Breadcrumb Home Resource Hub Promote Your Project With Confidence:... Promote Your Project with Confidence: Why It Matters and How to Start Copy URL https://www.youthmusic.org.uk/resources/promote-your-project-confidence-why-it-matters-and-how-start Promote Your Project with Confidence: Why It Matters and How to Start Copy URL https://www.youthmusic.org.uk/resources/promote-your-project-confidence-why-it-matters-and-how-start Why is self-promotion so hard? Many projects struggle with self-promotion because the people behind them are deeply focused on impact, not visibility. Namywa Girl Grind For those involved in grassroots music, the goal is to make a difference and support your communities through music — not to seek the spotlight. So promoting your work can sometimes feel uncomfortable, or inauthentic. Shouting about your work and successes can feel awkward when the focus is firmly on those you’re supporting.Working in grassroots organisations, time and resources are limited. Promotion might not feel like a priority. As Christopher Syrus of Syrus Consulting points out, it’s easy to deprioritise self-promotion when compared with designing projects, supporting young people, or securing funding.Namywa sympathises that in an industry where humility is valued, there can be a fear of appearing self-serving or “too much.” However, this concern can silence some of the most impactful voices.For others, it’s a question of confidence and know-how. Social media in particular can feel overwhelming, especially when there is a perceived pressure to go viral. Image Why visibility matters Self-promotion isn’t about ego, it’s about connection. You’re not shouting into the void; you’re inviting people to engage with something that matters. Namywa Girl Grind When you share your work, you’re not just raising awareness — you’re creating opportunities. Visibility can lead to more participants, more funding, more press coverage – and ultimately, greater impact. It creates opportunities for your project, your young people and your message to be heard and receive more support. Your project deserves to be celebrated! Image Let’s get practical – Advice from the field.Storytelling Instead of just saying what I’m doing, I share why I’m doing it, what it means to me, what I’ve learned, how it’s changed someone’s life. Namywa Girl Grind Reframe your communications so that you are sharing rather than selling. Sharing the process is just as powerful as the outcome. Your communication does not need to be glossy or as polished as big brands. People want something to connect with, something that is authentic. Sound like yourself, let your passion come through. Set a realistic scheduleChris Syrus suggests to start by setting a schedule that you are comfortable with. This can be anywhere from once a day to once a month. Creating a schedule in advance can take the pressure off and give you more control over your message. Start with something easy and build from there. Highlight impactImpact doesn’t just live in annual reports. Share the real, human stories behind your work - what’s changed, who’s benefited, and how it’s made a difference. Collect testimonials, short videos, or photos that show your project in action. This makes your message more relatable and helps others connect emotionally with your work.It’s ok to take inspiration Don't be afraid to "copy" it's not cheating, we're not in school, it's business. Namywa Girl Grind You don’t have to reinvent the wheel in your communications. There is no such thing as an original idea. If you see a campaign, post or idea you love, adapt it to suit your voice. Whether it’s another charity, a brand, or something you spotted in the media – use it as a springboard.You don’t need to be everywhereNamywa recommends choosing one channel and using it consistently. If you’re seeing good engagement in one space - or if that’s where your audience naturally is - focus your energy there. You don’t need to be everywhere to make an impact. Youth Music ToolsWe’re here to help you be successful. Don’t be afraid to see us as a resource. Here are some ways that Youth Music can help you promote your project. Youth Music AwardsThe Youth Music Awards take place each year and this is your opportunity to get your project recognised at an event that receives national media attention. Nominate your project or your young people in various categories, such as:Outstanding Project AwardRising Star (industry)Social Action AwardInspirational Music LeaderExplore previous year’s winners here. Communications ToolkitOur toolkit contains guides to sending press releases, social media assets, and other free resources to help you communicate effectively.Check out our Exchanging Notes sessionSee our Exchanging Notes Session with Shannon Serrao, Senior Associate Director at Ready10. She talked us through how projects can use PR to boost your projects and how to get in the press. Final ThoughtsPromoting your project doesn’t have to feel intimidating or arrogant, it’s about creating opportunities to create even more impact. Start small, build confidence and plan ahead. Even small steps can lead to big opportunities. Read next... Youth Music Awards The Youth Music Awards celebrates the most forward-thinking projects and people making, learning and earning in music. Read more Exchanging Notes Discover Exchanging Notes, our learning programme sharing expert insights and tools to inspire inclusive, sustainable, and impactful change in music education. Read more Resource Hub Explore our Resource Hub for essential guidance, expert tools and insights to support and strengthen your music project. Read more
Youth Music Awards The Youth Music Awards celebrates the most forward-thinking projects and people making, learning and earning in music. Read more
Exchanging Notes Discover Exchanging Notes, our learning programme sharing expert insights and tools to inspire inclusive, sustainable, and impactful change in music education. Read more
Resource Hub Explore our Resource Hub for essential guidance, expert tools and insights to support and strengthen your music project. Read more
