Google also offers verification for artists meaning that you can get a blue tick like is seen on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. It is no secret that Google has the most powerful search engine today. The company also makes it possible for artists to claim the artist’s knowledge panel to give them a verified presence online.
A verification badge on Google will do a lot of good to your brand as an artist. Also, it will give you control over your brand’s representation on Google. You will be able to control your image when people search for your music or your name. It gives you an opportunity to optimize it to favor you. This article will show you how to get Google verification as an artist. It also contains knowledge panels usage and how to claim them.
What Are Knowledge Panels?
Knowledge panels are automatically generated information boxes. They appear on Google results when the user is searching for organizations, people, things, or places. This panel is a quick information snapshot containing the topic based on the result of the search. It is found on the top right part of the search result on PC browsers. In mobile phone browsers, it is found at the top.
Artist’s knowledge panels display the name of the artist, genre, record label affiliations, and releases. There is also information about the artist’s social media pages, images, and websites. Bio snippets and tour information are available as well.
To determine if you have a functional artist knowledge panel, go to Google and search your name. You can also search your song title and you may just have one.
How To activate your Knowledge Panel for artists
The knowledge panel is usually generated automatically and not created. However, you can do a few things to help Google create one for you as an artist.
The steps highlighted below do not guarantee that the artist knowledge panel will be generated, but it could increase the chances of one being created. The main idea is to give Google enough information on the artist from sites that are trusted. Here are some tips to help:
Distribute your music
There are several options for music distribution on major streaming platforms like Amazon Music, Deezer, Spotify, Tidal, and YouTube Music. You have the option of uploading music individually or going through a label or distributor. No matter what route you choose, the most important thing is to get the music distributed so Google can collect data from your music from stores that are also considered authoritative sources.
This will make it easier for Google to activate the knowledge panel for you as an artist.
As you distribute music, make sure that the distributor adds Google Play Music/ YouTube Music. When you’re a part of the Google family, the information about you will be easily verifiable.
Social Media Presence
The power of social media in building brands is unrivaled. It is also a vital source of data on any person in recent times. Google recognizes it ranks social media pages high. You need an up to date social page on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
Streamline your online presence
Another simple way to build your artist’s knowledge panel is by streamlining your online presence. It is not as complicated as it sounds. You can do it by making sure the name of the artist appears in the same way across all the platforms. Distributors and labels usually do this for artists.
The process includes updating information on the artist on social media as well as streaming platforms. The same should also be done for music stores that have the artist’s songs. Platforms like Spotify for Artists, Apple Music for Artists, and YouTube for Artists allow you to edit and update images and information of the artist in their stores.
Wikipedia
Wikipedia is a highly ranked source of information used by Google. It usually contains biographical information on artists. Having a Wikipedia page increases your chances of getting a knowledge panel. If you do not have one yet, create it.
How can you claim your knowledge panel?
When you have a knowledge panel, you will need to get verified first to claim the panel on Google. Search for the artist’s name and go to the bottom of the panel. There is a clickable option to claim the knowledge panel. After clicking on it, you will be linked to another page to complete the process.
Google requires a few things to allow you to claim the artist’s knowledge panel. You will be required to provide government-issued identification. This helps them to determine if the identity of the artist is correct. An official representative can also be allowed to claim the knowledge panel on behalf of the artist.
After submitting the claim, it takes a couple of days before it will be processed. You will receive an email after processing to inform you that the knowledge panel has been approved.
Why do you need to claim your knowledge panel?
Getting verified gives you control over your knowledge panel and the information it contains. You can add information about your brand as an artist and it also suggests edits to correct information on the panel.
There are other features such as post creation to keep fans updated with the latest information on your music.
HOW TO POST ON GOOGLE
As a verified account owner on Google, you can create posts on Google and it will be displayed below the knowledge panel. This means your fans can see your post if they search for an artist’s name on Google.
It also allows you to choose the kind of posts you want. You can choose from articles, stories, events, videos, or even a poll needed for pushing your music. It is similar to Facebook stories and contains an external link. Articles contain more words than stories and can even allow you to upload videos or images. Your new releases can be shared from YouTube with an opinion poll for your fans.
YOU CAN SCHEDULE AND TARGET POSTS
Google verification allows you to also schedule articles, stories, and polls. They can be posted when you choose. It also has a targeting option to select your audience.
IT ALSO OFFERS ANALYTICS FOR THE POSTS
Google offers analytics for all posts to show you who interacted with the post. This is crucial for the promotion of your brand as an artist.