Social Content Tips from Boxer Poet’s Andrea Kleid
Welcome to part two of our Artist Content Series. Today, Andrea Kleid, the Owner/President at Boxer Poet, shares her thoughts and expertise on how Christian radio can help provide their listeners with content about the artists, the music, and stories. We reached out to Andrea because of the approach she takes to connect artists and influencers with their fans. “Boxer Poet uses the power of identity and storytelling to emotionally connect artists & influencers with their fans and stakeholders.”
As mentioned in part one, creating content based on the music has been something our team has been discussing for a while. Once we began asking why not, we’ve learned a big reason is a lack of knowing how. To help provide some guidance, our team has come up with seven frequently asked questions and created this blog series to help answer those questions.
1. What are the best ways radio stations can support your artists digitally and socially?
The first thing that comes to mind is helping us tell their story. We come across a lot of issues when it comes to artist recognition on the radio. Often listeners know the song but don’t always know what artist it is, so I would say finding ways to connect the hook of a song with an artist’s image and the name is always a huge step in the right direction.
Andrea Kleid
2. How should social media managers go about obtaining photos to use on social media? Google images?
Oh, mercy! This is a great question. I’ll start by saying that going to Google Photos and finding your favorite picture of them is not the best way! Most labels have a PR site for all media, including radio, where they store their most updated approved photos, so reach out to the record reps, and they’ll point you in the right direction.
Andrea Kleid
3. If a station has an idea for a particular artist, what’s the best way to go about making that happen?
Pitch it to your record rep! And also, find a budget when possible to at least help cover travel. Gone are the days when a label has $20k for promotional events. But fun ideas that help with artist recognition are an absolute plus with radio, so find a way to make it a win-win for the label, artist, and your listeners. The more eyes and ears, the better!
Andrea Kleid
4. Do you have any tips on making artists’ interviews different/more engaging for social?
I think interviews can overall be boring unless you give people something they don’t already know. So, I love interactive videos on social media – have the artist show you their studio, introduce you to their kids, or interview the artist’s spouse and ask them the questions!
Andrea Kleid
5. Do labels have designated social media/digital reps that social media/digital people from radio stations could connect with to brainstorm ideas or touch base with every so often to stay top of mind?
Some labels have a designated “promotions” person on their radio team, but often, each regional is responsible for the stations in their region. So that being said, the social media contact at the station should be introduced to the label reps at each label to help get things done. This should be able to happen via the MD/PD.
Andrea Kleid
6. Is there any unique or different way new artists can be supported by radio stations socially/digitally?
Yes! There’s always a way! Create a weekly campaign, specifically introducing new artists that your station is playing and incorporating music clips. Tell your listeners why YOU love them and why YOU decided that their song needed to be played on your station. I would love to see more programmers (or on-air talent) extending their hands into being true influencers of the music!
Andrea Kleid
7. Any advice you’d like to give to the social media & digital managers of radio stations about working with labels?
Come to your label rep with your idea at least 75% baked. There will obviously be changes that need to happen along the way, but YOU know what’s best for your audience, so the more you can customize it to your market, the better the idea will be. Also, figure out the budget before introducing your idea so you know what you can cover and what’s expected of the label. Remember, the more eyes and ears, the better your opportunity for a yes!
Andrea Kleid