Before the release of the single I had launched an album cover contest that got fans involved and amped up for the release. They enjoyed being a part of the music process and it really helped engage my audience and get them excited to hear the music.
Interview by Jacqueline Jax
host of A.V.A Live Radio
Facebook success…
The Facebook community has been really wonderful to me. Facebook has been where my fanbase has grown the fastest and continues to do so with anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000 new followers daily. Over 2 billion people are using Facebook around the world and it is the most widely used platform which is constantly evolving and improving. It’s a really well rounded social media network that is a great platform for sharing information in all types of formats from text to images and of course music locally and internationally.
When Facebook started incorporating ‘Live’ broadcasts I immediately jumped on board. I really enjoy the opportunity to share what’s going on in my life with my online Dona-fans/Dona-family.
Business goals…
In 2018 I will be releasing my first book which I am currently raising money to self-publish through a crowd funding campaign. I am adding a special bonus to the campaign and donating all additional funds to three amazing charities. I am also anticipating the 2018 scheduled release of the last movie I filmed ‘Mr. Thursday’ in which I starred as a detective alongside D.B Sweeney. In addition, I have been in the studio working on some new music and will be filming music videos for those new songs and releasing them as well.
I am a hands-on, ‘A’ type, super-motivated business woman and entrepreneur and I could go on and on regarding the different projects I have going on. I will just suggest that the readers follow me on my different social media accounts, so that they can keep up with everything on a day to day basis. Otherwise, I will just keep writing and writing about everything coming up and you will have a novel instead of an interview. LOL! 😉
My latest music release is ‘It’s My Life’ Remix by Galilee. On its release the song was distributed through all digital media channels, (iTtunes, Amazon, Google Play, Napster and others) along with radio play in select markets that helped to get the word out there. While the label has been doing this, I have also been promoting the song across my social media channels to over 4 million of my fans and have received an overwhelming response.
Link for music: http://www.reverbnation.com/darcydonavan
The advantages of Facebook Live streaming…
I truly believe that ‘Live’ streaming should be a huge part of any entertainers marketing strategy. In regards to how long did it take to establish my audience? Not long since I already had a solid fan base when the ‘Live’ came out. The difference is really the time that artists take to comment back and engage with the fans whenever they can. I have been reaching out to my fans for as long as I have had my Facebook account and it truly does make all the difference. I look at the ‘Live’ feed as an ever-growing opportunity and I am always striving for more and to find new ways to entertain and inspire my fans and friends online. My fans are everything to me and not only do I do ‘Live’ broadcasts to keep them up to date with everything going on, but also to be connected with them as well. They are my world and if not for the fans, no entertainer could be or would be as successful as they are.
Growing Your Fanbase…
The most important things to keep in mind with growing your fanbase is remembering that they are people and not just a number. Find your commonalities, find ways to connect and always remember to be real.
Be yourself, not what you think they may want you to be, because they will know if you are being real or fake. I think it also helps to be genuinely positive as much as you can. The world has enough challenges on its own and I notice that people appreciate having a break from the daily grind.
The challenges of recent Facebook algorithm changes…
Life is about change and we all have to learn to grow and evolve. The changes in the algorithms are no different. The most important thing is to stay connected and pay attention to what your fans enjoy the most about what you post, then continue in that direction. In time, everything else will even itself out.
What do you wish you would have done differently in your music marketing?
There are a few social media platforms that I wish I would have jumped on board with in the beginning like Youtube, Instagram, Vine and Musical.ly, but I can’t go back in time. I just have to continue to engage and support those channels like I have done on Facebook and I know the numbers will eventually catch up there as well.
The biggest challenge is…
I would say the hardest part is keeping up with all my fans. I have thousands and thousands of comments written on my posts each day and it is difficult writing back to each and every one of them. It breaks my heart when I receive so many wonderful sentiments and I don’t have the time to express how truly thankful I am to each and every one of my amazing fans. All I can do though is my best on each given day.
Best brand collaborations…
It’s hard to pick just one collaboration that stands out as I have worked with a lot of different magazines and companies over the years. Everyone has been wonderful and many of the product companies help me take care of my fans with amazing coupon codes and discounts and even free giveaways. I am looking forward to seeing the amazing banner for this American Pride Magazine article and sharing it out there as well. YAY!
Social Media Links:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/officialdarcydonavan
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/darcydonavan
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/officialdarcydonavan
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/darcydonavan