Identifying Authentic Music Marketing Assistance vs. Fake Stream, Follower, and Playlist Sellers

Knowing what's fake in music marketing is really important. It's tough, but there are signs that can help you avoid getting tricked. If someone promises big success super fast, like tons of followers overnight, it's probably not true. Being honest about how they'll help you is really important. If they won't explain, that's not a good sign. Look at your numbers carefully. If your followers or streams jump up but no one's really interacting with your stuff, something might not be right. Good marketing reaches the right people. If you're not reaching your fans or the right crowd, something might be fishy.

Be careful about paying for things like playlist spots. Real promotion means more than just paying your way in. Check out who you're working with. See if others say good things about them. Look at their history. Legit folks usually have a record of doing good work. Keep an eye on your data. Weird spikes that don't fit your usual patterns could mean trouble. Ask questions and see how they answer. If they dodge or don't explain well, that's not a good sign. Make sure you've got a clear contract before you agree to anything. Don't rush if things seem unclear or pushy. Trust your gut. If something feels wrong, get advice from the pros before you commit to any marketing deals.

Spotting fake or fraudulent marketing practices in the music industry is crucial but can be quite challenging. However, there are clear red flags you can watch for to protect yourself:

One major warning sign is when an offer seems too good to be true. If someone promises incredibly fast or massive results overnight, like thousands of followers or streams, it's likely a fake offer.

Transparency is key. If a marketer is unwilling to disclose their methods or doesn't offer clear explanations on how they'll promote your music, this lack of transparency could signal potential issues.

Watch out for bot-like engagement. Sudden spikes in followers, streams, or likes without a corresponding increase in genuine engagement (like comments or shares) might indicate fake activity.

Authentic marketing targets specific audiences. If the growth isn't reaching your intended demographic or lacks engagement from your audience, it might be a fraudulent marketing tactic.

Be wary of pay-for-play tactics. If someone asks for payment promising playlist placements or guaranteed success, legitimate promotion involves various strategies beyond just paying for spots.

Research is crucial. Thoroughly investigate marketers or agencies by checking references, reviews, and feedback from other artists who've used their services.

Evaluating a marketer's track record is essential. Legitimate promoters typically have a history of successful campaigns. Look for evidence of their previous successful promotions.

Analyze your analytics for unusual patterns. Sudden spikes that don't align with your other data or historical performance could be indicative of fraudulent practices.

Asking questions is important. A genuine marketer will be open to answering questions and providing clarity on their strategies. If they're evasive or avoid questions, it might be a red flag.

Lastly, ensure there's a contract outlining the terms and conditions of the service. Be cautious if there's pressure to sign quickly or if the terms seem vague. Ultimately, trust your instincts and seek advice from industry experts if something feels off before committing to any marketing services.

Source : https://musically.com/2023/01/19/just-how-big-is-the-music-industrys-fake-streams-problem/