Independent artists are often approached with promotion offers that promise reach, playlists, press coverage or fast results. Some services are legitimate; others may be vague or unsuitable. Before spending, ask questions that make the offer clear.
1. What exactly will you deliver?
Ask for a written list: placements, content, outreach, ads, campaign duration or reporting. “Exposure” is not a deliverable by itself. Confirm how many posts or submissions are included and whether you can approve the creative.
2. Who is the audience?
Ask which country, genre, platform or community the campaign is designed to reach. If the provider cannot describe the intended audience, it will be difficult to know whether the campaign fits your goals.
3. How will you report results?
Clarify which metrics you will receive and when. Reach, views, clicks, saves and meaningful listener activity are different signals. Ask whether the report will show sources and whether the data comes from the platform or the provider’s own estimates.
4. Are results being guaranteed?
Be cautious about guaranteed streams, playlist adds, press coverage or follower counts. Ask what happens if a promised result does not happen, and get the terms in writing. Do not assume that a large number means real people heard the music.
5. How will you protect the account and the music?
Avoid handing over passwords or one-time codes. Use platform-approved access methods when access is necessary, and grant only the permissions required for the work. Ask how unreleased audio, artwork and contact details will be handled.
6. What is excluded?
Find out whether ad spend, taxes, production, revisions, travel or third-party costs are separate. Confirm the total amount, payment schedule and cancellation terms before committing.
7. Can you see relevant examples?
Ask for examples that demonstrate the kind of work—not private client data or unverifiable screenshots. A provider should be able to explain its process without pretending that every artist achieved the same result.
Promotion is an experiment, not a shortcut around the music or the relationship with listeners. Set one clear goal, use a budget you can afford, keep access secure and measure whether the work reached the right people. If the offer is still unclear after direct questions, pause before paying.
