Music Marketing on a Zero Budget: A 90-Day Plan for Independent Artists

You do not need money to start promoting your music, but you do need a plan. This 90-day framework focuses on free tools and consistent effort, and works whether you are releasing your first single or your fifth EP.

Days 1 to 30: Build your foundation

Complete your profiles on Spotify for Artists, Apple Music for Artists, Bandcamp and the social platforms you will actually use. Use the same name, photo and short bio everywhere. Create a simple website with your bio, links and an email signup. Write your EPK and gather your best press photos. At the end of this month you should have one clear place to send anyone who asks about your music.

Days 31 to 60: Pitch and publish

Schedule your release and begin outreach. Build a list of fifteen to twenty relevant blogs, playlist curators and radio shows, and send personalised pitches. Submit to free networks such as BRiNSPOT. Post consistently on one or two platforms, sharing behind-the-scenes clips, lyrics, or the story behind the song rather than only "out now" announcements. Pitch your release to Spotify's editorial team through Spotify for Artists at least a week before it goes live.

Days 61 to 90: Release and follow through

Release week is when your preparation pays off. Share your links everywhere, thank every outlet that features you, and invite people to join your email list. Over the next weeks, follow up with editors who have not replied, send your music to community radio, and collect coverage in one place. Look at your analytics to see what worked.

Free tools worth using

• Spotify for Artists and Apple Music for Artists for audience data
• Canva for artwork and social graphics
• A free email service for your fan list
• Google Drive or Dropbox for hosting press photos

Mindset matters

Growth rarely arrives in one burst. Artists who keep releasing, keep sharing and keep following up usually outperform those who spend big on a single push. Treat the first 90 days as a test, learn from the numbers, and repeat with improvements.