This week I'm highlighting 5 websites that are useful for independent artists and musicians. I did a post on this on my Instagram page a couple weeks ago so in case you missed it, here's the list. What are some of your favorite websites that you use as an artist?

*I do not have a relationship with any of these websites. This is not a sponsored email, these are genuine picks from me to you*

In fact it's centuries old. Like, the late 1800s old when print advertising of music began. Music has been used in advertising since the 1920s, when radio stations began selling airtime. And in more recent years, newspapers, magazines, billboards, TV, movies... you name it.

We get so caught up in our online presence and our social media content that sometimes we forget the most powerful way to make connections and build our brand is by in-person relationships.

And, not only going out and shaking hands, but also being a likable human being. The temptation to want to talk shop immediately is strong, especially when you see that person you've been trying to get in touch with for so long. But if you can resist that temptation, and build relationships from one human to another, you're going to have way more luck.

Sometimes the journey as an independent artist can feel overwhelming. The big goals - like releasing music, growing your audience, or landing opportunities - can feel so far away. But here’s the thing: big success is built on smaller, consistent actions.

Have you heard of a side door? I posted about it earlier this week but in case you missed it, the concept of a side door is getting inside the arena but doing it in a way that isn't through the front door like everyone else. Specifically what I mean is getting into the music industry or making moves in the music industry thanks to a skill or connection you have.

This is the topic that never ends. If I had a nickel every time I spoke about why artists need to be on social media, I'd be a rich man. Every time I think artists are finally starting to get it, I have a client or a collaborator who fights me on it. These people have built up walls against social media because they think they have to be one of those influencers dancing around on camera like an idiot.

Are you treating your music career like a hobby or a business? Your answer determines how successful you will be with your music career, but it also depends on your goals. If you have aspirations of being a successful artist, whatever that means to you, you have to think of your music career like a business.

In my daily conversations with artists, the number one thing they care most about is stream numbers. Typically Spotify, but overall, every artist wants to boost their numbers. I don't want to devalue the importance of streams - with significant numbers you can make real money. And if you're able to consistently gain a high amount of streams (6 or 7 figures and beyond), it can show that you have real staying power. These numbers are also attractive for booking agents, label owners, and anyone else with decision-making roles in the music business.

But we need to remember that stream numbers do not represent your fanbase. The reality is, even if you have millions of streams of your music, you have no idea who the people are who are listening. Maybe you don't care - but you should.

The more I talk to artists every day, the more it's obvious who understands the industry and who doesn't. The ones who understand how it works will be more likely to succeed, because they understand all the work that goes into being a successful artist. My three pillars of focus, helping artists think of themselves like a business, are: 1.) Good branding, 2.) Quality products, and 3.) Top-tier sales and marketing. If you get good at these areas, you're way more likely to hit your goals in music.

Last Monday, less than two weeks ago, I started running a YouTube ad campaign to grow my YouTube channel. I consistently use YouTube as a platform to post both short form and long form content, including my podcast and my music