Test, Rock, Repeat: How A/B Testing Helps Your Band Find Its Groove

Master the Marketing Mix

Kevin McElroy
Editor, Tune Up Magazine

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve posted “Check this out” on social media at least once in your band’s career. Look, we all start somewhere, but let me be straight with you—that’s lazy, and your audience deserves better. Social media isn’t just a box you check off before rehearsal; it’s one of the most important tools in your arsenal for building your band’s identity, connecting with fans, and, let’s face it, selling your music.

So how do you stand out in a sea of half-assed posts and algorithmic chaos? Enter A/B testing—a fancy way of saying, “Try different things and see what works.” It’s not magic, but it is how you start building a unique voice that cuts through the noise. And if you’re not willing to experiment? Then why bother at all?

Finding Your Voice: No One Gets It Right on the First Try

Bruce Springsteen might sing about factories and highways, but don’t let him fool you—he’s been in control of his image since day one. The spontaneous look? All planned. Blackie Lawless of W.A.S.P. wouldn’t even hire bandmates unless they matched his stage vision (and his 6’4” height). These guys weren’t winging it—they were experimenting, refining, and testing their personas until they hit the sweet spot.

Even my buddy Richard Wilson—an indie filmmaker—turned a tight budget into a full-blown aesthetic. His series Maple Ave. leaned on natural light and raw storytelling because that’s all he had. But you know what? That small budget “weakness” became his strength. People couldn’t tell if they were watching a drama or a documentary. It organically added perceived authenticity. It’s the same for your band: limitations don’t hold you back; they shape your creative direction. But you’ve got to lean into the process.

A/B testing is your way of doing that—taking risks, learning from failures, and building an authentic connection with your audience.

What Is A/B Testing, and Why Should You Care?

A/B testing is exactly what it sounds like: trying two versions of something and seeing which one performs better. One photo vs. another. One caption vs. another. One time of day vs. another. It’s about tweaking the variables to find what clicks with your fans.

Here’s the thing: social media isn’t just a necessary evil. It’s your stage. Every post you make is a performance, and the audience decides whether to clap, scroll, or bounce entirely. A/B testing ensures you’re playing the right songs for the right crowd.

“Your social media is your stage. Every post is a performance. Are you giving the crowd something worth their time?”

What Should You Test?

Not sure where to start? Here’s a breakdown:

1. Content Types

• High-energy live photos vs. candid backstage moments.
• Video clips vs. static images.
• Band logo vs. full group shot.

2. Captions

• Straightforward: “New single out now!”
• Personal: “This song saved us during a tough time. Hope it means something to you, too.”

3. Call-to-Action

• Simple: “Click here to stream.”
• Interactive: “What’s your favorite track? Let us know in the comments!”

4. Timing and Platform

• Posting at 9 a.m. vs. 8 p.m.
• Instagram Reels vs. Facebook Stories.

5. Visual Style

• Band photo vs. album art.
• Bold, colorful designs vs. muted, minimalist layouts.

Think of it like tuning a guitar: subtle changes can make a big difference in the sound.

How to Run a Simple A/B Test

Here’s how to get started without turning it into a second full-time job:

1. Start with One Variable: Don’t test everything at once. Focus on one element—like the caption or the photo.
2. Create Two Clear Options: Make the differences obvious. Example: One post with a serious caption, the other with a funny one.
3. Post Strategically: Publish at the same time on different days, or on the same day at different times.
4. Track Engagement: Look at likes, comments, shares, and clicks. Which version resonated more?
5. Adjust and Repeat: Use the winner as your baseline for future posts. Then test something else.

“A/B testing is like tuning your guitar. Subtle changes make a big difference in the sound.”

The Comedy Parallel: Why Testing Matters

Jeff Foxworthy once said, “If I told Larry the Cable Guy’s jokes, nobody would laugh.” Why? Because comedy is about voice, delivery, and connection—just like music. Comedians spend years testing material in front of audiences, refining it until they’ve nailed the timing, tone, and punchline.

Your social media is no different. Each post is a chance to test your material. Maybe that high-energy live shot didn’t hit as hard as the goofy backstage clip. Maybe your straightforward caption flopped, but your heartfelt one got shares like crazy. The point is to learn and adapt.

Marc Maron put it perfectly: “Most of my comedy writing happens through improvisation on stage… fleshing it out over time.” You’ve got to do the same thing with your messaging—put it out there, see what works, and build on it.

Stay True to Your Brand

If your band has a brand—something you want people to think of when they hear your name—it should be reflected in everything you post. Your flyers, videos, and captions should all align with your identity. And if you don’t have a brand yet, testing can help you figure it out.

Key Questions to Ask Yourself:

• Does this post feel authentic to who we are?
• Does it grab attention in 2 seconds or less?
• Does it give fans a clear next step (stream, follow, buy, etc.)?

If the answer to any of these is “no,” go back to the drawing board.

Don’t Be Discouraged

Here’s the truth: A lot of what you post won’t work. You’ll try something new, and it’ll flop. That’s fine. That’s normal. Testing is a grind, but it’s also a journey. Every failure teaches you what doesn’t work, so you can get closer to what does.

And look, I get it—you’re busy. Maybe you’re handling all the posting yourself between gigs and day jobs. But if you want people to care about your music, you’ve got to put in the effort. Social media isn’t just another chore; it’s the bridge between you and your fans.

“If you want people to care about your music, you’ve got to put in the effort. Social media isn’t a chore—it’s a bridge.”

Final Thoughts: Why This Matters

At the end of the day, A/B testing isn’t just about getting more likes or shares. It’s about building a connection with your fans, figuring out who you are as a band, and putting your best foot forward. The bands that succeed aren’t the ones with the best gear or the loudest amps—they’re the ones who care enough to test, learn, and adapt.

So here’s my challenge to you: Post something today. Test it. Then test something else tomorrow. Quit coasting on “Check this out” and start giving your fans a reason to stick around.

AND for your final reminder: Test, rock, repeat—but for the love of everything loud, don’t blow it. All this hard work of testing means nothing if you don’t have all your damn boxes filled out.