We’ve all heard the saying, “You’ve got to spend money to make money.” But when it comes to music promotion, most independent artists don’t have a marketing budget, they’ve got rent due, groceries to buy, and maybe just enough left for new strings or a cracked cymbal.
If that’s you, take heart. Being broke doesn’t mean your music has to stay unheard.
I recently came across an article from Promoly titled “How to Promote Your Music with No Money”, and it’s worth a look. It doesn’t offer any magic shortcuts, but it does lay out a roadmap for getting your music out into the world when your wallet’s on life support.
What the Article Covers
Promoly’s article breaks down some genuinely useful, realistic ways to promote your music without spending a cent. Here’s a summary of the key points:
- Make the most of social media – Not just by posting, but by showing up, engaging, and being consistent. You’re not selling a product, you’re building relationships.
- Submit to playlists – There are plenty of independent curators out there who accept free submissions. It takes time, but a well-placed track can make waves.
- Collaborate with other artists – Whether it’s remixes, joint social media posts, or even just mutual shoutouts, collaboration helps cross-pollinate audiences.
- Email marketing – Build a mailing list, no matter how small. A direct line to your fans is far more powerful than chasing algorithms.zReach out to blogs and podcasts – Many are actively looking for artists to feature. A short, honest, and well-written pitch can go a long way.
- Leverage free tools – From smart link services to scheduling platforms, there are plenty of free (or freemium) tools that help you look pro without the price tag.
The through-line of the piece is this: You might not have money, but you have time, energy, creativity, and persistence. Use those wisely and consistently, and you’ll see movement.
My Take on It
This kind of advice is gold, mainly because it shifts the focus from what we don’t have to what we do. When you’re starting out, or even just in a low spot financially, it’s easy to fall into the “I can’t afford to promote this” trap. But the truth is, hustle, patience, and smart effort often matter more than any marketing budget.
Music promotion without money is like cooking a meal without fancy ingredients, you’ve got to make it work with what’s in the cupboard. But sometimes, those meals are the ones that end up meaning the most.
What I appreciate about Promoly’s article is that it doesn’t try to sell a dream. It tells it like it is: this stuff takes time. It’s not glamorous.
You won’t go viral overnight. But if you’re in it for the long haul (and I assume you are) it’s the consistent, low-cost effort that keeps the wheels turning.
Your Next Step
If you’re feeling stuck because of budget limits, I highly recommend giving this article from Promoly a read. It’s packed with no-nonsense advice that you can start acting on today, even if your bank account says otherwise.
We all start somewhere. And sometimes, having no money is the exact creative restriction that forces us to do things differently, and better.
What’s your go-to strategy for getting the word out without blowing your budget? I’d love to hear it.
