Most Read Guest Blogs of 2020

Last week I gave you a recap of the ten most read blogs on this site in 2020 that were written by me.  This week it’s time to look back at which guest blogs attracted the most eyeballs last year.

My thanks to those who contributed.  Be sure to note further below how you can write something for me to publish too!

8. “Why You Should Turn Your Band Into an LLC” (by David Robson) – Gain insights into four reasons why – as the writer mentions – “If your goal is to play music as a long-term career… you should consider registering your band as an LLC.”

7. “Why Independent Artists Need a Newsletter Part 2: Current Trends You Can Try Right Now” (by Alison Clancy) – As a follow-up to a previous post she penned for me (see #2 below), this writer came back with an entry that details three pointers that you, as an independent artist, want to activate in putting together your email newsletter, so as to best position yourself for success with that marketing tool.

6. “Career Artist Struggles to Make Headway Since Covid-19 Outbreak” (by Terry Barber) – Written by a vocalist, actor, songwriter, and producer, this entry provides a firsthand account of having your music page on Facebook hacked as well as bad experiences with song promotion companies – all during the challenge of the pandemic, which canceled live shows for performers like this.

5. “Touring is not for the Faint of Heart” (by Jessica Jolia) – This singer, songwriter, and producer detailed getting contacted to go out on tour as part of the opening act for the Jonas Brothers and being hit with a medical diagnosis of a large ovarian cyst and Endometriosis.  She describes that added challenge to life on the road and everything that already goes with that, but how she persevered through it all.

4. “Unique Music Collaborator – A Baby” (by Melissa Bret) – Similar to the above, this post painted a picture of the not so glamorous side of trying to be a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, while adapting to the challenges (schedule) of becoming a parent (pictured above) and the impact that that has on your ability to create new music.

3. “From Viral Videos to Quitting Instagram and Facebook Altogether” (by Alan Gogoll) – Posted 51 weeks ago, this musician had decided to enter the new year by ditching Instagram and Facebook altogether, even though he’d “gained about a million followers across social media.”  In this entry he talks about why he made the decision to deactivate all of his social media.

2. “Why Independent Artists Need a Newsletter” (by Alison Clancy) – This writer acknowledged social media, live shows, and merchandise, but said, “If you only retain one thing from this blog post, let it be this: Don’t’ sleep on email.  More specifically, email newsletters.”  She then answers the question, “Why?” and goes on to list three important Do’s and Don’ts to be conscious of.

1. “6 Ways to Grow Your Music Streaming” (by Monica Moser) – Exactly as the headline promises, the writer presents strategy suggestions for releasing music.  Understandably, you might not like the payouts (or lack thereof) from digital streaming services, but they’re what some might call a necessary evil, so this post helps you with them in your artist journey.

Now, I hope you noticed that last week was a top ten list but above there are only eight.  The obvious occurrence here was that there weren’t enough guest blogs in 2020.  That means I need to make it more widely known that something you write could very likely get published here.

So, if you have an idea for something that you’d like to write that’s relevant to the entertainment business (educates the reader, doesn’t sell a product or service to them), let me know what the topic is, and we can aim to have you write it up.  Take a look through the Blog section to familiarize yourself with what has been done previously and then let me know what you think you’d like to contribute!

Meanwhile, which of the above guest blogs from last year really spoke to you?  Let me know on Twitter via @NHT_tweets or through a post instead on Facebook or LinkedIn.  You can also tell me in an email.  And remember, you don’t have to be alone with the challenges you’re facing in the music business.  Take advantage of my more than 15 years running Now Hear This, Inc. and doing management, promotion, and booking for clients across the country.  Book a private, one-on-one video consultation with me and let’s tackle those issues that have slowed you down and get you back on the road.