Contributed by Lindsay Shugerman, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru
So you want to be a rock star?
A YouTube rock star?
Go for it!
Others have taken that road and reaped the rewards. Not sure how to start? Here are the top 10 ways to be a YouTube rock star …
10. Get a gimmick
A weird hat, a funky pair of glasses, a particular setting. Gimmicks have worked for so many rock stars, from Elton John and his outlandish outfits to Madonna and her, well, outlandish outfits. After you get a start on YouTube, a gimmick gets people to notice you and helps them remember you from song to song.
9. Mainstream
Cover a really popular song that’s copyright protected. While not without certain risks (like getting sued) covering a really popular song that’s not currently available on YouTube because of copyright rules could be the ticket to getting a lot of hits in a short time. That could spell YouTube rock star potential, if your performance is good enough.
8. Get a sponsor
Several YouTube stars got their big break because of a corporate sponsor. Sponsorship can provide you with the tools you need (such as a good video camera and sound equipment), may include promotional opportunities, and could even come with a paycheck.
7. Market yourself well
The Internet (and especially social media like Facebook, Google+ and Twitter) has provided an open door for aspiring YouTube stars to get the word – and the music – out. Make sure you’ve created a fan page, a site where people can listen to samples of your music, and if possible, a place for fans to download a song or two. Giving away a couple of songs could be the first step to creating a fan base that will buy your first CD.
6. Have a great video
Don’t forget the importance of production value. A video of a good singer sitting in a messy apartment with bad lighting is less likely to be noticed than one of an equally good singer in a well made video with good background and maybe some special effects. Like it or not, eye candy sells. Invest in good video equipment and learn how to use it.
5. Be controversial
Part of selling is getting people talking about you. It worked for Eminem, it worked for Lady Gaga. And on the other side of the coin, it worked for an American Idol contestant who said she’d never seen an R-rated film. If people are talking about you, people will watch your videos. Now it’s up to you to decide what kind of controversy you’re comfortable with.
4. Use cute animals
A cuddly kitten, a bouncy puppy…or even a dancing hamster. Adding an animal to your videos may get more people to pass on your uploads to their friends. And if your music is good, people will pay attention to that, too. That’s where the YouTube rock star potential comes in!
3. Add kids
Have a baby or children in the video or the song. People like watching kids in videos. Get your adorable niece or cute little brother to sing in part of the video. Get them to dance or make silly faces you can edit into the video. Again, it’s all about the share-value. If people think it’s different, they’ll post it on Facebook, or send it to their friends. And that’s the start any wanna-be music star needs.
2. Get noticed by the media
While there is always the old reliable press release, there are far better ways to get the media to notice you. Volunteer to perform at local charity events the media will cover. Let the local newspaper know you’ll volunteer for something, donate money or even just do something silly for every ten thousand hits. Then mention your video each time they’re around. Add a mention of your good deed and the media coverage link to the end of the video itself, and ask viewers to share it.
1. Be truly talented
One would think this would be a given. But the fact is, there are millions of people making and uploading videos in hopes of becoming the next YouTube Rock Star, and sadly many of them don’t have the skills or musical talent to make it in the music industry. If you’re serious about being discovered, make sure your performance is outstanding.