Design an attractive cover for your album. They say don’t judge a book by its cover, but a compelling cover can increase attention for your album and make a reviewer take a listen.
Package your album professionally. Don’t use CD envelopes or send a CD-R with marker writing on it. Like the cover, make the packaging look professional. There are many companies that provide professional CD packaging and design.
Mail your album to publications, along with a typed bio and other information about your band, such as upcoming shows and any record label affiliations. Proofread the bio and other information. Mail to a variety of publications. You’ll probably have difficulty getting your music reviewed in “Rolling Stone” magazine if you’re an unknown band, but college newspapers, blogs and local publications may give you a shot.
Perform concerts. Concerts are some of the best promotion for musicians, because people can see your music abilities. Alert local publications you’ll be playing a concert and they may review your album in anticipation of the concert.
Sell your album at performances. Set up a merchandise table. Mention the album during your performance. Tell people, “I’ll be selling the album after the show at a table in the back.” Meet people and promote your album. You may meet reviewers who can help get your album noticed.
Contact radio stations, especially college radio stations, which are often more willing to play new and unknown bands. They can not only play your music on the air, but also invite you in for an in-studio performance or interview.
Make a music video. Grab a video camera and make a compelling music video. You don’t need special effects or a big budget, as evident by some of the memorable low-budget videos by OK Go. Upload this video to YouTube and other video websites.
Make a website. Post MP3s and videos of songs from your album. If possible, sell your album online, through your website, iTunes, CD Baby or other websites, increasing the ways people can buy your album or review it. Place contact information, such as an email address, for people interested in obtaining a copy to review your album. Don’t make reviewers pay for the album. Send it to them free of charge. The press you get can be extremely valuable.