Knowing who you submit to (and why) is one of the key elements determining your success = approval rate when pitching to curators on SubmitHub. And you want that approval rate to go higher, don't you?
Pretty sure you know already that understanding the curators' style and preferences and harnessing that knowledge to target the right ones can significantly boost your pitching success. And yes, it truly matters, even if it takes time (because it, in the end, saves some promotional time as well, along with helping with getting your music out there).
So, what do we see as the most important – and work on improving all the time is what you should be looking at when researching the curators and deciding about who (not) to submit your song to as well:
The data & the genre match. You have all the data at hand, from the preferred genres, moods – to similar artists. Dig deeper into the curator's profile, play previews of the songs they have on their playlist, look at the genres and how many of them the curator approved, check those moods and their clash with your own song submission, and read more about the outlet, not just their “quick pitch.”. By making sure your music aligns with their vibe, you increase the chances of catching their attention dramatically.
Niche is nice. Don't overlook the power of niche curators! They might have smaller followings, but their audience is highly engaged and passionate about specific genres. Pitching to very niche, very targeted curators ensures your music reaches the right ears, making a bigger impact – AND teaches the Spotify algorithm about where your music belongs.
Twenty people truly loving your music, or a thousand having your song just as a background? There's quite a difference.
Quality over quantity. Instead of carpet-bombing every curator out there (yes, it is possible but it requires incredible balls as well as a crazy budget), focus on quality pitches. Tailor your submissions, personalize your quick pitch message, and show genuine interest in their work. Curators appreciate the effort and are more likely to give your music a chance.
Build relationships. SubmitHub curators are actually music enthusiasts who got into curating because they loved discovering new talent. Engage with them beyond pitches by sharing their playlists, leaving thoughtful comments, and supporting their work. Building genuine connections can lead to long-term collaborations and exposure and much more openness toward your new releases.
Not only artists get fanbases. Did you know that some curators have their own dedicated fan base? By getting featured on their playlists, you are tapping into a ready-made community of music lovers who trust their taste. It's like being a part of an exclusive concert people got to voluntarily.
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Curator targeting can be a true power in your pitching strategy, just like a quality song is. Take the time to find the right curators for your releases, and if you have time, approach them with care. We're trying like hell to help you make meaningful connections with them by providing you with enough data and features so that your pitching gets as much success as possible while keeping it real.