No Labels, No Excuses: 7 Marketing Mistakes Artists Must Avoid in 2025

In an era where the music industry evolves daily, independent artists face constant pressure to market themselves effectively. Enter No Labels Necessary, a music marketing podcast and platform led by Brandman Sean and Cory, dedicated to helping artists build sustainable careers without relying on traditional industry gatekeepers. Through their engaging discussions and hands-on strategies, Sean and Cory have built a reputation for cutting through the noise and providing artists with actionable insights to navigate the ever-changing music landscape.

In their latest episode, they break down the seven biggest music marketing mistakes artists must avoid in 2025, offering a mix of blunt honesty, actionable advice, and hard-earned wisdom. From avoiding viral trend traps to building meaningful connections with fans, Sean and Cory deliver an unfiltered guide for artists serious about their growth.

Mistake 1: Prioritizing Quantity Over Quality

Posting daily and dropping songs weekly may have worked during the viral-first SoundCloud era, but those days are long gone. Sean and Cory emphasize that oversaturating your audience with subpar content can do more harm than good.

"If you feel like posting daily or dropping a song weekly isn’t going to be a high level of quality that you could be proud of, then don’t do it," Sean warns. The focus now, they stress, should be on high-quality content that leaves a lasting impression, rather than chasing sheer volume.

Mistake 2: Failing to Collect Fan Information

In today’s music business, direct-to-fan relationships are critical. Yet many artists still neglect collecting essential fan data like email addresses and phone numbers. Sean frames it bluntly:

"Rip the Band-Aid off. Build your email list this year. Take that time, and when you come back out, it’ll be a whole other beast."

Fan data isn’t just about sales—it’s about sustainability. Labels, managers, and even booking agents value this information because it translates across all areas of an artist's career.

Mistake 3: Collecting Data But Doing Nothing With It

Collecting fan emails and phone numbers is only the first step. The real magic happens when artists use that data to nurture relationships and provide value to their audience.

"What’s the point of having a 30,000-person email list if you’re not using it to build deeper connections?" Cory asks.

The duo encourages artists to go beyond just using email lists for show promotions and merchandise drops. Whether it’s creating exclusive content, starting a community space, or offering VIP experiences, the goal is to build true loyalty.

Mistake 4: Chasing Views Over Conversions

The obsession with viral hits has led many artists astray. Sean and Cory remind listeners that not all content needs to rack up millions of views—sometimes, the most valuable content is the one that converts casual listeners into paying fans.

"You might only get 1,000 views on a post, but if it leads to $10,000 in revenue, that’s success," Sean points out.

They emphasize the importance of differentiating between content meant to attract new fans and content meant to deepen relationships with existing ones.

Mistake 5: Jumping on Trends That Don’t Fit Your Brand

It’s easy to get swept up in viral dances, memes, or open verse challenges, but Sean warns against chasing every trend without intention:

"If you’re jumping on trends that don’t align with your artistry, you’re building an audience that doesn’t care about your music."

The key, they say, is to find ways to participate in trends while keeping your identity intact. Otherwise, you risk building an audience that’s more interested in your viral moment than your art.

Mistake 6: Avoiding Ads

Advertising might not be as flashy as a viral TikTok moment, but it remains one of the most consistent ways to build an audience. Cory emphasizes that ads aren’t just for big-name artists or major labels—they’re a vital tool for indie musicians, too.

"Ads might not work the same way they did in 2021, but they still work. It’s about thinking long-term and understanding they’re a piece of a bigger puzzle."

From Instagram and TikTok to Reddit and Hulu, there’s an ad platform for every type of artist and budget.

Mistake 7: Writing Off Strategies Based on Others' Failures

One of the most repeated mistakes artists make is dismissing strategies because they didn’t work for someone else. As Sean puts it:

"Every artist is a unique snowflake. Just because something didn’t work for someone else doesn’t mean it won’t work for you."

Music marketing isn’t one-size-fits-all, and success often comes down to persistence, adaptation, and timing.

The Takeaway

Marketing in 2025 isn’t about chasing trends or relying on outdated strategies. It’s about being intentional, building real connections with fans, and using every tool available to grow authentically.

For artists serious about their careers, avoiding these seven mistakes isn’t optional—it’s essential. To dive deeper, catch the full episode of No Labels Necessary and start building smarter in 2025.