Quick, Effective Promotion: DJ Charts

DJ Charts have always been a useful tool in promoting artists and music releases. Their role now in the ‘digital age’ is arguably even more important as they can put potential customers straight in front of your new releases. Put simply, well timed and targeted charts can directly generate sales. The beauty of DJ Charts is that they use a referral style of marketing (one of the most effective); the respected name of the chart compiler means that customers are much more likely to investigate and listen to the music.

There are a number of places where DJ Charts can be successfully used. One of the most effective is on record shop websites and particularly download sites. Stores such as Juno, Juno Download, Beatport, Stompy and Traxsource have very popular charts sections which drive many sales on those sites. Some have online editors which allow you to compile your chart on their site while others require you to submit them to a label rep at the store.

Other online outlets for charts include email newsletters, webzines (eg Resident Advisor), label/artist websites, Myspace and Facebook pages, and message boards/forums. Some sites (eg undergroundhouse.net and Global Underground) have dedicated chart sections.

Below are five top tips on making your charts as successful as possible in terms of generating some sales:

1. Time charts to coincide with your new releases. Record buyers are always keen to know what is brand new so make sure your chart is published when you have something new to promote.
2. Include your new releases in the chart but don’t fill the chart with all your own stuff, or just things on your label. This will only make the chart look like self-promotion and it won’t be taken as seriously. Instead, make an honest list of the top tunes you have been playing out but include some of your own releases as well.
3. When posting a chart that is not on a record shop/download site always try to embed a link to take the reader somewhere they can buy the music. This greatly increases the chances of them making a purchase.
4. Chart records that people can buy. If you chart is a top 10 of forthcoming music then it will defeat the point of it trying to generate sales.
5. As well as submitting your own charts encourage artists you work with to do the same and support your music. This can be particularly important if you run a label but don’t produce music yourself, or you are a new artist with limited presence.

Quick, Effective Promotion: DJ Charts