As an artist manager, the music industry has taught me a lot of things. Both positive and negative due to the change of trend in the music industry. 
For the seek of this piece, l will narrow it to the current trend of releasing independent records or singles. Some few years ago, singles were not found like it is today. You will only get access to an artiste song by getting the full album or hearing it played on radio.
Today, there have been many changes especially through the power of the internet. Many artistes today release singles almost on a daily bases. Most of these artistes just release the songs because they have completed recording and simply need to put it out there. 

Releasing a song does not automatically make you get that "HIT" you wish for; but doing the right thing before you release the song can help you achieve success. 
Why would you invest time, hard earned money, knowledge and every available resources available to you as an artiste to have a record and not do the right thing to release it?
With my experience over the years, l have listed eight things an artiste need to consider before releasing an independent record or single.

1) Every Song Must Be Your Best Work.

Why would an artiste be in a hurry to release a song which he or she is not excited about it? If you are not excited about it but will only release it because of other third forces, why would l like to listen to the song? if you don't like the song because you think there is more work to do on the song, please do it because your song is the biggest tool  of acceptance or refusal in the world of entertainment. If you are not READY,  wait until the time you are ready and convinced to release something you would like to listen to yourself. 
Never settle for "good or good enough" with your song. go for the BEST.

2) Be Ready to Wisely Network

Be as mush visible as you can. Make yourself and your presence known. This can be annoying but you must be wise in dealing with your presence announcement.
If you’re afraid people will judge you for self-promotion, you need to humble yourself and start accepting that you cannot expect to make it alone.  Be willing to share what you have with others — but do it with humility.  Get started on social media handles, bloggers and a Facebook music page if you haven’t already.
People can’t listen to your music if they have no idea where to find you online.
Out in the real world, you might be perfectly content spending hours alone in your room writing music like any crazed creative person but at this moment, you need to physically force yourself to go out to shows and events and meet people there.  You’ll be surprised how quickly friendships will be formed when you start showing your face more often.  Most importantly, meet these people and genuinely become friends with them.  When you start treating people like friends instead of a means to an end on social media, they’ll start to care about your project and be the ones to help you get the word out.
Never be deceived people will look down on you because you allow free interaction with them. Make sure you trend that path with caution because that feeling is part of human nature.

3) Timing Is Key

In our current trend of music, musicians are seen releasing singles day in and day out. Though it may seem like artists and bands release their music whenever they want to, more likely than not, their timing was extremely calculated.  Just because the songs are mixed and mastered doesn’t mean they should go immediately into exposure.  When you are planning to release a record, you must consider how long mixing and mastering will take and how much time should be spent in promotion.  Then, schedule your release day accordingly.
Typically, if you’re releasing a single off an album, you will want to share it anywhere between weeks or months before the album comes out.  
Again, one important fact is the trend. An artiste with his management must consider the trending news in the industry which will help them in their time of release. 

(Always Remember) Timing is everything— too quickly and no one knew it was coming, wait too long and people forget.

4) Know When To Stop Asking For Advice.

Every musician one way or the other have people who listen to their songs before it is released. Be it friends or team members or even family. During this time, the musician will receive many feedbacks on how to make the song the best. I recommend not more than five people hearing a song in pre-production.These five if possible must represent all aspect of music angles. from technicalities to public ears.
Remember at every stage of advice, Having too many ears and opinions can start to blur your original vision for a song. It can prevent you from being YOU.
Taking everyone’s advice is like forcing twelve co-writers to write a song together.  No one else knows how you were feeling when you wrote it, and surely no one else needs to know why you chose to use “this” word over “that” word.  Remember, it’s YOUR music first.  Know who has the opinions you should take and who can wait to hear your music when it’s finished.

5) Your Project is NOT One of Those Things

Releasing an independent record require a whole plan. It must be considered as a project or let say, organising an event and must be given all the necessary attention and diligence it requires.
Making firm decisions is very necessary and always have a game plan which you must review and analyze from time to time.
Somethings happen and one is advice to just go with the system or trend but remember; "YOUR PROJECT IS NOT ONE OF THOSE THINGS. To be someone people want to work with, you must be on top of your schedule and plans.
Better to be slightly neurotic and functional than too laid back and disorganized.

6) There’s Not ONE Right Way To Do It.

There are a hundred ways not to do it, but there is certainly not one right way to go about releasing an independent record.  There are a multitude of different services, methods, and products to choose from when going about it alone.  Determine what your goals are, what your budget allows, and what’s realistic for you at this point in your career.  Ask around for some advice and figure out what strategies other people used when releasing their music.  Gain insight from their experiences and pick and choose which methods might be best for you.  Either way, rest assured you will not be left in the dust.  There are benefits to every service and no matter which ones you decide to use, the job will get done.

7) Be Confident and Consistent

Sometimes your style and the kind of music you do might not be well known in your environment or market. Finding people to understand and love what you do might be challenging but the truth and secret is, if you don't give up and keep doing your best at what you are good at, doors will open. A typical example of such artiste in Ghana is Wiyaala.
Find your niche, capitalize on it, and be confident in what you can accomplish. Who knows?  You may just be the fresh new sound your city didn’t know it was missing.

Aside your confidence level comes your Consistency. Remember once you start, you CANNOT STOP.
Don't be the person who appears to promote a single and vanishes into thin air. Don't forget it is not the job of the Fans to make your work trend. You need to be the one to initiate and be interactive so the fans can also support.
Be the news porter of your work if you don't have a Publicist, carry your own cross to the mountain because if you don't, your work will only enjoy the lenses of your player.
 Remember not to over do this because it has its own risk.

8) Make Room For Unforeseen Expenses and Show Appreciation

Considering your single as a project, you will surely encounter some unforeseen expenses. You need to save towards that or better, as part of the budget, you need to make room for miscellaneous. This will prevent you from been wanted.  In the end, you’ll be glad you did.

Never forget to say THANK YOU to everyone who have helped you in executing your project. If it means visiting or meeting, texting, calling or posting appreciative message on your wall or handles, do it. From your team members to everyone who contributed in their own way. This is a SECRET WEAPON which many have abuse and have suffered for it. Be thankful and patient with others and they will be thankful and patient in return.

Wish you all the best in your next SINGLE Release.

Credit and Inspiration to Ellery Bonham.