increased Visibility: With a publicist’s help, you can expand your reach and visibility beyond your current fan base. They can pitch your music to radio stations and playlists, helping you reach new listeners and potential fans.
5. Crisis Management: In the event of any controversies or negative publicity, a publicist can help manage the situation and mitigate damage to your reputation. They can advise you on how to respond and navigate sensitive issues.
6. Time and Expertise: Managing your own publicity can be time-consuming and requires specific expertise. By hiring a publicist, you can focus more on your music while leaving the promotional aspects to a professional who knows how to maximise exposure effectively.
7. Objective Perspective: A publicist can offer an objective perspective on your music and career. They can provide valuable feedback and strategic advice based on their experience working with other artists.
8. Event Promotion: Whether it’s a concert, album release, or other events, a publicist can help generate buzz and excitement around your activities, ensuring maximum attendance and media coverage.

In summary, a publicist can be a valuable investment for a singer/songwriter looking to raise their career and increase their visibility in the competitive music industry. They bring expertise, connections, and a strategic approach that can significantly enhance your chances of success.

Having a million followers on TikTok is a significant achievement and shows that you already have a strong online presence and a dedicated fan base. However, investing in a publicist can still be beneficial for several reasons, even with a large following on social media:

1. Media Outreach Beyond Social Media: While TikTok is a powerful platform for reaching a large audience, a publicist can help you expand your visibility beyond social media. They can pitch your story and music to traditional media outlets such as newspapers, magazines, TV, and radio, reaching audiences that may not be active on TikTok.
2. Professional Image and Branding: A publicist can work with you to refine your brand image and narrative, ensuring consistency across all platforms. This can help you attract opportunities such as partnerships, endorsements, and collaborations with brands or other artists.
3.  Industry Connections and Opportunities: Publicists often have extensive networks within the music industry. They can introduce you to industry professionals such as record labels, talent agents, and music supervisors for film and TV, opening doors to new opportunities and partnerships.
4. Event Promotion and Management: If you're planning live performances, album releases, or other events, a publicist can assist with promotion and logistics. They can help secure press coverage, coordinate media interviews, and manage publicity surrounding the event.
5. Strategic Guidance and Reputation Management: A publicist can provide strategic advice and guidance tailored to your career goals. They can help navigate challenges, manage crises, and ensure that your public image remains positive and consistent.
6. Long-Term Career Growth: While TikTok is a fantastic platform for building an audience, a publicist can help you translate that online success into long-term career growth. They can assist with developing a roadmap for your career, identifying new opportunities, and expanding your reach beyond social media.

In conclusion, even with a large following on TikTok, investing in a publicist can be a smart move to take your music career to the next level. They can provide valuable expertise, industry connections, and strategic support that can help you maximise your potential and sustain success in the competitive music industry.

When you're considering hiring a publicist for your music career, it's important to ask the right questions to ensure they are the right fit for your needs. Here are some key questions you should consider asking prospective publicists:

1. What is your experience in the music industry?  Understanding their background and specific experience within the music industry can give you confidence in their ability to navigate the unique challenges and opportunities in music publicity.
2. Can you provide examples of successful campaigns you've worked on?  Asking for case studies or examples of past successful campaigns can help you gauge their track record and see if their approach aligns with your goals.
3.  What is your approach to developing a publicity strategy for musicians?  Understanding how they approach developing a strategy can give you insights into their methodology and whether it aligns with your vision for your music career.
4. What media contacts do you have and how do you leverage them?  Publicists rely on their network of media contacts to secure coverage for their clients. Asking about their contacts and how they utilise them can give you an idea of their reach and influence within the industry.
5. How do you measure the success of a publicity campaign?  It's important to understand how they define and measure success. Whether it's through metrics like media placements, audience reach, or other key performance indicators, clarity on success metrics will help set expectations.
6. What services are included in your fee?  Clarifying what services are included in their fee structure (e.g., media pitching, press releases, event coordination) will help you understand what you're paying for and avoid surprises.
7. How do you handle crisis management or negative publicity?  Understanding their approach to handling challenging situations can be crucial, especially in the unpredictable world of music and entertainment.  
8. Can you provide references or testimonials from past clients?  Asking for references or testimonials can provide insights into their reputation and client satisfaction.
9. How do you tailor your strategies to different artists and genres?  Each artist and genre may require a unique approach to publicity. Understanding how they adapt their strategies to different clients can help determine if they can meet your specific needs.
10. What is your communication style and how often can I expect updates?  Clear communication is key in any professional relationship. Make sure you understand their communication style and how often they will provide updates on the progress of your campaign.

These questions can serve as a starting point for evaluating prospective publicists and ensuring that you find the right partner to help you achieve your music career goals.

Good luck in your search and don't be afraid to ask questions.  Publicists are there to help.