15 Music Store Marketing Strategies You Haven't Tried Yet

Give yourself a standing ovation! 

You’ve successfully opened your music store in the best location and stocked it with top-tier equipment — no small feat. 

So, now you know how to manage a store, but being a marketing guru may not be your specialty. That’s okay! If you’re struggling to get your name out there and build your customer base, we’ll share 15 unique music store marketing strategies you haven’t tried yet — and how the right point of sale (POS) system can help you implement them.

Are You Marketing Your Music Store the Right Way?

If you’re wondering whether your music store’s marketing strategy is on the right track, there are signs that could indicate a need for adjustment. 

One major clue is low foot traffic; if people aren’t coming into your store, your marketing efforts may not be effectively reaching your target audience. A weak online presence — evidenced by low social media engagement or limited visits to your website — suggests that your digital marketing strategies need a boost. 

In addition to some tried-and-true marketing tools you should use as a solid foundation for your strategy, here are 15 unique, fun, and engaging music store marketing strategies you need to try right away.   

1. Livestream In-Store Events

Livestreaming is like giving your music shop a stage of its own, allowing you to reach an audience beyond your physical location. Imagine streaming a live demo of the latest guitar effects or a local band’s performance right from your shop. Here’s how to amplify your marketing with livestreaming:

• Reach a wider audience: By broadcasting in-store events on different social platforms, you can attract viewers who might not have the chance to visit your store. A livestream of a drum workshop or an artist unboxing new gear could pull in new fans.
• Build anticipation: Use social media to hype up your live events. Announce when a popular local musician will be performing or when you’ll showcase the latest instruments.
• Interactive engagement: Engage with your audience in real time. Host live Q&As where viewers can ask about gear or get tips on playing techniques.

Livestreaming can turn your in-store events into a virtual concert experience, expanding your music store’s reach and boosting customer engagement. If metrics from your live sessions show most of your viewers tune in from another region, that's okay, too! You can direct them to your online shop to purchase instruments, or when they’re in town they’ll likely stop by for a visit. 

2. Develop a Loyalty Program 

A loyalty program is your way of orchestrating customer retention. Here’s how you can create a loyalty program that strikes a chord with your customers:

• Reward points for purchases: Offer points for every transaction, which can be redeemed for discounts or exclusive items. For instance, points earned from buying a new guitar could be used toward a set of premium strings.
• Tiered rewards: Create tiers like “Rock Star” or “Headliner,” with each level offering increasingly valuable perks. Higher tiers might get early access to new products or special invitations to exclusive in-store events.
• Exclusive access: Offer unique benefits like VIP access to music clinics or special discounts on high-end gear for your most loyal customers.

A well-tuned loyalty program keeps your customers coming back and makes them feel like part of your store’s inner circle.

3. Create Interactive In-Store Experiences

Transform your store into an interactive jam session where customers can fully experience your products. Here’s how:

• Product demos: Set up demo stations where customers can test out instruments and equipment. Let them strum, drum, or play on the latest gear, giving them a hands-on feel before they make a purchase.
• DIY workshops: Host workshops where customers can build or customize their own instruments, learn how to tune or restring instruments, or even write sheet music. 
• Jam sessions: Organize regular jam sessions or open mic nights. Invite local musicians to perform and encourage your customers to join in. Music brings people together, and your music shop should foster an inviting and collaborative atmosphere. 

Interactive experiences turn your store into a musical playground, drawing in customers who want to share their passion for music with others who share the same interests.

4. Collaborate With Local Musicians and Influencers

Partnerships with local musicians and influencers can boost your store’s visibility and credibility. Here’s how to orchestrate these collaborations:

• Sponsored content: Provide instruments or gear to local musicians in exchange for social media posts or reviews. A local guitarist sharing their experience with a new amp can attract their followers to your store.
• Guest appearances: Invite musicians to perform or host workshops at your store. Their fans will be drawn to your store to see their favorite artist and explore what you offer.
• Influencer partnerships: Work with local influencers who focus on music or gear. They can create content or reviews that showcase your products to their audience.

Collaborating with local talent amplifies your music store’s reach and introduces your brand to new potential customers.

