Submitting your music to online directories can be a great way to gain visibility, secure gigs, and expand your fan base. But a lot of musicians rush through the process or don’t take it seriously enough—and that hurts their chances. Whether you’re submitting to a directory for venues, promoters, streaming exposure, licensing opportunities, or Korean platforms like 링크모음, details matter.

Here are seven common mistakes musicians make when submitting to online directories—and how to avoid them.

1. Incomplete or Outdated Profiles

This is the most common—and easily avoidable—mistake. Musicians often leave important fields blank or forget to update their bios, links, or photos. If your profile looks half-finished or your last post was from three years ago, you’re giving bookers and fans a reason to move on.

Before submitting, ensure your bio is current, all links are working, and your photos, videos, and music files are of high quality and up to date. Think of your profile as your digital resume—it should reflect your best, most recent work.

2. Using a Generic or Sloppy Bio

Your bio shouldn’t read like a high school essay or a press release from 2010. Many musicians copy and paste generic descriptions, overuse buzzwords, or ramble without making a point. If someone has to skim three paragraphs to figure out what genre you play, you’ve lost them.

Fix it: Write a short, clear bio that says who you are, what kind of music you make, and what makes you stand out. Two to three solid paragraphs are usually enough. Make it conversational and specific. Avoid clichés like “genre-defying” or “born to play music.”

3. Low-Quality Photos or Videos

First impressions matter. A blurry headshot or a shaky iPhone video from five years ago sends the message that you’re not professional—or not serious. Visuals don’t need to be expensive, but they do need to be sharp, recent, and aligned with your music’s vibe.

Fix it: Use a clean, high-resolution photo as your main image. Choose one that reflects your style and genre. Include a polished video if you can—something that shows what you sound like live or in the studio. Keep it short and engaging.

4. Submitting to the Wrong Directories

Not every directory is a good fit. Some musicians waste time applying to platforms that don’t serve their genre, goals, or audience. For example, a metal band submitting to a folk festival directory probably won’t get far.

Fix it: Do your homework. Read the submission guidelines. Ensure the directory aligns with your style of music and career stage. A little research up front can save you time and prevent rejection down the line.

5. Ignoring SEO and Search Tags

Directories often use tags or keywords to help users find artists by genre, location, or vibe. However, many musicians either skip this step or choose tags too broadly—such as “rock” or “indie”—which makes them more challenging to find in crowded categories.

Fix it: Use tags that are specific and accurate. If you’re a “melodic death metal band from Austin,” don’t just write “metal.” Include terms that people searching your genre would type. Think like a booker or fan, not just a musician.

6. Not Tailoring Submissions to the Platform

Some musicians treat every submission the same, copying and pasting the same info regardless of the platform. But every directory is different. What works for a licensing platform might not work for a gig-booking site or a playlist curator.

Fix it: Take a few extra minutes to tailor your submission. Read the platform’s mission and audience. Customize your description or media to fit. That extra effort demonstrates professionalism and can make a significant difference in how you’re perceived.

7. Skipping the Follow-Up

Once you submit, don’t assume your job is done. Many musicians never follow up to check if their submission was received, reviewed, or resulted in anything. Meanwhile, the musicians who do follow up—politely—often get more opportunities just by staying on the radar.

Fix it: After submitting, wait a reasonable amount of time (usually a couple of weeks), then follow up with a brief, professional message. Thank them for their time and ask if they need anything else. Don’t be pushy—just stay visible and engaged.

Final Thoughts

Online directories can open doors—but only if you treat the process seriously. That means presenting yourself professionally, submitting your work to the right places, and ensuring that everything you upload accurately reflects who you are as an artist right now. Take the time to do it right, and you’ll stand out from the thousands of other musicians who don’t.

The goal isn’t just to get listed—it’s to get discovered. Avoid these mistakes, and you’ll have a much better shot at making that happen.