Why do songwriters need to market themselves?

The Old Way vs. The New Way

In the past, songwriters relied on publishers, A&Rs, or labels to “shop” their songs. But now, with tools like TikTok, YouTube, Spotify, and submission platforms, you can be your own marketing team—and that’s often necessary to get noticed.

 Without Marketing:

• Your songs may never leave your hard drive.
• You miss out on sync deals, artist placements, and fan connections.
• Great songs go unheard.
• No one knows your name—or your catalog.

 With Marketing:

• You attract artists and collaborators who want to cut your songs.
• You gain fans who support your work—even if you don’t perform.
• Music supervisors discover you for sync opportunities.
• Publishers take you seriously (because you have momentum).
• You become a go-to source of ideas, lyrics, or toplines.

 Marketing = Awareness

Marketing simply means showing people who you are and what you do. It’s not about hype or selling out—it’s about:

• Sharing your story
• Posting your process
• Putting your best songs in front of the right ears

 Think of Marketing As:

Marketing Action	Result
Posting a demo	New fans, feedback, collabs
Emailing a lyricist	Build co-write network
Sharing song breakdown	Show your skill
Highlighting your sync-ready catalog	Get placements

 Who Are You Marketing To?

• Artists who want hit songs
• Producers who need toplines or lyrics
• Fans who connect with lyrics
• Music supervisors looking for the right vibe
• Publishers scouting new talent

 Bottom Line:

Even if you never perform or tour, marketing opens the door to income, relationships, recognition, and creative opportunities. You can either wait to be discovered—or take control and market yourself to win.