5. Utilize User-Generated Content to Your Advantage

Harnessing the power of user-generated content (UGC) is like having your very own marketing team without the expense. User-generated content is content organically created by users or customers to promote your brand. You can say how awesome your music store is, but when it comes from a genuine customer it’s perceived as more authentic and trustworthy. 

Here’s how to make the most of UGC:

• Photos and videos: Encourage customers to share photos or videos of themselves using your products. For example, a customer posting a video of their new guitar solo or a drum cover can provide authentic endorsements for your store.
• Reviews and testimonials: The right POS system can automatically prompt customers to leave reviews that you can share on your website and social media as social proof of your store’s quality.

User-generated content not only provides social proof but also makes your customers feel like they’re getting a recommendation from a close friend or family member. 

6. Host Themed Events and Sales

Themed events and sales can add a touch of creativity and excitement to your store. Consider organizing:

• Vintage gear day: Showcase classic instruments and gear with special discounts or exclusive items related to the theme. Celebrate the nostalgia of vintage guitars or drum kits with a day dedicated to them.
• Holiday specials: Create holiday-themed promotions or events, like a “Holiday Jam Session” or “Back-to-School Music Gear Sale.” These events can drive seasonal traffic and offer exclusive deals.
• Genre-specific days: Focus on specific music genres or styles. Organize a “Blues Guitar Day” with related gear, workshops, and performances.

Themed events can attract different customer segments and keep your store’s offerings new and trendy.

7. Enhance Your Online Presence With a Music Blog

A music-focused blog can be a valuable part of your music store marketing strategies, helping you connect with customers and drive traffic to your website. Topics might include:

• Product reviews: Write detailed reviews of new instruments and gear. For example, a review of the latest electric guitar can help potential buyers make informed decisions.
• How-to guides: Offer guides on topics like “How To Choose the Right Amplifier” or “Tips for Maintaining Your Drum Kit.”
• Artist spotlights: Feature local musicians or industry professionals and their insights. Highlight their favorite gear or tips for aspiring musicians.
• Music trends: Discuss emerging trends in the music world and how they influence the gear you offer.

A blog provides valuable content that can improve your website’s search engine optimization (SEO) and keep customers coming back for more.

8. Start a Referral Program

A referral program can turn your loyal customers into advocates for your store. Here’s how to set one up:

• Offer incentives: Provide discounts or rewards to customers who refer friends or family. For example, a customer who refers a friend might receive a discount on their next purchase, while their friend enjoys a special introductory offer.
• Easy referral process: Make it simple for customers to refer others with shareable links or codes. Ensure the process is straightforward to encourage participation.
• Track referrals: Use music shop POS software to monitor referrals and ensure that rewards are distributed fairly.

A well-designed referral program can help expand your customer base and enhance word-of-mouth marketing.

9. Optimize Your Website for Local SEO

Local SEO is key to attracting customers who are searching for music stores in your area. Here’s how to fine-tune your website for local search:

• Google My Business: Optimize your Google My Business profile with accurate store information, photos, and customer reviews. This helps your store appear in local searches and Google Maps.
• Local keywords: Incorporate local keywords like “music store in [your city]” into your website’s content, meta descriptions, and titles.
• Local listings: Ensure your store is listed on local directories and maps.

Improving your local SEO helps ensure that customers searching for music gear in your area find your store easily.

10. Create and Update Your Website 

By using music-tailored POS software, you can create a website that is both desktop and mobile-friendly, ensuring a seamless experience for all your customers. A robust website is a powerful marketing tool, helping you reach a wider audience and engage with your customers in new ways.

Consider incorporating these features into your site:

• Product catalog: Display an extensive catalog of your musical instruments, equipment, and accessories. Make it easy for customers to browse and learn about your inventory from any device, whether they’re shopping on their phone or computer.
• Online purchases: Facilitate direct purchases through your website, allowing customers to buy instruments, sheet music, and other music-related items with ease. This convenience can drive more sales and improve customer satisfaction.
• Event announcements: Use your website to keep customers updated on upcoming events like live performances, workshops, and special sales. A dedicated section for news and events helps you stay connected with your audience and keeps them informed.
• Exclusive offers: Provide special promotions or discounts available only through your website. This can attract new visitors and encourage repeat business by offering them a reason to return.

By leveraging the features of music-tailored POS software to build a functional and appealing website, you can boost your store’s online presence and effectiveness as a marketing tool.

