How to Build a Fanbase as an Artist: A Step-by-Step Guide

Article by Manuela Bittencourt – 08/01/2025

Every successful artist, from Beyoncé to Bad Bunny, started with zero fans. What made them blow up wasn’t just talent — it was building a dedicated, loyal fanbase. If you’re an emerging artist looking to turn listeners into lifelong supporters, here’s how to do it — step by step.

Step 1: Define Your Brand & Audience

Before anyone becomes a fan, they need to know what you stand for.

Ask yourself:

• What is my unique sound or message?
• What kind of person would relate to my music (who’s my audience)?
• What emotion or vibe do I consistently give off?

Example: If your music is emotional indie pop about mental health and self-discovery, your brand should reflect vulnerability, empowerment, and raw storytelling. Your audience might be young adults who feel deeply and value authenticity.

Step 2: Show Up Online — Consistently

You don’t need to be on every platform, but pick 1-2 you can show up on consistently.

Start with:

• Instagram/TikTok: Great for visuals, short content, behind-the-scenes.
• Youtube: Amazing for covers, blogs, or official videos.
• Spotify/DSPs: Keep music updated and use tools like Spotify for Artists.

Post Ideas:

• Song Snippets/writing process
• Behind-the-scenes of your life
• Honest thoughts and stories
• Live Q&As
• Cover songs that match your genre

Don’t focus on going viral. Focus on showing up, being yourself, and building trust.

Step 3: Engage, Don’t Just Broadcast

Building a fanbase is a two way street. People want to feel seen.

• Reply to comments and DMs
• Shout out your fans
• Ask for their input (e.g., “Which version of this hook do you like better?”)
• Create polls and open questions
• Go live, even if for just 10 minutes

Pro Tip: Early fans will stick around for years if they feel like they’re part of your journey. 

Step 4: Play Live (Even to 5 People)

Live shows are still one of the best ways to convert a listener into a fan. Whether it’s:

• An open mic
• A livestream performance
• A local café/bar show
• A college event
• Opening for another artist

Treat every show like a headline set. Interact with the crowd. Hang out after. Hand out something (QR codes, stickers, etc.).

Tip: Collect emails or social handles — don’t let these moments disappear. 

Step 5: Build a Mailing List or Text Group

Social media is powerful — but algorithms change. Your direct list won’t.

Start collecting:

• Emails (via Linktree, website, Bandcamp, etc.)
• Phone numbers (for SMS updates)
• Pattern or Discord invites for die-hards

Then use that list to: 

• Share new releases
• Announce shows
• Offer sneak peeks
• Thank fans personally

Tools: Mailchimp, Substack, ConvertKit, Community

Step 6: Collaborate and Cross-Pollinate 

One of the fastest ways to grow is to tap into someone else’s audience. 

• Collaborate with other indie artists in your genre
• Do joint livestreams or posts
• Feature each other in stories
• Shout out to other artists you love

Mutual love = mutual growth.

Step 7: Release Strategically

Don’t just drop music and vanish.

Have a plan:

• Tease the song in advance
• Share the story behind it
• Post countdowns, snippets, acoustic versions
• Ask your fans to pre-save or share

Release Tip: Think in campaigns, not just release days. Keep momentum going 2-3 weeks before and after the drop. 

BONUS: Keep Learning

Artists who build fanbases are students of the game. 

• Follow music biz creators (Ari Herstand, Amber Horsburgh, Indepreneur)
• Take courses (like Berklee Online, Linkedin Learning)
• Analyze what your favorite artists are doing online
• Stay up-to-date with trends — but adapt them to your voice. 

Final Thoughts

You don’t need millions of fans—you just need 1,000 true ones. People who buy your merch, show up to gigs, share your music, and stick around. That takes time, honesty, and consistency.

Start with one post, one person, one fan. Then keep going.