Free vs Paid Music PR: Where Should Independent Artists Spend?
Music promotion ranges from free submissions to agency retainers costing thousands. The right choice depends on your goals and your stage.
What free options are good for
Free submission networks are ideal for building a first press footprint, testing which releases resonate and collecting coverage for your EPK. The tradeoff is that results are not guaranteed and can take time.
When paid makes sense
Paid campaigns and agencies can help with larger releases, tours or when you need a dedicated contact who follows up. Ask for specifics: which outlets, what deliverables, and what happens if there is no coverage.
A sensible approach
- Start with free submissions for every release.
- Track which outlets respond and what they cover.
- Only add paid help for releases that justify it.
Be wary of anyone promising guaranteed streams, chart positions or "viral" results.