Publicists
Feedback collection for publicists
Feedback is the data your clients can't get on their own. When you send promos through Promoly and require ratings and comments, you're collecting market intelligence that informs everything from single selection to marketing angles. It's also another tangible result to include in your client reports.
Why publicists should collect feedback on every send
Most publicists focus on coverage as the only outcome of press outreach. But for every journalist who writes a review, ten more listened and formed an opinion. That opinion is valuable, even if it doesn't result in an article. Promoly's feedback-before-download feature captures these opinions. When a journalist or DJ downloads your client's track, they leave a rating and a comment first. These responses give you a broader picture of how the music is being received across the industry. You can use this data to adjust your pitch angle. If journalists consistently praise the production but nobody mentions the lyrics, lead with the production story. If DJs love one track on the EP and ignore the rest, push that track as the single. Feedback turns subjective impressions into patterns you can act on.
Using feedback in client strategy meetings
When you sit down with a client to plan their next release, come prepared with feedback data from the last campaign. Show them the average rating, highlight the most useful comments, and point out any recurring themes. This positions you as more than a service provider. You become a strategic partner who brings data to the table. If a client is deciding between two tracks for their lead single, feedback ratings from your last promo send can settle the debate. If a client wants to target a market where feedback has been cold, you can have an honest conversation about expectations. Data makes difficult conversations easier.
Presenting feedback in client reports
Include a feedback summary in every campaign report. Lead with the numbers: average rating, total responses, and response rate. Then highlight three to five standout comments. Choose a mix of praise, constructive notes, and any comments from particularly influential contacts. If a well-known DJ wrote "this is going straight into my weekend sets," that quote is gold. Your client will use it on social media, in press kits, and in conversations with their label. You've just delivered value beyond coverage. Pull quotes from feedback are also useful for future pitches. "Rated 4.5/5 by 30 DJs and journalists" is a compelling line in a follow-up press email.
Feedback Collection checklist for publicists
Enable feedback-before-download on all campaigns
Make it the default for every client send. More data is always better.
Customise questions per campaign
For DJ-focused sends: "Would you play this in a set?" For press sends: "Would you cover this release?"
Review feedback as it comes in
Check daily during the first 48 hours after a send. Early patterns can inform follow-up strategy.
Flag standout comments
Save quotes from influential contacts for use in press kits and social media.
Calculate average ratings per release
Track this over time to show clients how their music is being received.
Include feedback in client reports
Numbers plus selected quotes give clients a clear picture of industry reception.
Use feedback to inform pitch angles
If everyone mentions the production, lead your next pitch with the production story.
Share positive feedback with clients immediately
Don't wait for the monthly report. A great quote from a big name deserves a same-day email to your client.
Quick tips
Ask different questions for different audiences
DJs care about dancefloor impact. Journalists care about story angles. Tailor your feedback questions accordingly.
Don't cherry-pick for client reports
Include constructive feedback too. Clients trust publicists who are honest about both the positives and the areas for improvement.
Use aggregated ratings as social proof
"Rated 4.2/5 by 40 industry professionals" is a powerful line in a press pitch or social post.
Frequently asked questions
Will requiring feedback annoy journalists?
Most journalists expect it. Leaving a quick rating and comment takes under a minute and it's a standard part of the promo process.
Can I use feedback quotes in marketing?
It's best practice to ask the person before using their quote publicly. Most are happy to be credited, especially if you tag them.
How does feedback compare across clients?
Promoly tracks feedback per campaign. You can compare average ratings across clients to spot which artists resonate most with your contact list.
What if feedback is consistently negative?
That's important data. Share it with your client constructively. If the music isn't connecting with industry contacts, the artist needs to know before investing more in promotion.
Collect industry feedback for every client campaign
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