Are you hustling backwards as an independent artist? In this episode of the Music Makin Cents Podcast, hosted by Harkos, he uncovers why spending $700+ on music video production without a solid marketing plan is sabotaging your career. Learn how to flip the script and grow your fan base while saving money!

What You’ll Discover:

Why blowing your budget on “industry-quality” music videos doesn’t guarantee success. The simple formula: Keep production costs low and redirect funds into strategic advertising campaigns. Game-changing DIY tips to create quality videos for less than $300. How to use YouTube, Google, and social media ads to exponentially grow your audience. Why video content is the currency of the modern music industry and how to maximize its potential.

Proven Strategies for Independent Artists:

Leveraging low-budget video production for massive ROI. Building an authentic fan base with lifestyle-focused content. Monetizing your music through streaming, merchandise, and insider programs. Avoiding common traps like spammy DMs and overpriced productions.

Work With Harkos:

Full Marketing Strategy + Ads: Get expert help managing ads and creating a growth plan for just $100/month (plus your ad budget). DIY Coaching: Learn to run your own campaigns in 2-3 sessions for $300.

Stop wasting money and start seeing results!

Book a FREE call with Harkos to discuss your strategy: harkos@musicmakincentspod.com

Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly tips on growing your music career.

Questions? Drop them below—Harkos replies to every comment!

This episode exposes the harsh truth behind the "support local music" mindset and why it’s holding you back as an artist in 2025. If you're an indie musician searching for actionable strategies to grow your fan base and take your career global, you're in the right place.

💡 What You'll Learn:

• Why guilting people into supporting local music is a dead-end tactic.
• The secret to growing a genuine fan base through real connections and killer content.
• How to leverage social media, AI, and music business systems to thrive in the modern industry.
• The difference between being a musical artist and a scam artist—and how to avoid the pitfalls.
• Proven steps to monetize your music and live the artist lifestyle without breaking the bank.

🌐 Key Takeaways for 2025:

• The power of video content and why "shorts" are the future.
• Why platforms like YouTube Music and Apple Music are your best allies.
• How to build a complete music business system for less than $25/year.

Don’t just survive—thrive! Stop relying on outdated strategies and start creating the life you’ve always dreamed of as a musician. 🎸 Ready to level up? Watch now and take the first step towards building your music empire!

🛠 Resources Mentioned:

• All-In-One Music Business System Course: Learn how to set up your own business system for as low as $25/year! Click here: Get A Music Business System
• Live Music & Marketing Reviews: Join us every Wednesday at 10 PM ET on YouTube.

Subscribe for more music marketing wisdom, and leave your questions below—Harkos always replies (no fire emojis here)! 👇

Are you sabotaging your music career with fake features, fake streams, or fake social media followers? In this episode of the Music Makin Cents Podcast, Harkos exposes the biggest mistakes holding indie artists back and shares a proven three-step strategy to build real success in the music industry.

Discover why fake strategies not only fail to create growth but can also destroy your credibility, making it impossible to gain genuine fans. Harkos explains how to stop faking it and start building a loyal fan base through consistent, engaging content, strategic ads, and a fully functioning music business system that works for you.

Episode on Fake Features:

https://youtu.be/ClCrpb22-kI

Free Merch Store Tutorial:

https://apexmusicsystem.systeme.io/c1fbd4df

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why fake features, streams, and followers harm your career.
• How to create entertaining and engaging content that builds your brand.
• The power of using strategic ads to grow your reach and gain real fans.
• Why a music business system is critical for turning listeners into superfans.
• A step-by-step guide to setting up your music business system for as little as $25 a year.

Key Moments:

• 00:01 - What are the biggest mistakes indie artists make in their music careers?
• 06:30 - Why are fake features more harmful than helpful?
• 11:45 - How do fake streams damage your credibility on Spotify?
• 17:20 - What are "stream teams," and why should you avoid them?
• 24:00 - How does fake engagement hurt your social media growth?
• 28:35 - What’s the three-step formula for building real success in the music industry?
• 36:15 - How can you create a music business system for just $25 a year?
• 45:10 - Why does consistency matter more than perfection in content creation?

Start Building Real Success Today!

Don’t let fake strategies ruin your music career. Learn how to set up your own music business system with the All-in-One Music Business System Course! Watch a free preview on how to build your merch store at ⁠Apex Music System⁠—no credit card or email required.

https://apexmusicsystem.systeme.io/c1fbd4df

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