Should I focus on branding or marketing first?

Branding Is Your Foundation

Your brand is who you are as a songwriter: your identity, story, style, and values. It shapes how people perceive you and what kind of audience you attract.

Without a strong brand:

• Your marketing messages feel scattered
• People don’t know what you stand for
• It’s harder to build trust and connection

 Marketing Is How You Grow

Marketing is the action you take to reach and engage your audience: posting content, pitching songs, emailing fans, and networking.

Marketing without branding can lead to:

• Wasted time and money
• Confused or inconsistent messaging
• Difficulty standing out in a crowded market

 How They Work Together

Step	Focus	Outcome
1. Branding	Define your unique voice & style	Clear identity & target audience
2. Marketing	Share your brand & songs	Grow fans, collaborators, income

 Practical Steps

• Write a brand statement: Who are you and what do you write?
• Choose your visual style and tone of voice.
• Create a few pieces of branded content (posts, demos, bios).
• Start marketing with those assets to build awareness.

 Remember:

Branding and marketing are partners, not competitors. Start with branding to set the stage, then use marketing to tell your story loud and clear.