Publicists
Pre-save campaigns for publicists
Pre-saves aren't just an artist's job. As a publicist, including pre-save links in your press campaigns turns every journalist, blogger, and curator interaction into a potential first-day stream. It's a small addition to your workflow that delivers measurable results for your clients.
Adding pre-saves to your PR workflow
Most publicists already send promo emails with streaming links. Adding a pre-save smartlink is a natural extension. When you send a Promoly campaign on behalf of a client, include the pre-save link alongside the audio player. Journalists who listen to the track and like it can pre-save in one click. This won't replace your press outreach. It adds to it. Every journalist who pre-saves becomes a guaranteed first-day listener. More importantly, they're signalling to the streaming platforms that this release has buzz among music professionals. That signal matters for algorithmic playlists.
Coordinating pre-save timing with press schedules
Press outreach typically starts four to six weeks before release. Pre-save links usually become available two to four weeks before release, depending on the distributor. This means your first press send might go out before the pre-save link exists. That's fine. Send the initial promo with just the audio. When the pre-save link goes live, send a follow-up to contacts who engaged with the first send. This follow-up serves double duty: it reminds the journalist about the release and gives them a concrete action to take. The timing also works in your favour. A journalist who heard the track three weeks ago and liked it is primed to pre-save when you follow up. The ask is easy because they've already listened.
Reporting pre-save results to clients
Pre-save numbers are a tangible metric your clients will appreciate. Unlike press coverage (which can take weeks to materialise), pre-save data comes in immediately. You can tell your client "within 48 hours of our press send, 35 journalists clicked the pre-save link" alongside your coverage report. This shows your outreach is driving real actions, not just email opens. Include pre-save data in your regular client reports alongside open rates, play counts, and coverage secured. It paints a fuller picture of your campaign's impact and gives clients another reason to value your work.
Pre-Save Campaigns checklist for publicists
Get the pre-save link from your client or their distributor
Ask for smartlink URLs for Spotify, Apple Music, and other platforms as soon as they're available.
Create a Promoly smartlink
Build a multi-platform landing page so recipients can pre-save on their preferred platform.
Include the smartlink in press promos
Add it below the audio player in your campaign email. Make it easy to find.
Send a follow-up with the pre-save link
If your first send went out before the link was ready, follow up with engaged contacts.
Track link clicks
Promoly shows you how many recipients clicked through to the pre-save link.
Share pre-save data with your client
Include click numbers in your campaign report alongside coverage results.
Ask journalists to include the link in coverage
When a journalist agrees to cover the release, ask them to include the pre-save link in their article.
Coordinate with the artist's social push
Align your press pre-save push with the artist's social media campaign for maximum impact.
Quick tips
Don't make the pre-save the main ask
Your primary goal is press coverage. The pre-save link is a bonus action. Don't let it overshadow your pitch.
Ask journalists to embed the link in articles
If a blog is running a premiere or review, ask them to include the pre-save link. Their readers are already interested in the release.
Track conversions per outlet
If a particular blog consistently drives high pre-save clicks, prioritise that outlet for future campaigns.
Frequently asked questions
Should every press promo include a pre-save link?
If the link is available, yes. It costs nothing to include and gives journalists an easy additional action alongside listening.
Do journalists actually pre-save tracks?
Many do, especially if they liked the music. They're also music fans outside their professional role. Even if they don't, including the link normalises the ask.
When should I send the pre-save follow-up?
As soon as the pre-save link is live. If your first press send was three weeks before release and the link goes live two weeks before, follow up then.
How do I track pre-save numbers separately from other link clicks?
Promoly tracks clicks on each smartlink in your campaign. If the only external link is the pre-save smartlink, those clicks represent pre-save interest.
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