WTYU.rocks We Tune You Up
Kevin McElroy
Editor, Tune Up Magazine
I’ve been at this game for a long time—working in the same industry for decades. It’s easy to get jaded, thinking I’ve seen it all. And it’s true—there are a lot of repeating patterns in this business. Problems that need to be addressed over and over again. That’s why I’ve been able to stick around so long—because these recurring issues are exactly what good marketers excel at solving. Even multi-billion-dollar businesses take a step back and run a SWOT analysis to assess where they are, chart a new course, and, hopefully, avoid the mistakes they made last time.
This article isn’t just about theory, though. It’s about you, your band, and using a tried-and-true process to get your act together, without falling into the traps that often come with being part of the rock-and-roll scene. Yes, rock and roll is about being anti-establishment, but don’t be fooled into thinking you can’t use established, professional practices like a SWOT analysis to help shape your band’s future. The trick is knowing how to use those tools without losing that edge.
A SWOT analysis might sound like corporate jargon, but it’s a business tool that can help you make sense of your band’s identity, identify what’s holding you back, and chart a course for growth. No matter if you’re just starting out or already an established act, it’s a crucial process that can keep things fresh and help you move forward. Even veteran bands can sometimes forget to check in with themselves—sometimes you need that extra reminder of the simple truths that keep things running smoothly.
A SWOT analysis is about taking stock of where your band stands, identifying the good and the bad, and figuring out how to leverage what works while addressing what needs improvement. It’s about finding the gaps and aligning yourself to move forward. Here’s the breakdown:
“You can’t improve what you don’t measure.” – Peter Drucker
A SWOT analysis gives you a way to measure where you are and identify where improvement is needed. Once you have the data, you can make real progress.
Now, I know that being in a band often feels like a family, and it can be tough to have outsiders tell you what to do. But this is where a professional marketing consultant, designer, or even a music industry person can help you see things with fresh eyes. You’ve probably been in the trenches long enough that you might have missed a few things. And that’s okay—no one is perfect.
This is especially true when it comes to things like developing a brand. Your band’s logo or website might be a little rough around the edges, but that doesn’t mean you’re doomed. It just means you need someone to look at it through a different lens, someone who can help you see how it can connect better with your fans—and potential fans.
I can tell you from experience that good marketing and branding—whether it’s a well-designed logo or a clear message—makes all the difference. This isn’t about changing who you are; it’s about communicating what you stand for in a way that resonates with your audience.
Let’s talk about something I’ve seen firsthand—how good copywriting and a strong logo can actually help sell your band. When you’re just starting out, you might think that your music will speak for itself. And while that’s true to an extent, the way you present your band to the world can be just as important.
It took me years to realize that as a designer, a SWOT analysis wasn’t just some theoretical exercise—it was a game-changer for me. Early in my career, I was going off what people said about creative and messaging, but often it was based on their own subjective and jaded perspectives. After all, they’d been in the industry for decades, so surely they knew best. But what I realized is that when you’re too close to the work, you can’t see it objectively. You start to fall into complacency, relying on what worked last year or just repeating the same old formulas.
That’s why a SWOT analysis was such an eye-opener for me—it forced me to look at things through a different lens, without the baggage of personal ego or industry fatigue. Once I understood how to view creative decisions through the objective lens of a SWOT analysis, I was able to push back on decisions that weren’t aligned with the bigger picture. I could start speaking up with an informed perspective rather than just relying on subjective feelings or the “we’ve always done it this way” mentality. That shift made all the difference in my work and how I engaged with clients.
So when it comes to your band, you need the same mindset. You might not be a designer or a copywriter, but hiring or working with one can elevate the way you present yourself. A strong logo, cohesive visual identity, and clear messaging will speak volumes about your professionalism and help fans understand who you are.
Good copywriting doesn’t just sell; it creates connection. And your logo? It’s more than just a pretty picture—it’s the symbol that represents everything your band stands for. If your logo and messaging are done right, they’ll speak to the people you want to reach and reinforce your brand’s core values. Don’t underestimate the power of professional design and well-crafted copy.
And if you’re struggling with knowing how to develop that brand? The “fill in the damn boxes” article will help you understand why getting clear on your brand’s message and visual identity is crucial for standing out and engaging your audience.
“Strategic thinking is about creating the future, not predicting it.” – Michael Porter
Now that we know what a SWOT analysis is and why it matters, it’s time to gather some data. Here’s how you do it:
Now that you’ve gathered your data, it’s time for the big meeting. Here’s how to keep it on track:
“The purpose of business is to create and keep a customer.” – Peter Drucker
For a band, your “customer” is your audience. A SWOT analysis helps you focus on what keeps them coming back and what might make them leave.
So you’ve done the work—now it’s time to act:
So, there you have it—running a SWOT analysis doesn’t just help your band figure out where you are; it helps you chart the course for where you’re going. It’s not just for big businesses or corporate giants—it’s a tool that every band can use to sharpen their identity, focus on their strengths, and tackle weaknesses. Plus, it’s a great way to get everyone on the same page and make sure you’re all moving in the same direction.
And hey, if you’re really feeling that rock-and-roll energy, just remember: “SWOT it, SWOT it good!” Take this simple but powerful strategy and use it to get your band into shape, find new opportunities, and leave the competition in the dust. You’ve got the tools—now go rock it out!
Download the SWOT Analysis Worksheet PDF
SWOT Analysis Worksheet
Kevin McElroy is an experienced marketing strategist with decades of helping brands, and businesses refine their identity and communicate more effectively. For more insights on branding and creative direction, visit mcelroycreativemedia.com.
Written by: Tune Up Webmaster
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