Part 1: Donβt Just Drop It - Plan It: Setting Goals for Your Single Release
May 12, 2025Are you sitting on a great song but unsure how to release it properly? You’re not alone.
Releasing music in 2025 takes more than just uploading to Spotify and hoping for the best.
That’s why we’re kicking off this 6-part series to walk you through how to release your single with purpose, strategy, and confidence.
Why Planning Is Everything
Too many talented artists hit “upload” without a real plan - no audience strategy, no build-up, no post-release promo. And then they’re disappointed when nothing happens. The problem isn’t the music. It’s the lack of a roadmap.
At Tryfan Music, we believe every release should be a step forward in your career, not just a song out in the world.
Step 1: Know Why You’re Releasing This Song
Ask yourself:
- Is this your first single to introduce you to the world?
- Are you trying to grow your fanbase or deepen your connection with existing fans?
- Do you want to use this song to get gigs, land playlist placements, or attract media attention?
- Is this leading to something bigger like an EP, album, or tour?
Knowing your why will shape everything else - from your artwork to your marketing campaign.
Step 2: Set Realistic, Measurable Goals
Your goals should be SMART:
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Here are examples:
- 500 Spotify streams in the first week
- 50 pre-saves
- 5 new playlist adds
- 100 new Instagram followers
- 1 feature on a local blog or podcast
- Book 3 local gigs to promote the release
Even modest goals give you something to aim for and a reason to celebrate progress.
Step 3: Know Your Audience
Who is this song for?
Describe your ideal listener in one sentence.
Example:
“Female pop/folk fans aged 25-40 who love emotional songwriting and follow artists like Sara Bareilles and Brandi Carlile.”
Knowing your audience helps you:
- Choose the right visuals
- Pitch to the right blogs, curators, and playlists
- Use the right hashtags and content styles
- Focus your budget (if you have one)
Step 4: Map Out Your Timeline
A successful release starts 6–8 weeks before the release date.
Here’s a sample timeline:
- Week 1–2: Final mix & master, create artwork, plan content
- Week 3: Upload to your distributor (e.g., DistroKid, CD Baby, Ditto)
- Week 4–5: Start teasing on social media, pitch to blogs & curators
- Week 6: Focus on pre-saves, send to email list, get your fans excited
- Release Day: Celebrate, post, engage, go live, be everywhere
- Post-release: Keep promoting for 4+ weeks
Need help building your personal release calendar?
Tryfan Music offers templates and coaching to get you organized and confident.
Step 5: Use the Right Tools
Before you release, set up:
- A release calendar (Google Sheets or Notion works great)
- A content plan (teasers, stories, posts, videos)
- Pre-save links via your distributor or a platform like Show.co
- Email list sign-up (Start one if you haven’t!)
- A budget (even £20-£100 can help boost your reach with ads)
Final Thoughts
The biggest difference between an artist who hopes for success and one who builds it… is strategy.
This week’s action:
Write down your release goals, your ideal listener, and your 6-week plan. Even if it’s rough, it’s a starting point. You can refine it later.
If you need help with your release, Book in a FREE 1:1 discovery call with Tryfan Music.
Download The Recording Artist Toolkit to learn how to succeed in today’s new music business.
Next up in Part 2:
“Get It Right Before You Release It: Making a Radio-Ready Single”
We’ll cover production, mixing, mastering, artwork, and everything you need before you even think about uploading.
LEARN THE 6 STEPS TO BECOME A SUCCESSFUL RECORDING ARTIST
Take your music career to the next level in 2025 in this step-by-step FREE guide.
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