Related Read: How To Build a Music Store Website: 9 Tips & Tools

11. Engage With Your Community Through Sponsorships

Sponsoring local events, schools, or music programs can boost your store’s profile and foster community goodwill. Consider sponsoring:

• School music programs: Support local bands or music programs with equipment donations or funding. Your store could become known as a supporter of the next generation of musicians.
• Community events: Sponsor local music festivals or charity events. This not only increases your visibility, but aligns your store with positive community initiatives.
• Music competitions: Host or sponsor music competitions and offer prizes or scholarships. This can attract aspiring musicians and their supporters to your store.

Community sponsorships enhance your store’s reputation and build strong local connections.

12. Offer Online Lessons and Tutorials

Offer online music lessons or tutorials that customers can schedule themselves via your website. Here’s how to integrate educational content into your marketing:

• Create your own content: Produce video lessons or tutorials on various instruments or techniques. For instance, a series of guitar technique videos can engage guitarists looking to improve their skills.
• Partner with instructors: Collaborate with local music teachers to offer online classes through your platform. This can broaden your reach and offer additional value to your customers.
• Host webinars: Organize live webinars where experts discuss topics related to music gear or playing techniques.

Online lessons and tutorials position your store as a valuable resource for musicians and music enthusiasts.

Related Read: Teaching Music Lessons at Music Shop Retail Stores: Bringing in Extra Income

13. Implement Gamification Strategies

Gamification can add a playful twist to your marketing efforts, making them more engaging. Consider these ideas:

• Challenges and contests: Host music-related challenges or contests, such as a “Best Solo” competition. Offer prizes like gift cards or free lessons to winners.
• Points and badges: Introduce a system where customers earn points or badges for completing actions like making a purchase or attending events.
• Interactive quizzes: Develop quizzes related to music gear or knowledge, and offer discounts or rewards for participants.

Gamification makes your marketing more interactive and fun, encouraging greater customer participation.

14. Utilize Augmented Reality for Product Demos

Augmented reality (AR) can create an immersive shopping experience, allowing customers to visualize products in a new way. Here’s how to use AR:

• Visualize products: Allow customers to see how instruments or gear will look in their space before buying. For example, an AR app could let a customer visualize a new drum kit in their home studio.
• Interactive demos: Offer virtual demos where customers can interact with products, such as trying out different effects settings for a guitar pedal.

AR enhances the shopping experience, making it more engaging and helping customers make informed decisions.

15. Personalize Customer Interactions

Personalization can make your customers feel like part of your store’s band. Here’s how to tailor your interactions:

• Customized recommendations: Use purchase history and browsing behavior to suggest products that match individual preferences. For example, recommend new accessories based on a customer’s previous guitar purchases.
• Personalized emails: Send tailored emails with special offers, updates, and recommendations based on past interactions. A personalized message about a new arrival that matches their interests can drive engagement.
• Customer profiles: Develop profiles to understand preferences and shopping habits, allowing you to offer more personalized service and communication.

Personalizing interactions fosters a stronger connection between your store and its customers, enhancing their overall experience.

Each approach — whether it's livestreaming events, creating interactive experiences, or leveraging the power of user-generated content — offers unique opportunities to connect with your audience and amplify your music store's presence. Remember: Patience is the name of the game. Not all efforts pay off instantly. Once they gain traction, you’ll see big returns for your efforts.

Boost Your Marketing Efforts With Music Shop 360

Music Shop 360 provides all the tools you need to fine-tune your strategy. With its detailed customer tracking and history features, you can personalize every note of your marketing efforts, catering to each customer's unique preferences. 

The platform’s email and SMS marketing tools enable you to hit the right chord with timely, targeted messages, while scheduled promotions ensure your campaigns keep playing smoothly without constant oversight.

Music Shop 360 also enhances customer loyalty and engagement through diverse loyalty programs and inventive promotional campaigns, driving repeat business and boosting sales. Features like review requests and specialty marketing emails help polish your store’s reputation and keep your customers excited about your latest offerings. 

Plus, with SEO and social media management tools, as well as personalized anniversary and birthday campaigns, you can elevate your music store’s online presence and build stronger connections with your community.

Curious to see how Music Shop 360 can take your marketing to the next level? Schedule a free demo today.