Just reading some comments in this community has inspired me to up my personal marketing game. I just don’t know what I should start doing now, and what I should learn next. So for that, I humbly ask the experts for advice.

For context, I am a 22yr old marketing undergrad (sophomore) with a punk/alternative branding that mostly includes music which I make, basic merch like T-Shirts, and leather shoes that I design. I’ve had this brand for years but I’ve only seen growth happen the same as it always has moved. Very slightly. I JUST finished my website (using google sites though, not sure if this is okay), and it is supposed to serve a purpose of introducing companies and consumers to me through the internet on a level that isn’t instagram. Music videos can serve a purpose here too, but that’s solely about the music, and it’s only a part of the brand. The music side does have a solid foundation, but that’s all my consumers care for at the moment. I have trouble getting average music listeners interested in designer shoes.

So to start, here’s what I know: E-mail marketing. I have always neglected it, but now that I think of it, pairing professional emails with offers on my products seems like a great idea! I could also use it for product releases… Since I’ve neglected using email and a “fan” phone number, though, my relationship with fans/followers/customers isn’t a very personal one, unless I know them in person. Even then I have some trouble getting them to really interact with my brand as a whole. I also need to learn SEO. My “SEO” is essentially hashtags, and my brand doesn’t show up unless you literally google the name. I also always knew I would need to learn real SEO, but never knew where to start! Next would be paid ads. I imagine I need to understand SEO to make use of this though. Lastly, I’m not sure if I should market the shoes on their own as well for the sake of sales, or focus on working to get my consumers more invested in my brand as a whole, and not just the music. If it’s the ladder, should I focus on getting my website interaction? I have a feeling my website could be what I need to convert sales, because it is more personal, including a biography and such, it has my music on it, and I have my shop linked.

Any advice about this is greatly appreciated!!