Online music promotion for independent artists
Help independent musicians reach listeners with release campaigns, playlist pitching, press outreach and social media.
- £50-800
- Side hustle
- Online
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
13,051 UK companies in this field, 32% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 73120 “Media representation services”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A remote promotion service for independent artists releasing music. You plan release campaigns, pitch to blogs, radio and playlist curators, and help with social content and press packs.
Your first three steps
- Run a free or low-cost campaign for one artist to build a case study and results you can show
- Build a contact list of UK blogs, local radio shows and playlist curators in the genres you know
- Set out two or three clear campaign packages with prices and publish them on a simple website
Who pays
Independent artists, small labels and bands who want help getting heard but can't afford a full management deal.
How it makes money
Fixed fee per campaign or a monthly retainer, sometimes with a small commission on larger deals.
Skills that help
- Writing press releases and pitches
- Social media know-how
- Building contacts with blogs, radio and curators
- Planning campaigns to a deadline
Watch out for
- Never promise results such as playlist placements or press coverage, as you can't guarantee them
- Avoid paid streams or fake followers, which can breach streaming platform rules and harm an artist
- Use clear written terms and a simple contract for each campaign
- Register as a sole trader with HMRC and check data protection rules if you keep contact lists
- Consider professional indemnity insurance
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: online music promotion for independent artists
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a music promotion service?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around £50 to £800, depending on the tools, website and contact-building time you invest in. Use clear written terms and a simple contract for each campaign.
How much can I earn promoting independent artists?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £200 to £2,500, depending on how many campaigns you take on. The estimates assume at least about 6 hours a week.
What should I check before promoting artists?
Never promise results such as playlist placements or press coverage. Avoid paid streams or fake followers, which can breach platform rules. Also check sole trader registration with HMRC, data protection rules for contact lists, and professional indemnity insurance.
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