This post originally appeared on the Bandzoogle Blog. Dave Marcello is the Head of Artist Growth at Audiokite Research. Audiokite helps musicians, labels, and media companies better understand their audiences through crowdsourcing.

Let’s face it; you’re pretty biased when it comes to evaluating your own music. You may think it’s the most soul-filled, genre-busting art the world has ever heard, or you might view it as a ten-pound bag of trash that belongs out on the sidewalk. That’s why artists need to seek input from people who can be critical and honest, then understand how to put that information into action. Here are some guidelines to help you along the way.