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If you asked me today what I think one of the most underutilized tools in online marketing is, I would say: Facebook groups.
Sure, Facebook has become a bit of a dead zone for a lot of us lately — we don’t use our Facebook pages as much as our Instagram or Twitter accounts because the reach and visibility just aren’t what they used to be.
Facebook groups are different. They’re a place for you to really connect with your potential fans, industry insiders, and can lead to tons of new opportunities. When used correctly, they can be a total game changer for your career.
Before we get into seven groups I recommend, let’s start with how to properly use them.
Give more than you take: This means regularly participating in discussions, lending your advice and feedback, and making yourself known as a helpful expert inside the group. If you’re going to ask a question, try to comment on three to five posts before you do. Even if you’re not asking a question, being seen in the same two or three groups on a regular basis will help you grow and build your connections, so make an effort to be in there a few times a week.
Make two or three groups your homebases: We’re listing seven groups in this article, and all of them hold incredible value, but time is limited, and trying to stretch yourself so thin that you’re an active part of all of them probably won’t work.
So, get a feel for all of them and then pick two, maybe three groups that you’re really vibing with and make yourself a regular part of them. By being incredibly present in just a few groups rather than sort of present in 10, you’ll make a stronger impression and meet more people.
Ready to start finding your tribe? Here are some of our personal favorite Facebook groups and recommendations for getting out there and building your career.
1. Music Launch Hub
One of Music Launch Hub's greatest features is that it's built up of a community of musicians and industry professionals who truly want to learn, grow, and support one another together. With a strict no promo policy, you can be sure you're getting all the community and support without any of the spam.
If you’re looking for an upgrade, you can find Music Launch Co., an exclusive members-only community with monthly workshops, masterminds, and access to industry experts.
2. Music Biz Besties
The Music Biz Besties group is an incredible support community of artists and industry (female only) that just oozes support in everything from its weekly prompts to the constant stream of discussions happening inside the group. There’s never a question that goes unanswered, making it feel like a safe space to get your questions asked and answered, and to meet an incredible group of women from across the world.
Music Biz Besties also doubles as a website with job listings and tons of free resources. They even have in-person meetups across the US!
3. BB (City) Music Community (Balanced Breakfast)
This one’s a little different. In order to join most of the Balanced Breakfast groups, you need to first attend an in-person meeting. This is to keep it a tight-knit community and keep it from being too spammy and filled with the classic “check out my music” posts.
The good news is there are groups in nearly 30 cities across North America and even a few internationally, and once you’re a part of one group, you’re likely able to be approved for all the different cities, making it an incredible networking tool. Once you've been to a meetup, just search the above title, putting your city where it's in parenthesis.
4. Songsalive!
If you've been looking for a collaborative partner for your next songwriting project, Songsalive! is just about perfect. Made especially for songwriters, composers, and lyricists (or the occasional music business pro looking for songs/advertising opportunities), this group is a mecca of opportunities.
[7 of the Best Collaborative Music-Making Apps for 2019]
5. YEP Nashville
Young Entertainment Professionals (YEP) is primarily based in Nashville, but truth be told, there's something in there for everyone. They hold in-person social gatherings, so if you are in Nashville it's a great way to network both online and off. Regardless, this is a group that's incredibly valuable in the insight and advice offered on a daily basis inside the group.
6. DIY Touring Network
Touring is hard enough. Let DIY Tour Postings help you find shows, locations, and even bands to play with. It's as simple as posting who you are, the dates/locations you need, and linking to your music. It’s a real community of artists helping one another have the best tour experience, and get in front of the most fans possible. You’re in good hands here.
7. GBTRS
GBTRS has it all — including a fierce support network, who are always right there to help you out, offer feedback, or share in your struggles. This group has job and internship postings, as well as offering a place to ask for general advice/help in a ton of different corners of the industry.
They also offer incredible opportunities for you to kickstart your career, like their most recent one to shadow the director of booking and marketing at iMatter Fest, getting hands-on experience in everything from stage management to mixing live audio, disassembling a stage, and more.
Angela Mastrogiacomo is the founder and CEO of Muddy Paw PR, where her artists have seen placement on Alternative Press, Noisey, Substream, and more, as well as the Co-Founder of Music Launch Co. Her free training ‘Reaching a Wider Audience Without Spending A Dime’ helps emerging artists cut through the noise and get in front of fans and industry influencers in just a few steps. She loves baked goods, a good book, and hanging with her dog Sawyer.
